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FROM  THE 


UNITED  STATES  GOVERNMENT 


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H.O.  No.  152 


MEDITERRANEAN  PILOT 

Volume  II 


THE  COAST  OF  FRANCE  AND  ITALY  FROM  CAPE 

CERBERE  TO  CAPE  SPARTIVENTO,  TOGETHER 

WITH  THE  TUSCAN  ARCHIPELAGO.  ISLANDS  OF 

CORSICA.  SARDINIA.  SICILY.  AND  THE 

MALTESE  ISLANDS 


1917 


PUBLISHED  BY  THE  HYDROGRAPHIC  OFFICE 

UNDER  THE  AUTHORITY  OF  THE 

SECRETARY  OF  THE  NAVY 


WASHINGTON 

GOVERNMENT  PRINTING  OFHCE 

1917 


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^  .  H.  0.  Ho.  162. 

A  snminary  of  the  Notices  to  Marinert  alfectiiig  this  publication,  pub- 
lished during  the  year  1917,  will  be  sent  free  of  expense  upon  the  receipt 
of  this  coupon  at  the  XTnited  States  Hydrographic  Office,  Washington,  D.  C. 

Name -__ 

Address 


H.  0.  No.  152. 

A  summary  of  the  Notices  to  Mariners  affecting  this  publication,  pub- 
lished during  the  year  1918,  will  be  sent  free  of  expense  upon  the  receipt 
of  this  coupon  at  the  XTnited  States  Hydrographic  Office,  Washington,  D.  C. 

Name 

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H.  0.  No.  152. 

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H.  0.  No.  152. 

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PREFACE. 


This  publication  comprises  the  south  coast  of  France  and  the  west 
coast  of  Italy,  from  Cape  Cerbirie  to  Cape  Spartivento,  including 
Messina  Strait,  the  islands  of  Sardinia,  Corsica,  the  Tuscan  Archi- 
pelago, the  islands  of  Sicily,  Lipari  or  iEolian  Islands,  the  Maltese 
Islands,  and  the  uSgadean  Isles.  This  information  contained  herein 
has  been  compiled  from  all  available  sources,  but  principally  from 
British  Admiralty  publications,  Mediterranean  Pilots,  Volumes  I 
and  II,  and  is  corrected  up  to  and  including  H.  O.  Notice  to  Mariners, 
No.  53,  1916. 

The  bearings  and  courses  are  true  and  are  given  in  degrees,  from 
0°  (north)  to  360°  (clockwise). 

Bearings  limiting  sectors  of  lights  are  toward  the  light. 

The  directions  of  winds  refer  to  the  points  from  which  they  blow ; 
of  currents,  the  points  toward  which  they  set.  These  directions  are 
true. 

Variations,  with  the  annual  rate  of  change,  may  be  obtained  from 
H.  O.  Chart  No.  2406,  Variation  of  the  Compass. 

Distances  are  expressed  in  nautical  miles,  the  mile  being  approxi- 
mately 2,000  yards. 

Soundings  are  referred  to  low  water  ordinary  springs. 

Heights  are  referred  to  high  water  ordinary  springs. 

The  latest  information  regarding  lights,  their  characteristics, 
sectors,  fog  signals,  and  submarine  bells  should  always  be  sought  in 
the  light  lists. 

Attention  is  invited  to  the  coupons  on  the  first  page  of  this  book, 
which  entitle  the  purchaser  to  a  summary  of  the  Notices  to  Mariners 
affecting  this  publication.  They  will  be  ready  for  distribution  as 
soon  as  practicable  after  the  first  of  each  year  beginning  January, 
1918. 

Mariners  are  requested  to  notify  the  United  States  Hydrographic 
Office,  directly  or  through  one  of  its  branch  offices,  of  any  new  infor- 
mation obtained,  or  of  any  errors  or  omissions  discovered  in  this 
publication. 


Ill 


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CONTENTS. 


PagtL 

Preface m 

Gloeeary vii,vin 

Inionnation  relating  to  navigational  aids  and  general  navigation 1 

Index 619^ 

Index  chart lacee..       ui 

CHAPTER  I. 

General  remarks— Winds  and  weather— Fog— Currents— Signal  stations— Tides 
and  tidal  signals — Radio  stations — Submarine  cables — Plbtage — Buoyage 
S3rstem — Lights — Fishing  vessels — ^Timny  fisheries — Uniform  time — ^Tele- 
graph— Communications — ^Road&~-Coal — Naval  dockyards  and  establish- 
ments— Dock  accommodations — ^Routes 21 

CHAPTER  II. 
The  south  coast  of  France  from  Cape  Cerb^  to  Cape  Martin 67 

CHAPTER  III. 
Northwest  coast  of  Italy — Cape  Martin  to  Piombino— Gulf  of  Grenoa 17$ 

CHAPTER  IV. 
West  coast  of  Italy — Piombino  to  Cape  Spartivento — ^Messina  Strait 233^ 

CHAPTER  V. 

Corsica  Island  and  the  Tuscan  Archipelago 319- 

CHAPTER  VI. 
The  island  of  Sardinia 391 

CHAPTER  VII. 

The  Sicily  and  Malta  Channels— The^ltese  Islandsr-The  ^Bga^ean  leleetrnd 
the  west  and  south  coasts  of  Sicily 467 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

The  east  coiist  of  Sicily,  the  Lipari  or  .£olian  Islands,  and  the  north  coast  of 

Sicily 53a 

Appendix  1 601 

Appendix  II 60a 

Appendix  III 604 

Appendix  IV 60e 

Appendix  V 609 

Appendix  VI 6ia 

Appendix  VII 611 

Appendix  VIII 613 

Appendix  IX 615^ 

Index 61^ 


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GLOSSARIES  OF  WORDS  OCCURRING  IN  THE  CHARTS  AND  IN 
THE  SAILING  DIRECTIONS. 


FRENCH. 


French. 


Aiguille 

Aimatit^, ... 

Anse 

Atterriasage. 
Avftntport.. 

Azur 

Babord 

Bale 

Balisage 

Baliae 

Banc 

Bane 


Basse  mer 

Baasin 

Bassinliflot 

Bassin  d'^hooage. . 


Bateau  de  sauvetage. 

Blanc,  he 

Bleu,  e 

Bouo&e 

Bou^ 

Bou^&  cloche 

Bou^  k  sifflet 

Bou^  lumineuse 

Boussole 

BrouUlard 

Brume 

Caboteur 

Calederadoub 

Cap 

Chapelle 

Charbon 

Chasse 


ChAteau 

Chauss^ 

Chemln  de  fer. 

Chemln^ 

Chenal 

Clocher 

CoUJne 

Compas.. 
Coquilles...".*. 

C6te 

Courant 


Courant  deflot 

Courant  de  Jusant 

Crique 

Crue , 

Declinalson  mag- 

netique. 

Douane 

Echelle 

Echelle  de  mar^ 

Ecluse 

fccuell 

felise 

Encablure 

Bntr^ 

Escarp^,  e 

6tele 


English. 


French. 


English. 


^tiage... 
^tler. . , . 


Needle. 

Magnetic. 

Bay,  creek. 

Making  the  land. 

Outer  port. 

Blue. 

Port. 

Bay,  gulf. 

Beaconage. 

Beacon. 

Bank,  sand  bank. 

Bar. 

Shoal. 

ho7f  water. 

Basin,  dock. 

Wet  basin  or  dock. 

Tidal  badin  where  vessels 
ground. 

Lifeboat. 

White. 

Blue. 

M<mth  of  a  river. 

Buoy, 

Bellbuoy. 

Whlstlebuoy. 

Lightbuoy. 

Compass. 

Fog,  mist. 

Fog. 

Coaster. 

Patent  slip. 

Cape,  headland. 

Chapel. 

Coal. 

A  rapid  discharge  of  water 
from  a  reservoir  in  order 
to  clear  out  a  channel. 

Castle. 

Bank,  causeway. 

Railway. 

Chimnev. 

Channel. 

Steeple. 

Hill. 

Compass. 

Shells. 

Coast. 

Curr«nt,  stream;  a  name 
given  to  streams  flowing 
into  the  sea  between 
Arcachon  and  Cap  Bre- 
ton. 

Flood  tidal  stream. 

Ebb  tidal  stream. 

Creek. 

Freshet  or  flood.       / 

Magnetic  declination  or 
variation. 

Cifitomhouse. 

Scale. 

Tide  gauge. 

Lock  of  a  canal  or  basin. 

Rock,  breaker. 

Church, 

Cable's  length. 

Entrance,  mouth  of  a  river 

Bluff. 

(Of  tide)  slack;  (of  wind) 
settled. 

Lake.  , 

Hoisted  (as  a  sail,  flag,  or 
time  ball). 

Low-water  mark  of  a  river.  I 

A  creek  which  can  receive  | 
small  vessels;  a  conduit 
by    which    salt    water 
enters  a  lake  to  be  trans- 
formed into  salt. 


Falaise 

Fanal 

Feu 

Feu  permanent 

Fin,e 

F16che 

Fleuve 

Flot 

Foe 

Fond 

Forme  de  radoub . . . 

Fosse 

Gare 

Oolfe 

Qoulet 

Grand,  e 

Oravier 

Grildecarenage 

Gros 

Haut-fond 

Haute  mer 

Houle 

ile 

flot 

Jaune 

Jusant 

Lac 

Madrague 

Marais 

Mar^ 

Mar^e  descendante . 

Mar^emontante 

M&t 

Menhir 


M61e 

Molle 

Mont 

Morteseaux... 

Mouillage 

Moulin 

Mur 

Musoir 

Niveau 

Noeud 

Noir,e 

Occidental,  e.. 

Onde 

Oriental,  e 


Patente  de  sant4. 

Pertuis 

Petit,  e 

Phare 

Pic 

Pierre 

Plgnon 

Pilot* 

Pin 

Plage 

Plateau 


Pleine  mer 

Pointe 

Pont 

Port 

Presqu'Ue 

Qua! 

Rade 

Rafale 

B.ea  (Bos  Breton). 


Rivi^^e. 


Cliff. 

Harbor  lighthouse. 

Lieht. 

A  light  constantly  burning 

and  unwatched. 
Fine. 
Spire. 

River,  stream. 
Flood. 
Jib  (sail). 
Bottom. 
Dry  dock. 
Ditch,  a  deep. 
SUtion. 
Gulf. 

Narrow  entrance. 
Great. 
Gravel. 
Gridiron. 
Coarse. 
A  shoal. 
High  water. 
SweU. 
Island,  isle. 
Islet. 
Yellow. 
Ebb. 
Lake. 

Tunny  net. 
Swamp,  marsh. 
Tide. 

Falling  tide. 
Rising  tide. 
Mast. 
A  large  raised  stone,  the 

erection  of  which  may  be 

traced      to      antiquity. 

(From  the  Celtic,  maen, 

stone;  hir,  high.) 
Mole,  pier. 
Soft 

Mountain. 
Neap  tides. 
Anchorage. 
Mill. 
Wall. 

Mole  or  pierhead. 
Level. 
Knot. 
Black. 
Western. 
Wave. 
Eastern. 
Channel. 
Bill  of  health. 
Opening  or  strait. 
Small. 
Lighthouse. 
Peak. 
Stone. 
Gable. 
Pilot. 

Pine  or  flr  tree. 
Shore,  beach. 
Tableland,   or   flat  below 

water. 
High  water. 
Point. 

Bridge,  deck. 
Port,  harbor. 
Penisula. 
Quav,  wharf. 
Roa^.  roadstead. 
Squall. 
A  name  given  to  a  violent 

tidal  stream  in  a  narrow 

passage. 
River. 


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GLOSSARIES. 
FRENCH— Continued. 


French. 

English. 

French. 

English. 

Roche 

Rock. 

Rock. 

Red. 

Sand. 

Salt-water     lagoon,     salt 

works. 
SUl  (as  of  a  dock). 
Time,  weather. 
Tower. 
Small  tower,  turret. 

Tribord 

Starboard. 

Rocher 

Usine 

Factory. 
Mud. 

Rouge 

Vase 

Sable 

Vent 

Wind. 

Salines 

Vard. 

Vert 

Green. 

Seuil 

Vieux,vieU,vieme.... 
Village     .  .    

Old  ancient 

Tffnps 

Village. 
Town. 

Tour 

Vllle 

Tourelle 

Vives  eaux 

Spring  tides. 

ITALIAN. 


Acqua , 

Acquitrino 

Albero 

Allerta 

Alto,  a 

Alzata.. 

Ancoraggio 

Ansa 

Approdo 

Arena 

Argilla 

Bacino 

Baia,  Baja 

Balsa 

Banco 

Barra 

Battello 

Bianco 

Boa 

B<5ccaorBocche.. 

Boye 

Braccio  di  O  piedi 

Burrasca 

Cala,  Calanca 

Campanile 

Canal 

Capo 

Carbon  fossile 

Caricatori 

Casino 

Castel,Castello.... 

Chiesa 

Cima 

Citta 

Colle 

CorpodiOuardia. 

Corto,a 

D&rsena 

Dog&na 

Erto 

Fanale 

Fanno 

FAro 

Faro 

Ferro 

Ferrovia 

Fisso 

Fium&ra 

Fiume 

Fiumicino 

Folgori 

Fondo 

Forte 

Fortezza 

Gavitello ,... 

Ohiaccio 

Ohiaja 

Girante 

Golfo 

Or&do 

Grande 

Guado 

Imboccatura 


Water;  a  river  with  some 
important  tributaries. 

Swamp. 

Tree,  mast. 

Lookout. 

High,  lofty. 

Embankment. 

Ancorage. 

Creek. 

Landing  place. 

Sand. 

Clay. 

Basin. 

Bay. 

Rock. 

Sand  bank. 

Bar. 

Small  boat. 

White. 

Buoy. 

The  mouth  or  entrance 
channel  to  a  river,  bay, 
or  harbor. 

A  buoy. 

Fathom. 

Squall. 

Creek  or  small  bay. 

Belfry,  tower. 

A  passage  or  channel. 

Cape  or  headland. 

Coal. 

A  loading  or  shipping  place. 

Country  house. 

Castle. 

Church. 

Summit. 

City. 

Hill. 

Guardhouse. 

Short. 

A  wet  dock  or  basin. 

Customhouse. 

Steep. 

Light. 

Mud. 

Lighthouse. 

Strait. 

Iron. 

Railway. 

Fixed. 

River. 

River. 

Rivulet. 

Flashing. 

Deep  bottom. 

Fort. 

Fortress. 

Buoy. 

Ice. 

Gravel. 

Revolving. 

Gulf,or  large  bay. 

A  step  or  landing  place. 

Great. 

Ford. 

Mouth  of  a  river. 


I^la 

Isoletto... 

Istmo 

Lago 

Lazaretto. 
Levante.. 

Lume 

Marea 

Marina.... 


Meda 

Molino,  Mulino 

Monte 

Moro 

Muro 

Nero 

Norte 

Nuovo 

Nuraghe,  Sardinian . 

Palude 


Penisola 

1  Piano 

Pianura 

Piazza 

,  Piccolo 

Pietra 

Pioggia 

Plana  and  Plana... 

Ponente 

Ponte 

P6rta 

Pdrto 

Posta  della  lettere. 

Punta 

Rada 

Riva 

Rocca 

Rosso 

Sabia 

Salina 


Sanita. 


Scala 

Scogli.... 
Scogliera. 
Sc^glio... 

Secoa 

Selva 

Seno 

Stagno... 

Strada 

Stretto. . . 

Testa 

Tonnara.. 
Torr^nte. 


T6rre... 
Valle.... 
Vecchia. 
Vento. . . 
Verde... 
Via 


Island. 

Islet. 

Isthmus. 

Lake. 

Quarantine  quarters. 

East. 

Light. 

Tide. 

Seashore,  strand,  a  marine 
esplanade  or  landing 
place. 

Beacon. 

Mill. 

Mountain. 

Headland. 

A  wall;  a  house. 

Black. 

North. 

New. 

Ancient  round  tower  or 
dwelling. 

Marsh,  bog. 

Channel. 

Peninsula. 

Flat,  level,  low. 

Plain. 

Square,  market. 

Little. 

Stone. 

Rain. 

A  plain,  seashore,  a  beach. 

West. 

Bridge. 

An  entrance  gate. 

Port  or  harbor. 

Post  oflSce 

Point,  peak. 

Roadstead. 

Shore,  coast. 

Rock. 

Red. 

Sand. 

Salt-water  lagoons,  sal- 
terns, saltpans. 

Health  ofBce. 

Stone. 

Landing  place  or  stairs. 

Rock  awash. 

Reef  of  rocks. 

Rock  above  water. 

Sand  bank,  shallows. 

Forest. 

Creek  or  small  bay. 

Salt  lake. 

Road. 

Strait. 

Head  of  a  rock. 

Tunny  fishery. 

Watercourse,  rushing 
stream. 

Tower. 

Valley. 

Old. 

Wind. 

Green. 

Road. 


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POINTS  OF  THE  COMPASS  OF  THE  CHIEF  MARITIME  COUNTRIES 
IN  THE  WESTERN  BASIN  OF  THE  MEDITERRANEAN. 


North 

N.byE 

N.N.E.... 
N.E.byN.. 

N.E 

N.E.byE. 

E.N.E 

E.byN 

East 

E.byS 

E.S.E 

S.E.  byE. 

S.E 

S.  E.byS.. 

S.S.  E 

S.  byE 


South. 


S,  by  W 

s.  s.  w 

S.  W.  byS.. 

S.  W 

S.  W.  by  W. 

W.S.W 

W.byS 


West 

W.byN 

W.  N.  W 

N.W,  by  W.. 
N.W. 


N.  W.  by  N  . . 

N.N.W. 

N.byW 

CompaaB  card . 


Norte 

N.  c.N.E. 
N.N.  E... 
N.E.  C.N. 

N.E 

N.  E.  c.  E. 
E.  N.  E.... 
E.  c.  N.  E. 

Eete 

E.  c.  S.  E. 
E.S.E.... 
S.  E.  c.  E. 

S.E 

S.E.  e.g.. 

S.  S.  E 

S.c.  S.  E.. 

Sur 


S.c.  S.  O... 

S.  S.O 

S.  O.  c.  S... 

S.O 

S.O.  c.  O.. 

O.S.O 

O.  c.  S.  O.. 


Nord 

N.  q.N.E 

N.N.  E... 

N.  E.  q.  N 

;  N.E 

t  N.  E.  q.E. 
I  E.  N.  E.... 
I  E.  q.  N.  E. 


Oeste 

O.C.N. O... 

O.N.  O 

N.  O.  c.  O... 

N.O 

N.  O.C.N. . 

N.N.O 

N.  c.  N.O.. 
Roea  d^  Com- 
pas. 


Est 

E.  q.  S.  E.. 

E.3.E 

S.E.  q.E.. 

S.E 

S.  E.q.  S.. 

S.  S.  E 

S.  q.  S.  E.. 


Sud. 


S.  q.  S.  O 

S.  S.  O 

S.O.q.  S 

S.O 

S.  O.  q.  O... 

O.S.O 

O.  q.  S.  O... 


Ouest 

O.q.N.O.... 

O.N.O 

N.O.q.O.... 

N.O 

N.  O.  q.  N... 

N.N. 6 

N.q.N.O.... 
Rose  de  Vents 


Italian. 


Tramontana. 

T.  q.G 

G.T 

G.  q.T 

Greco 

G.q.  L 

G.L 

L.  q,  G 


Levante 

L.q.S 

S.L 

S.q.L 

Scirocco 

S.q.O.,orS.q.M. 
O.S.,  orM.  S... 
0.q.S.,orM.q.S. 


German,  by 
Austria. 


Norden. 
N.  z.  O. 
N.N.O. 
N.  O.  B.  N. 
N.O. 

N.  O.  z.  O. 
O.  N.  O. 
O.Z.N. 

Osten. 
O.  z.  S. 
O.  S.  O. 
S.  O.  z.  O. 
S.O. 
S.  O.  z.  S. 

s.  s.  o. 

S.  z.  O. 
Suden. 


Ostro,   or  Mezzo 

Giomo. 

0.q.L.,orM.q.L  I  S.  z.  W. 

O.L.,orM.  L...  S.  S.  W. 

L.q.O.,or  L.q.M  S.  W. 

Libecio S.  W.  z.  S. 

L.q.P S.  W.z.  W. 

P.L W.S.  W. 

P.  q.  L W.  z.  S. 


Ponente... 
P.  q.M... 

P.M 

M.  q.  P... 
Maestro. 


M.  g.  T. . 
M.T 


T.  q.  M 

Rosa  della  Bus- 
sola,  or  Fiore  del 
Mondo. 


Westen. 
W.Z.N. 

W.  N.  W. 
N.  W.  z.  W. 
N.W. 

N.W.  Z.N. 
N.N.  W. 
N.  z.  W. 
Compass  Rose. 


Notes. — On  the  Spanish  compass  c.  stands  for  cuarto,  or  J;  on  the  French,  q.  for 
quart,  or  i;  and  on  the  Italian,  q.  for  quarto,  or  i;  thus  the  Italian  T.  a.  G.  signifies 
Tramontana  quarto,  or  }  Greco,  or  N.,  a  quarter  of  the  N.  E.  division  of  the  compass 
of  45°,  which  is  expressed  by  the  English  N.  by  E.  In  the  German  compass,  z.  is 
the  abbreviation  of  zu  or  zum  for  the  English  equivalent  "by." 


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Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


roORMATION  REUTING  TO  NAVIGATIONAL  AIDS 
AND  GENERAL  NAVIGATION. 


the  correction  of  charts,  ught  usts,  and 
sahjIno  directions. 

TRie  f  oDowing  publications  are  issued  by  the  United  States  Hydro- 
graphic  Office  as  guides  to  navigation:  Charts,  Chart  Catalogues, 
Sailing  Directions,  Light  Lists,  Tide  Tables,  Notices  to  Mariners, 
Pilot  Charts,  and  Hydrographic  Bulletins.  Of  these,  the  Notices  to 
Mariners  and  the  Hydrographic  Bulletins  are  free  to  mariners  and 
others  interested  in  shipping.  The  Pilot  Charts  are  free  to  con- 
tributors of  professional  information,  but  are  sold  to  the  general 
public  at  10  cents  a  copy.  The  other  publications  of  the  office  are 
sold  under  the  law  at  cost  price. 

The  Charts,  the  Sailing  Directions,  and  the  Light  Lists  are  all 
affected  by  continual  changes  and  alterations,  concerning  which 
information  from  all  parts  of  the  world  is  published  weekly  in  the 
Notices  to  Mariners. 

The  charts  are  always  corrected  for  all  available  information  up  to 
vhe  date  of  issue  stamped  upon  them;  and  the  Light  Lasts  should  be 
noted  for  the  recent  alterations  and  additions.  The  Sailing  Direc- 
tions, however,  can  not,  from  their  nature,  be  so  fully  corrected,  and 
in  all  cases  where  they  differ  from  the  charts,  the  charts  must  be 
i^ken  as  the  guide. 

Charts. — ^When  issued  from  the  Hydrographic  Office,  the  charts 
have  received  all  necessary  corrections  to  date. 

All  small  but  important  corrections  that  can  be  made  by  hand  are 
given  in  the  Notices  to  Mariners,  and  should  at  once  be  placed  on 
the  charts  to  which  they  refer. 

Extensive  corrections  that  can  not  be  conveniently  thus  made  are 
put  upon  the  plates,  and  new  copies  are  put  on  sale.  Masters  of  vessels 
are  urged  to  replace  the  old  charts,  which  should  be  destroyed  to  pre- 
vent the  possibiUty  of  their  being  used  in  the  navigation  of  the  ship. 

The  dates  on  which  extensive  corrections  are  made  are  noted  on 
the  chart  on  the  right  of  the  middle  of  the  lower  edge;  those  of  the 
smaller  corrections  at  the  left  lower  comers. 

The  edition,  and  corresponding  date,  of  the  chart  will  be  foimd  in 
the  right  lower  corner^  outside  the  outer  neat  line. 

68860—17 1  1 


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2  QBHEBAL  NAVIQATION. 

In  all  cases  of  quotations  of  charts,  these  dates  of  corrections 
should  be  given,  as  well  as  the  number  of  the  chart  (found  in  the 
lower  right  and  upper  left  comers),  in  order  that  the  edition  of  the 
chart  referred  to  may  be  known. 

The  Light  Lists  are  corrected  before  issue,  and  all  changes  are 
published  in  the  weekly  Notices  to  Mariners. 

The  navigating  officer  should  make  notations  in  the  tabular  form 
in  the  Light  Lists  and  paste  in  at  the  appropriate  places  slips  from 
the  Notices  to  Mariners. 

The  Light  Lists  should  always  be  consulted  as  to  the  details  of 
a  light,  as  the  description  in  the  sailing  directions  is  not  complete, 
and  may  be  obsolete,  in  consequence  of  changes  since  publication. 

The  Sailing  Directions  or  Pilots  are  kept  corrected  by  addenda; 
and  subsequent  to  date  of  last  addenda,  they  should  be  kept  corrected 
by  means  of*  the  Notices  to  Mariners.  SaiUng  Directions  issued  to 
naval  vessels  carry  with  them  an  envelope  containing  shps  of  correc- 
tions up  to  date  of  issue. 

Addenda  are  pubhshed  from  time  to  time,  and  contain  a  summary 
of  all  the  information  received  up  to  date  since  the  pubUcation  of  the 
volume  to  which  they  refer,  canceling  all  previous  Notices  to 
Mariners. 

To  enable  the  books  to  be  more  conveniently  corrected,  addenda 
and  Notices  to  Mariners  are  printed  on  one  side  only,  and  two  copies 
of  the  latter  are  issued  to  each  naval  vessel,  one  to  be  cut  and  the 
slips  pasted  in  at  the  appropriate  places,  the  other  to  be  retained 
intact  for  reference. 

To  paste  in  the  shps,  as  the  Notices  to  Mariners  are  received,  is  one 
of  the  duties  of  the  navigating  officer,  demanding  faithful  attention. 

It  must,  however,  be  understood  that  Sailing  Directions  wiU 
rarely  be  correct  in  all  details,  and  that,  as  already  stated,  when 
differences  exist,  the  chart,  which  should  be  corrected  from  the 
most  recent  information,  should  be  taken  as  the  guide,  for  which 
purpose,  for  ordinary  navigation,  it  is  sufficient. 

The  Tide  Tables,  which  are  published  annually  by  the  United 
States  Coast  and  Geodetic  Survey,  give  the  predicted  times  and 
heights  of  the  high  and  the  low  waters  for  every  day  in  the  year 
at  70  of  the  principal  ports  of  the  world,  and,  through  the  medium 
of  these  by  means  of  tidal  differences  and  ratios,  at  a  very  large 
number  of  subordinate  ports.  The  tables  for  the  Atlantic  and  the 
Pacific  coast  ports  of  the  United  States  are  also  pubhshed  separately. 

It  should  be  remembered  that  these  tables  aim  to  give  the  times 
of  high  and  low  water,  and  not  the  times  of  turning  of  the  current 
or  of  slack  water,  which  may  be  quite  different. 

Notices  to  Mariners,  containing  fresh  information  pertaining 
to  all  parts  of  the  world,  axe  published  weekly  and  mailed  to  ail 

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GBKEBAL  KAYIQATION.  3 

United  States  ships  in  commission,  Branch  Hydrographic  offices 
and  agencies,  and  United  States  consulates.  Copies  are  furnished 
free  by  the  main  office  or  by  any  of  the  branch  offices  on  appUcation. 

With  each  Notice  to  naval  vessels  is  sent  also  a  separate  sheet, 
giving  the  items  relating  to  lights  contained  in  the  latest  Notice, 
intended  especially  for  use  in  correcting  the  Light  Lists. 

Pilot  Charts  of  the  North  Atlantic,  Central  American  Waters, 
and  North  Pacific  and  Indian  Oceans  are  published  each  month, 
and  of  the  South  Atlantic  and  South  Pacific  Oceans  each  quarter. 
These  charts  give  the  average  conditions  of  wind  and  weather, 
barometer,  percentage  of  fog  and  gales,  routes  for  steam  and  sailing 
vessels  for  the  period  of  issue,  ice  and  derehcts  for  the  preceding 
period,  ocean  currents  and  jnagnetic  variation  for  the  current  year, 
storm  tracks  for  preceding  years,  and  much  other  useful  informa- 
tion. They  are  furnished  free  only  in  exchange  for  marine  data  or 
observations. 

Hydrographic  Bulletins,  published  weekly,  are  supplemental 
to  the  Pilot  Charts,  and  contain  the  latest  reports  of  obstructions 
and  dangers  along  the  coast  and  principal  ocean  routes,  ice,  dereUcts, 
and  wreckage,  reports  of  the  use  of  oil  to  calm  the  sea,  and  other 
information  for  mariners.     They  are  to  be  had  free  upon  appUcation. 

THE  USE  OP  CHARTS. 

Accuracy  of  chart. — ^The  value  of  a  chart  must  manifestly 
depend  upon  the  character  and  accuracy  of  the  survey  on  which  it 
is  based,  and  the  larger  the  scale  of  the  chart  the  more  important 
do  these  become. 

To  judge  of  a  survey,  its  source  and  date,  which  are  generally 
given  in  the  title,  are  a  good  guide.  Besides  the  changes  that  may 
have  taken  place  since  the  date  of  the  survey,  in  waters  where 
sand  or  mud  prevails,  the  earlier  surveys  were  mostly  made  under 
circumstances  that  precluded  great  accuracy  of  detail;  until  a  chart 
founded  on  such  a  survey  is  tested,  it  should  be  regarded  with 
caution.  It  may,  indeed,  be  said  that,  except  in  well-frequented 
harbors  and  their  approaches,  no  surveys  yet  made  have  been  so 
thorough  as  to  maker,  if  certain  that  all  dangers  have  been  found. 
The  niunber  of  the  soundings  is  another  method  of  estimating  the 
completeness  of  the  survey,  remembering,  however,  that  the  chart 
is  not  expected  to  show  aU  the  soimdings  that  were  obtained.  When 
the  soundings  are  sparse  or  unevenly  distributed,  it  may  be  taken 
for  granted  that  the  survey  was  not  in  great  detail. 

Large  or  irregular  blank  spaces  among  soundings  mean  that  no 
soundings  were  obtained  in  these  spots.  When  the  surrounding 
soundings  are  deep  it  may  fairly  be  assumed  that  in  the  blanks 
the  water  is  also  deep;  but  when  they  are  shallow,  or  it  can  be 

Digitized  byCjOOQlC 


4  GBKEBAL  NAYIOATION. 

seen  from  the  rest  of  the  chart  that  reefs  or  banks  are  present, 
Buch  blanks  should  be  regarded  with  suspicion.  This  is  especially 
the  case  in  coral  regions  and  off  rocky  coasts,  and  it  should  be 
remembered  that  in  waters  where  rocks  abound  it  is  always  pos- 
sible that  a  survey,  however  complete  and  detailed,  may  have 
failed  to  find  every  small  patch  or  pinnacle  rock. 

A  wide  berth  should  therefore  be  given  to  every  rocky  shore  or 
patch,  and  instead  of  considering  a  coast  to  be  dear,  the  contrary 
should  be  assumed. 

'  Fathom  curves  a  caution. — ^Except  in  charts  of  harbors  that 
have  been  surveyed  in  detail,  the  5-fathom  curve  on  most  charts 
may  be  considered  as  a  danger  line  or  caution  against  unnecessarily 
approaching  the  shore  or  bank  within  that  line,  on  account  of  the 
possible  existence  of  undiscovered  inequalities  of  the  bottom,  which 
only  an  elaborate  detailed  survey  could  reveal.  In  general  surveys 
of  coasts  or  of  little  frequented  anchorages,  the  necessities  of 
navigation  do  not  demand  the  great  expenditure  of  time  required 
for  so  detailed  a  survey.  It  is  not  contemplated  that  ships  will 
approach  the  shores  in  such  localities  without  taking  special  pre- 
cautions. 

The  10-fathom  curve  on  rocky  shores  is  another  warning,  espe- 
cially for  ships  of  heavy  draft. 

♦A  useful  danger  curve  will  be  obtained  by  tracing  out  with  a 
colored  pencil,  or  ink,  the  line  of  depth  next  greater  than  the  draft 
of  the  ship  using  the  chart.  For  vessek  drawing  less  than  18  feet 
the  edge  of  the  sanding  serves  as  a  well-marked  danger  line. 

Charts  on  which  no  fathom  curves  are  marked  must  especially  be 
regarded  with  caution,  as  indicating  that  soundings  were  too  scanty 
and  the  bottom  too  imeven  to  enable  the  curves  to  be  drawn  with 
accuracy. 

Isolated  soimdiogs,  shoaler  than  surrounding  depths,  should 
always  be  avoided,  especially  if  ringed  around,  as  it  is  doubtful 
how  closely  the  spot  may  have  been  examined  and  whether  the 
least  depth  has  been  foimd. 

The  chart  on  largest  scale  should  always  be  used  on  accoxmt 
of  its  greater  detail  and  the  greater  accuracy  with  which  positions 
may  be  plotted  on  it. 

Caution  in  using  small-scale  charts. — ^In  approaching  the 
land  or  dangerous  banks,  r^ard  must  always  be  had  to  the  scale  of 
the  chart  used.  A  small  error  in  laying  down  a  position  means 
only  yards  on  a  large-scale  chart,  whereas  on  one  of  small  scale  the 
same  amount  of  displacement  means  a  large  fraction  of  a  mile. 

Distortion  of  printed  charts. — ^The  paper  on  which  charts  are 
printed  from  engraved  plates  has  to  be  damped.  On  drying  dis- 
tortion takes  place  from  the  inequalities  of  the  paper,  which  greatly 

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GBKBRAL  KAVIQATIOK.  5 

varies  with  diflFerent  papers  and  the  amount  of  the  dampmg;  but  it 
does  not  affect  navigation.  The  larger  the  chart  the  greater  the 
amount  of  this  distortion.  It  must  not,  however,  be  expected  that 
accurate  series  of  angles  taken  to  different  points  will  alwajrs  exactly 
agree  when  carefully  plotted  on  the  chart,  especially  if  the  lines  to 
objects  be  long. 

Mercator  chart. — Observed  bearings  are  not  identical  with 
•those  measured  on  the  Mercator  chart  (excepting  only  the  bearings 
north  and  south,  and  east  and  west  on  the  equator)  because  the 
line  of  sight,  except  as  affected  by  refraction,  is  a  straight  lino 
and  lies  in  the  plane  of  the  great  circle,  while  the  straight  line  on 
the  chart  (except  the  meridian  line)  represents,  not  the  arc  of  a 
great  circle,  but  the  loxodromic  curve,  or  rhumb  line,  which  on  the 
globe  is  a  spiral  approaching  but  never  in  theory  reaching  the  pole, 
or,  if  the  direction  be  east  and  west,  a  circle  of  latitude. 

The  difference  is  not  appreciable  with  near  objects,  and  in 
ordinary  navigation  may  be  neglected.  But  in  high  latitudes, 
when  the  objects  are  very  distant  and  especially  when  lying  near 
east  or  west,  the  bearings  must  be  corrected  for  the  convergence  of 
the  meridians  in  order  to  be  accurately  placed  on  the  Mercator 
chart,  which  represents  the  meridians  as  parallel. 

On  the  polyconic  chart,  since  a  straight  line  represents  (within 
the  limits  of  15  or  20  degrees  of  longitude)  the  arc  of  a  great  circle 
or  the  shortest  distance  between  two  points,  bearings  of  the  chart 
are  identical  with  observed  bearings. 

The  mercator  projection  is  imsuited  to  surveying,  for  which  pur- 
pose the  polyconic  projection  is  used  by  the  Hydrographic  Office 
and  the  Coast  and  Geodetic  Survey. 

Notes  on  charts  should  always  be  read  with  care,  as  they  may 
give  important  information  that  can  not  be  graphically  represented. 

Buoys. — Too  much  reliance  should  not  be  placed  on  buoys 
always  maintaining  their  exact  positions.  They  should  therefore 
be  regarded  as  warnings,  and  not  as  infaUible  navigational  marks, 
especially  when  in  exposed  places  and  in  the  wintertime;  and  a 
ship's  position  should  always,  when  possible,  be  checked  by  bearings 
or  angles  of  fixed  objects  on  shore. 

Oas  buoys. — ^The  lights  shown  by  gas  buoys  can  not  be  impUcitly 
reUed  on;  the  light  may  be  altogether  extinguished,  or,  if  periodic, 
the  apparatus  may  get  out  of  order. 

Whistle  and  bell  buoys  are  sounded  only  by  the  action  of  the  sea; 
therefore,  in  calm  weather,  they  are  less  effective  or  may  not  sound. 

Lights. — All  the  distances  given  in  the  Light  Lists  and  on  the 
charts  for  the  visibiUty  of  lights  are  calculated  for  a  height  of  15 
feet  for  the  observer's  eye.     The  effect  of  a  greater  or  less  height 


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6  GENERAL  NAVIGATION. 

of  eye  can  be  ascertained  by  means  of  the  table  of  distances  of  viai* 
bility  due  to  height,  published  in  the  Light  Lists. 

The  glare  of  a  powerful  light  is  often  seen  far  beyond  the  limit 
of  visibility  of  the  actual  rays  of  the  light,  but  this  must  not  be 
confounded  with  the  true  range.  Refraction,  too,  may  often  cause 
a  light  to  be  seen  farther  than  under  ordinary  circumstances. 

When  looking  out  for  a  light,  the  fact  may  be  forgotten  that 
aloft  the  range  of  vision  is  much  increased.  By  noting  a  star  imme* 
diately  over  the  light  a  very  correct  bearing  may  be  obtained  from 
the  standard  compass  when  you  lay  down  from  aloft. 

On  first  making  a  light  from  the  bridge,  by  at  once  lowering  the 
eye  several  feet  and  noting  whether  the  Ught  is  made  to  dip,  it 
may  be  determined  whether  the  ship  is  on  the  circle  of  visibility 
corresponding  with  the  usual  height  of  the  eye,  or  unexpectedly 
nearer  the  light. 

The  intrinsic  power  of  a  light  should  always  be  considered  when 
expecting  to  make  it  in  thick  weather.  A  weak  light  is  easily 
obscured  by  haze,  and  no  dependence  can  be  placed  on  its  being 
seen. 

The  power  of  a  light  can  be  estimated  by  its  candlepower  or  order, 
as  stated  in  the  Light  Lists,  and  in  some  cases  by  noting  how  much 
its  visibility  in  clear  weather  falls  short  of  the  range  corresponding 
to  its  height.  Thus,  a  hght  standing  200  feet  above  the  sea  and 
recorded  as  visible  only  10  miles  in  clear  weather,  is  manifestly  of 
little  briUiancy,  as  its  height  would  permit  it  to  be  seen  over  20 
miles  if  of  sufficient  power. 

Fog  signals. — Sound  is  conveyed  in  a  very  capricious  way  through 
the  atmosphere.  Apart  from  the  influence  of  the  wind  large  areas 
of  silence  have  been  found  in  different  directions  and  at  different 
distances  from  the  origin  of  sound,  even  in  clear  weather;  therefore, 
too  much  confidence  should  not  be  felt  as  to  hearing  a  fog  signal. 
The  apparatus,  moreover,  for  sounding  the  signal  often  requires  some 
time  before  it  is  in  readiness  to  act.  A  fog  often  creeps  imperceptibly 
toward  the  land,  and  may  not  be  observed  by  the  lighthouse  keepers 
until  upon  them;  a  ship  may  have  been  for  many  hours  in  it,  and 
approaching  the  land  in  confidence,  depending  on  the  signal,  which  is 
not  sounded.  When  sound  travels  against  the  wind,  it  may  be  thrown 
upward;  a  man  aloft  might  then  hear  it  though  inaudible  on  deck. 

The  submarine  beU  system  of  fog  signals  is  much  more  rehable 
than  systems  transmitting  sound  through  the  air,  as  sound  trav- 
eling in  water  is  not  subject  to  the  same  disturbing  influences;  the 
fallibility  of  the  lighthouse  keeper  is,  however,  about  the  same  in 
all  systems,  so  that  caution  should  be  observed  even  by  vessels 
equipped  with  submarine-bell  receiving  apparatus. 


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GENERAL  NAVIGATION.  7 

Subxaarine  bells  have  an  effective  range  of  audibility  greater 
than  signals  sounded  in  air,  and  a  vessel  equipped  with  receiving 
apparatus  may  determine  the  approximate  bearing  of  the  signal. 
These  signals  may  be  heard  also  on  vessels  not  equipped  with  receiv- 
ing apparatus  by  observers  below  the  water  line,  but  the  bearing  of 
the  signal  can  not  then  be  readily  determined. 

Vessels  equipped  with  radio  apparatus  and  submarine  bell  receivers 
may  fix  their  distance  from  a  hght  vessel  having  radio  and  submarine 
bell,  utilizing  the  difference  in  velocity  of  sound  waves  of  the  radio 
and  the  bell.  Sound  travels  4,794  feet  per  second  at  66°  F.  in  water, 
and  the  travel  of  radio  sound  waves  for  practicable  distances  may 
be  taken  as  instantaneous. 

All  vessels  should  observe  the  utmost  caution  in  closing  the  land 
in  fogs.     The  lead  is  the  safest  guide  and  should  be  faithfully  used. 

Tides. — ^A  knowledge  of  the  times  of  high  and  low  water  and  of 
the  amount  of  vertical  rise  and  fall  of  the  tide  is  of  great  impor- 
tance in  the  case  of  vessels  entering  or  leaving  port,  especially  when 
the  low  water  is  less  than  or  near  their  draft.  Such  knowledge  is 
also  useful  at  times  to  vessels  running  close  along  a  coast,  in  enabling 
them  to  anticipate  the  effect  of  the  tidal  currents  in  setting  them  on 
or  offshore.     This  is  especially  important  in  fog  or  thick  weather. 

The  predicted  times  and  heights  of  the  high  and  low  waters,  or 
differences  by  which  they  may  be  readily  obtained,  are  given  in 
the  Tide  Tables  for  all  the  important  ports  of  the  world.  The 
height  at  any  intermediate  time  may  be  obtained  by  means  of 
Tables  2A  and  2B  for  most  of  the  principal  tidal  stations  of  the 
United  States,  given  in  Table  1,  and  for  the  subordinate  stations  of 
Table  3  by  using  them  as  directed  in  the  Tide  Tables.  The  interme- 
diate height  may  also  be  obtained  by  plotting  the  predicted  times 
and  heights  of  high  and  low  water  and  connecting  the  points  by  a 
curve.  Such  knowledge  is  often  useful  in  crossing  a  bar  or  shallow 
flats. 

Planes  of  reference.^ — The  plane  of  reference  for  soundings  on 
Hydrographic  Office  charts  made  from  United  States  Government 
surveys  and  on  Coast  and  Geodetic  Survey  charts  of  the  Atlantic 
coast  of  the  United  States  is  mean  low  water;  on  the  Pacific  coast 
of  the  United  States  as  far  as  the  Strait  of  Juan  Fuca,  it  is  the  mean  of 
the  lower  low  waters;  and  from  Puget  Sound  to  Alaska,  the  plane  em- 
ployed on  Hydrographic  Office  charts  is  low  water  ordinary  springs. 

On  most  of  the  British  Admiralty  charts  the  plane  of  reference 
is  the  low  water  of  ordinary  springs;  on  French  charts,  the  low 
water  of  equinoctial  springs. 

I  The  distinction  letween  "rise  "  and  " range  "  of  the  tide  should  be  understood.  The  former  expression 
refers  to  the  height  attained  above  the  datum  plane  for  soundings,  differing  with  the  different  planes  oi 
reference;  the  latter,  to  the  difference  of  level  between  successive  high  and  low  waters. 


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8  QEKEBAL  19AVIQATI0N. 

In  the  case  of  many  charts  compiled  from  old  or  various  sources 
the  plane  of  reference  may  be  in  doubt.  In  such  cases,  or  when 
ever  not  stated  on  the  chart,  the  assumption  that  the  reference 
plane  is  low  water  ordinary  springs  gives  a  larger  margin  of  safety 
than  mean  low  water. 

Whichever  plane  of  reference  may  be  used  for  a  chart  it  must 
be  remembered  that  there  are  times  when  the  tide  falls  below  it. 
Low  water  is  lower  than  mean  low  water  about  half  the  time,  and 
when  a  new  or  full  moon  occiu^  at  perigee  the  low  water  is  lower 
than  the  average  low  water  of  springs.  At  the  equinoxes  the  spring 
range  is  also  increased  on  the  coasts  of  Europe,  but  in  some  other 
parts  of  the  world,  and  especially  in  the  Tropics,  such  periodic  low 
tides  may  coincide  more  frequently  with  the  solstices. 

Wind  or  a  high  barometer  may  at  times  cause  the  water  to  fall 
below  even  a  very  low  plane  of  reference. 

On  coasts  where  there  is  much  diurnal  inequality  in  the  tides,  the 
amount  of  rise  and  fall  can  not  be  depended  upon  and  additional 
caution  is  necessary. 

Mean  sea  level. — ^The  important  fact  should  be  remembered 
that  the  depths  at  half  tide  are  practically  the  same  for  all  tides, 
whether  neaps  or  springs.  Half  tide  therefore  corresponds  with 
mean  sea  level.  This  makes  a  very  exact  plane  of  reference,  easily 
found,  to  which  it  would  be  well  to  refer  all  high  and  low  waters. 

The  Tide  Tables  give  in  Table  3,  for  all  the  ports,  the  plane  of 
reference  to  which  tidal  heights  are  referred  and  its  distance  below 
mean  sea  level. 

If  called  on  to  take  special  soundings  for  the  chart  at  a  place 
where  there  is  no  tidal  bench  mark,  mean  sea  level  should  be  found 
and  the  plane  for  reductions  established  at  the  proper  distance 
below  it,  as  ascertained  by  the  Tide  Tables,  or  by  observations,  or 
in  some  cases,  if  the  time  be  short,  by  estimation,  the  data  used 
being  made  a  part  of  the  record. 

Tidal  streams. — ^In  navigating  coasts  where  the  tidal  range  is 
considerable,  especial  caution  is  necessary.  It  should  be  remembered 
that  there  are  indrafts  to  all  bays  and  bights,  although  the  general 
run  of  the  stream  may  be  parallel  with  the  shore. 

The  turn  of  the  tidal  stream  oflFshore  is  seldom  coincident  with 
the  times  of  high  and  low  water  on  the  shore.  In  some  channels  the 
tidal  stream  may  ovemm  the  turn  of  the  vertical  movement  of  the 
tide  by  three  hours,  forming  what  is  usually  known  as  tide  and  half 
tide,  the  effect  of  which  is  that  at  high  and  low  water  by  the  shore 
the  stream  is  running  at  its  greatest  velocity. 

»The  effect  of  the  tidal  wave  in  causing  currents  may  be  illustrated 
by  two  simple  cases. 


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GENERAL  NAVIGATION.  S) 

(1)  Where  there  is  a  small  tidal  basin  connected  with  the  sea  by  a 
large  opening. 

(2)  Where  there  is  a  large  tidal  basin  connected  with  the  sea  by  a 
small  opening. 

In  the  first  case  the  velocity  of  the  cmrent  in  the  opening  will  have 
its  maximum  value  when  the  height  of  the  tide  within  is  changing 
most  rapidly,  i.  e.,  at  a  time  about  midway  between  high  and  low 
water.  The  water  in  the  basin  keeps  at  approximately  the  same  level 
as  the  water  outside.  The  flood  stream  corresponds  with  the  rising 
and  the  ebb  with  the  falling  of  the  tide. 

In  the  second  case  the  velocity  of  the  current  in  the  opening  will 
have  its  maximmn  value  when  it  is  high  water  or  low  water  without, 
for  then  there  is  the  greatest  head  of  water  for  producing  motion. 
The  flood  stream  begins  about  three  hoiu^  after  low  water,  and  the 
ebb  stream  about  three  hours  after  high  water,  slack  water  thus 
occurring  about  midway  between  the  tides. 

Along  most  shores  not  much  aflfected  by  bays,  tidal  rivers,  etc.,  the 
current  usually  turns  soon  after  high  water  and  low  water. 

The  swiftest  current  in  straight  portions  of  tidal  rivers  is  usually 
in  the  middle  of  the  stream,  but  in  curved  portions  the  most  rapid 
current  is  toward  the  outer  edge  of  the  curve,  and  here  the  water 
will  be  deepest.  The  pilot  rule  for  best  water  is  to  foDow  the  ebb 
tide  reaches. 

Countercurrents  and  eddies  may  occur  near  the  shores  of  straits, 
especially  in  bights  and  near  points.  A  knowledge  of  them  is  useful 
in  order  that  they  may  be  taken  advantage  of  or  avoided. 

A  swift  current  often  occurs  in  a  narrow  passage  connecting  two 
large  bodies  of  water,  owing  to  their  considerable  difference  of  level 
at  the  same  instant.  The  several  passages  between  Vineyard  Sound 
and  Buzzards  Bay  are  cases  in  point.  In  the  Woods  Hole  passage 
the  maximum  strength  of  the  tidal  streams  is  at  about  half  tide. 

Tide  rips  are  made  by  a  rapid  current  setting  over  an  irregular 
bottom,  as  at  the  edges  of  banks  where  the  change  of  depth  is  con- 
siderable. 

Current  arrows  on  charts  show  only  the  most  usual  or  the  mean 
direction  of  a  tidal  stream  or  current;  it  must  not  be  assumed  that 
the  direction  of  a  stream  will  not  vary  from  that  indicated  by  the 
arrow.  The  rate,  also,  of  a  stream  constantly  varies  with  circum- 
stances, and  the  rate  given  on  the  chart  is  merely  the  mean  of  those 
found  during  the  survey,  possibly  from  very  few  observations. 

FIXING  POSITION. 

Sextant  method. — The  most  accurate  method  available  to  the 
navigator  of  fixing  a  position  relative  to  the  shore  is  by  plotting 
with  a  protractor,  sextant  angles  between  three  well-defined  obiects  on 


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10  GENERAL   NAVIGATION. 

shore  which  are  shown  on  the  chart;  this  method,  based  on  the  "  three- 
point  problem'^  of  geometry,  should  be  in  general  use. 

For  its  successful  employment  it  is  necessary:  First,  that  the 
objects  be  well  chosen;  and,  second,  that  the  observer  be  skillful  and 
rapid  in  his  use  of  the  sextant.  The  latter  is  only  a  matter  of  practice. 
Two  observers  are  better  for  this  method. 

Near  objects  should  be  used  either  for  bearings  or  angles  for 
position  in  preference  to  distant  ones,  although  the  latter  may  be 
more  prominent,  as  a  small  error  in  the  bearing  or  angle  or  in  lay- 
ing it  on  the  chart  has  a  greater  effect  in  misplacing  the  position 
the  longer  the  line  to  be  drawn. 

On  the  other  hand  distant  objects  should  be  used  for  direction, 
because  less  affected  by  a  small  error  or  change  of  position. 

The  three-arm  protractor  or  station  pointer  consists  of  a 
graduated  brass  circle  with  one  fixed  and  two  movable  radial  arms, 
the  three  beveled  edges  of  the  arms,  if  produced,  intersecting  at  the 
exact  center  of  the  instrument.  The  edge  of  the  fixed  arm  marks 
the  zero  of  the  graduation  which  enables  the  movable  arms  to  be  set 
at  any  angles  with  the  fixed  arm. 

To  plot  a  position,  the  two  angles  observed  between  the  three 
selected  objects  are  set  on  the  instrument,  which  is  then  moved  over 
the  chart  until  the  three  beveled  edges  pass  respectively  and  simul- 
taneously through  the  three  objects.  The  center  of  the  instrument 
will  then  mark  the  ship^s  position,  which  may  be  pricked  on  the 
chart  or  marked  with  a  pencil  point  through  the  center  hole.  -» 

The  transparent  xylonite  protractor  is  an  excellent  substitute 
for  the  brass  instrument  and  in  some  cases  preferable  to  it,  as  when, 
for  instance,  the  objects  angled  on  are  so  near  the  observer  that  they  are 
more  or  less  hidden  by  the  circle  of  the  instrument.  The  xylonite  pro- 
tractor also  permits  the  laying  down  for  simultaneous  trial  of  a 
number  of  angles  in  cases  of  fixing  important  positions.  Plain 
tracing  paper  may  also  be  used  if  there  are  any  suitable  means  of 
laying  off  the  angles. ' 

The  value  of  a  determination  depends  greatly  on  the  relative 
positions  of  the  objects  observed.  If  the  position  sought  lies  on 
the  circle  passing  through  three  objects  (in  which  case  the  sum 
of  the  observed  angles  equals  the  supplement  of  the  angle  at  the 
middle  object  made  by  lines  from  the  other  two)  it  will  be  inde- 
terminate, as  it  will  plot  all  around  the  circle.  Such  an  observation 
is  called  a'^revolver.*'  An  approach  to  this  condition  must  be  avoided. 
Near  objects  are  better  than  distant  ones,  and,  in  general,  up  to  90° 
the  larger  the  angles  the  better,  remembering  always  that  large  as  well 
as  small  angles  may  plot  on  or  near  the  circle  and  hence  be  worthless. 
If  the  objects  are  well  situated,  even  very  small  angles  will  give  fop 


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GENERAL   NAVIOATION.  11 

navigating  purposes  a  fair  position,  when  that  obtained  by  bearings 
of  the  same  objects  would  be  of  little  value. 

Accuracy  requires  that  the  two  angles  be  simultaneous.  If  under 
way  and  there  b  but  one  observer  the  angle  that  changes  less  rapidly 
may  be  observed  both  before  and  after  the  other  angle  and  the 
proper  value  obtained  by  interpolation. 

A  single  angle  and  a  range  of  two  objects  give  in  general  an  excel- 
lent fix,  easily  obtained  and  plotted. 

Advantages  of  sextant  method. — In  many  narrow  waters  where 
the  objects  may  yet  be  at  some  distance,  as  in  coral  harbors  or  nar- 
row passages  among  mud  banks,  navigation  by  sextant  and  protractor 
is  invaluable,  as  a  true  position  can  in  general  be  obtained  only  by 
its  means.  Positions  by  bearings  are  too  rough  to  depend  upon, 
and  a  smaU  error  in  either  taking  or  plotting  a  bearing  might  under 
such  circumstances  put  the  ship  ashore. 

In  all  cases  where  great  accuracy  of  position  is  desired,  such  as 
the  fixing  of  a  rock  or  shoal,  or  of  fresh  soundings  or  new  buildings 
as  additions  to  the  chart,  the  sextant  should  invariably  be  used.  In 
all  such  cases  angles  should  be  taken  to  several  objects,  the  more  the 
better;  but  five  objects  is  a  good  number,  as  the  four  angles  thus 
obtained  not  only  prevent  any  errors,  but  they  at  once  furnish  a 
means  of  checking  the  accuracy  of  the  chart  itself.  If  a  round  of 
angles  can  be  taken  the  observer's  accuracy  is  also  checked.  In  the 
case  of  ordinary  soundings  a  third  angle  need  be  taken  only  occa- 
sionally; first,  to  check  the  general  accuracy  of  the  chart,  as  above 
stated;  second,  to  make  certain  that  the  more  important  soundings, 
as  at  the  end  of  a  Une,  are  correctly  placed. 

If  communication  can  be  had  with  the  snore,  positions  may  be 
fixed  with  great  accuracy  by  occupying  with  theodoUte  or  sextant 
two  known  points  of  the  chart.  The  third  angle  of  the  triangle, 
that  between  the  two  points  at  the  position  sought,  should  be 
measured  as  a  check. 

The  compass. — It  is  not  intended  that  the  use  of  the  compass  to 
fix  the  ship  should  be  given  up;  in  ordinary  piloting  the  compass, 
with  its  companion,  the  pelorus,  may  bo  usefully  employed  for  this 
purpose,  although  less  accurate  than  the  sextant. 

If  the  accuracy  of  the  chart  is  doubtful,  the  compass  should  be 
used  in  preference  to  the  sextant. 

In  fixing  by  the  compass,  it  should  always  be  remembered  that 
a  position  by  two  bearings  only,  Uke  that  by  two  angles  only,  b 
liable  to  error.  An  error  may  be  made  in  taking  a  bearing,  or  in 
applying  to  it  the  deviation,  or  in  laying  it  on  the  chart.  A  third 
or  check  bearing  should,  therefore,  be  taken  of  some  other  object, 
especially  when  near  the  shore  or  dangers.  A  common  intersection 
for  the  three  lines  assmres  accuracy. 


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12  GENERAL  KAViaATIOK. 

When  the  three  Unes  do  not  intersect  in  a  point,  the  following  rule 
holds:  If  the  line  drawn  to  the  middle  object  falls  to  the  right  of 
the  point  of  intersection  of  the  lines  to  the  two  outside  objects,  the , 
position  of  the  observer  was  to  the  right  of  the  line  to  the  middle 
object;  and  if  it  falls  to  the  left  of  the  intersection  his  position  was 
to  the  left  of  the  line.  Thus  it  will  be  seen  that  the  assumption, 
that  the  position  is  at  the  center  of  the  triangle  formed  by  the 
intersecting  lines,  is  incorrect. 

Doubling  the  angle  on  the  bow. — ^The  method  of  fixing  by 
doubling  the  angle  on  the  bow  is  invaluable.  The  ordinary  form 
of  it,  the  so-called  "bow  and  beam  bearing,''  the  distance  from  the 
object  at  the  latter  position  being  the  distance  run  between  the 
times  of  taking  the  two  bearings,  gives  the  maximum  of  accuracy, 
and  is  an  excellent  fix  for  a  departure,  but  does  not  insure  safety, 
as  the  object  observed  and  any  dangers  off  it  are  abeam  before  the 
position  is  obtained. 

By  taking  the  bearings  at  two  points  and  four  points  on  the  bow, 
a  fair  position  is  obtained  before  the  object  is  passed,  the  distance 
of  the  latter  at  the  second  position  being,  as  before,  equal  to  the 
distance  nm  in  the  interval,  allowing  for  current.  Taking  after- 
wards the  beam  bearing  gives,  with  slight  additional  trouble,  the 
distance  of  the  object  when  abeam;  such  beam  bearings  and  dis- 
tances, with  the  times,  should  be  continuously  recorded  as  fresh 
departures,  the  importance  of  which  will  be  appreciated  in  cases 
of  being  suddenly  shut  in  by  fog.  ^ 

When  the  first  bearing  is  26i°  from  ahead,  and  the  second  45^^ 
the  nm  between  bearings  will  equal  the  distance  at  which  the  object 
wiU  be  passed  abeam. 

A  table  of  multiphers  of  the  distance  run  in  the  interval  between 
any  two  bearings  of  an  object,  the  product  being  its  distance  at 
the  time  of  the  second  bearing,  is  given  in  the  Light  Lists  and  in 
Bowditch. 

Danger  angle. — ^The  utihty  of  the  danger  angle  in  passing  out- 
lying rocks  or  dangers  should  not  be  forgotten.  In  employing  the 
horizontal  danger  angle,  however,  caution  is  necessary,  as  should 
the  chart  be  inaccurate,  i.  e.,  should  the  objects  selected  be  not 
quite  colrectly  placed,  the  angle  taken  off  from  it  may  not  serve 
the  purpose.  It  should  not,  therefore,  be  employed  when  the  survey 
is  old  or  manifestly  imperfect. 

The  vertical  danger  angle  may  be  conveniently  used  when  passing 
elevated  points  of  known  heights,  such  as  hghthouses,  cliffs,  etc. 
The  computation  of  the  distance  corresponding  to  the  height  of 
the  object  and  its  angular  elevation  requires  for  small  distances 
merely  the  solution  of  a  plain  right  triangle;  the  natural  cotangent 
of  the  angle  multiphed  by  the  height  in  feet  gives  the  distance  in 


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OBKBRAL  NAYIQATION.  18 

feet.  The  convenient  use  of  this  method,  however,  reqiiires  tables 
such  as  those  published  by  Capt.  Lecky  in  his  little  book  entitled 
"The  Danger  Angle  and  Offshore  Distance  Tables."  This  book 
very  usefully  extends  the  vertical  angle  method  to  finding  a 
ship's  position  at  sea  by  observing  the  angular  altitude  of  a  pteak 
of  known  height  and  its  bearing.  The  tables  give  heights  up  to 
18,000  feet  and  distances  up  to  110  miles. 

When  the  angles  are  not  too  large  they  should  be  observed  "  on  and 
off  the  limb''  and  the  index  error  of  the  sextant  thus  eliminated,  in 
preference  to  correcting  for  it  the  single  altitude.  It  must  be  re- 
membered that  in  high  latitudes  the  bearing  of  a  distant  object  needs 
correction  for  the  convergence  of  the  meridians  before  being  laid  down 
on  a  Mercator  chart.  The  correction  may  be  found  by  the  following 
formula,  using  the  approximate  position:  The  sine  of  the  correction 
equals  the  product  of  the  sine  of  half  the  difference  of  longitude  by 
the  sine  of  the  middle  latitude.  It  is  appUed  on  the  equatorial  side 
of  the  observed  bearing  and  its  effect  is  always  to  increase  the  latitude 
of  the  observer. 

Soundings  taken  at  random  are  of  httle  value  in  fixing  or  check- 
ing position  and  may  at  times  be  misleading.  In  thick  weather, 
when  near  or  closing  the  land,  soundings  should  be  taken  continu- 
ously and  at  regular  intervals,  and,  with  the  character  of  the  bottom, 
systematically  recorded.  By  laying  the  soundings  on  tracing  paper, 
according  to  the  scale  of  the  chart,  along  a  line  representing  the 
track  of  the  ship,  and  then  moving  the  paper  over  the  chart,  keeping 
the  line  representing  the  track  parallel  with  the  course  until  the 
observed  soundings  agree  with  those  of  the  chart,  the  ship's  position 
will  in  general  be  quite  well  determined.  This  plan  was  suggested 
by  Lord  Kelvin,  whose  admirable  sounding  machine  renders  the 
operation  of  sounding  possible  in  quite  deep  water,  without  slowing 
down  the  ship  and  consequent  loss  of  time. 

Pelonis. — All  ships  should  be  suppUed  with  the  means  of  taking 
accurate  bearings  both  by  night  and  by  day.  The  standard  compass 
is  not  always  conveniently  placed  for  the  purpose;  in  such  case  a 
pelorus  will  be  very  useful,  but  the  results  are  not  as  accurate  as 
those  obtained  direct  from  the  compass.  The  utihty  of  such  an 
instrument  in  ascertaining  the  change  of  bearing  of  an  approaching 
ship  should  not  be  overlooked. 

Position  lines. — Among  the  various  methods  of  fixing  position 
at  sea,  the  one  which  should  be  best  understood  and  put  to  the 
most  constant  use  is  that  employing  position  or  Simmer  lines.  These 
Unes  give  the  most  comprehensive  information  to  the  navigator  with 
the  least  expenditure  of  labor  and  time.  The  knowledge  gained  is 
that  the  vessel  must  be  somewhere  on  the  line,  provided  the  data 
used  is  accurate  and  the  chronometer  correct.     As  the  information 

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14  GENERAL  NAVIQATION. 

given  by  one  line  of  position  is  not  sufficient  to  determine  the  definite 
location  of  the  vessel,  it  is  necessary  to  cross  this  line  by  another 
similarly  obtained,  and  the  vessel  being  somewhere  on  both  must 
be  at  their  intersection.  However,  a  single  line,  at  times,  will 
furnish  the  mariner  with  invaluable  information;  for  instance,  if 
it  is  directed  toward  the  coast,  it  murks  the  bearing  of  a  definite 
point  on  the  shore,  or  if  parallel  to  the  coast  it  clearly  indicates 
the  distance  oflf,  and  so  will  often  be  found  useful  as  a  course.  A 
sounding  taken  at  the  same  time  with  the  observation  will  in  certain 
conditions  prove  of  great  value  in  giving  an  approximate  position 
on  the  line. 

The  easiest  and  quickest  way  to  establish  a  line  of  position  is  by 
employing  the  method  of  Marcq  St.  Hilaire,  as  modified  by  the  use 
of  tables  of  altitude.  The  principle  of  this  method  is  one  of  altitude 
differences,  in  which  the  observed  altitude  is  compared  with  the 
computed  altitude  for  a  dead  reckoning,  or  other  selected  position, 
and  the  difference  in  minutes  of  latitude  measured  toward  the  body 
along  the  line  of  its  azimuth,  if  the  observed  altitude  is  greater  than 
the  computed  altitude,  and  vice  versa.  A  line  drawn  at  right  angles 
to  the  line  of  azimuth  through  the  point  thus  determined  is  the 
position  Une,  somewhere  upon  which  will  be  found  the  position  of  the 
vessel.  The  tables  of  altitude  obviate  the  computation  of  the  altitude 
and  thereby  greatly  faciUtate  the  establishment  of  the  line. 

A  position  line  may  also  be  found  by  computing  two  positions  for 
longitude  with  two  assumed  latitudes,  and  drawing  the  line  between 
them;  or  by  drawing  to  the  position  obtained  with  one  latitude  a 
line  at  right  angles  to  the  bearing  of  the  body  as  taken  from  the 
azimuth  tables. 

A  very  accurate  position  can  be  obtained  by  observing  two  or 
more  stars  at  morning  or  evening  twiUght,  at  which  time  the  horizon 
is  well  defined.  The  position  lines  thus  obtained  will,  if  the  bearings 
of  the  stars  differ  three  points  or  more,  give  an  excellent  result. 
A  star  or  planet  at  twilight  and  the  sim  afterwards  or  before  may  be 
combined;  also  two  observations  of  the  sun  with  sufficient  interval 
to  admit  of  a  considerable  change  of  bearing.  In  these  cases  one 
of  the  lines  must  be  moved  for  the  run  of  the  ship.  The  moon  is 
often  visible  during  the  day  and  in  combination  with  the  sun  gives 
an  excellent  fix. 

The  morning  and  evening  twilight  observations,  besides  their 
great  accuracy,  possess  the  additional  advantage  of  greatly 
extending  the  ship's  reliable  reckoning  beyond  the  limits  of  the 
ordinary  day  navigation,  and  correspondingly  restricting  the  dead 
reckoning  uncertainties  of  the  night.  An  early  morning  fix  in 
particular  is  often  of  great  value.     Though   the  same   degree   of 


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GENERAL  NAnOATION.  16 

accuracy  as  at  twilight  can  not  be  expected,  night  observations  are 
very  valuable  and  should  be  assiduously  practiced. 

Piloting. — The  navigator,  in  making  his  plan  for  entering  a 
strange  port,  should  give  very  careful  previous  study  to  the  chart 
and  sailing  directions,  and  should  select  what  appear  to  be  the  most 
suitable  marks  for  use,  also  providing  himself  with  substitutes  to 
use  in  case  those  selected  as  most  suitable  should  prove  unreliable 
in  not  being  recognized  with  absolute  certainty.  Channel  buoys 
seen  from  a  distance  are  difficult  to  identify,  because  their  color  is 
sometimes  not  easily  distinguished  and  they  may  appear  equally 
distant  from  the  observer  even  though  they  be  at  widely  varying 
distances.  Ranges  should  be  noted,  if  possible,  and  the  lines  drawn, 
both  for  leading  through  the  best  water  in  channels,  and  also  for 
guarding  against  particular  dangers;  for  the  latter  purpose  safety 
bearings  should  in  all  cases  be  laid  down  where  no  suitable  ranges 
appear  to  oflFer.  The  courses  to  be  steered  in  entering  should  also 
be  laid  down  and  distances  marked  thereon.  If  intending  to  use 
the  sextant  and  danger  angle  in  passing  dangers,  and  especially  in 
passing  between  dangers,  the  danger  circles  should  be  plotted  and 
regular  courses  planned,  rather  than  to  run  haphazard  by  the  indi- 
cations of  the  angle  alone,  with  the  possible  trouble  from  bad  steering 
at  critical  points. 

The  ship's  position  should  not  be  allowed  to  be  in  doubt  at  any 
time,  even  in  entering  ports  considered  safe  and  easy  of  access, 
and  should  be  constantly  checked,  continuing  to  use  for  this  purpose 
those  marks  concerning  which  there  can  be  no  doubt  until  others 
are  unmistakably  identified. 

The  ship  should  ordinarily  steer  exact  courses  and  follow  an  exact 
line,  as  planned  from  the  chart,  changing  course  at  precise  points, 
and,  where  the  distances  are  considerable,  her  position  on  the  line 
should  be  checked  at  frequent  intervals.  This  is  desirable  even 
where  it  may  seem  unnecessary  for  safety,  because  if  running  by  the 
eye  alone  and  the  ship's  exact  position  be  immediately  required,  as 
in  a  sudden  fog  or  squall,  fixing  at  that  particular  moment  may  be 
attended  with  difficulty. 

The  habit  of  running  exact  courses  with  precise  changes  of  course 
will  be  found  most  useful  when  it  is  desired  to  enter  port  or  pass 
through  inclosed  waters  during  fog  by  means  of  the  buoys;  here 
safety  demands  that  the  buoys  be  made  successively,  to  do  which 
requires,  if  the  fog  be  dense,  very  accurate  courses  and  careful 
attention  to  the  times,  the  speed  of  the  ship,  and  the  set  of  the 
current;  failure  to  make  a  buoy  as  expected  leaves,  as  a  rule,  no  safe 
alternative  but  to  anchor  at  once,  with  perhaps  a  consequent  serious 
loss  of  time. 


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16  GENERAL  NAVIGATION. 

In  passing  between  dangers  where  there  are  no  suitable  leading 
marks,  as,  for  instance,  between  two  islands  or  an  island  and  the 
main  shore,  with  dangers  extending  from  both,  a  mid-channel  course 
may  be  steered  by  the  eye  alone  with  great  accuracy,  as  the  eye  is 
able  to  estimate  very  closely  the  direction  midway  between  visible 
objects. 

In  piloting  among  coral  reefs  or  banks,  a  time  should  be  chosen 
when  the  sun  will  be  astern,  conning  the  vessel  from  aloft  or  from 
an  elevated  position  forward.  The  line  of  demarcation  between 
the  deep  water  and  the  edges  of  the  shoals,  which  generally  show 
as  green  patches,  is  indicated  with  surprising  clearness.  This 
method  is  of  frequent  appUcation  in  the  numerous  passages  of  the 
Florida  Keys. 

Changes  of  course  should  in  general  be  made  by  exact  amounts, 
naming  the  new  course  or  the  amoxmt  of  the  change  desired,  rather 
than  by  ordering  the  helm  to  be  put  over  and  then  steadying  when 
on  the  desired  heading,  with  the  possibility  of  the  attention  being 
diverted  and  so  of  forgetting  in  the  meantime,  as  may  happen,  that 
the  ship  is  still  swinging.  The  helmsman,  knowing  just  what  is 
desired  and  the  amount  of  the  change  to  be  made,  is  thus  enabled 
to  act  more  intelligently  and  to  avoid  bad  steering,  which  in  narrow 
channels  is  a  very  positive  source  of  danger. 

Coast  piloting  involves  the  same  principles  and  requires  that 
the  ship^s  position  be  continuously  determined  or  checked  as  the 
landmarks  are  passed.  On  well-surveyed  coasts  there  is  a  great 
advantage  in  keeping  near  the  land,^  thus  holding  on  to  the  marks 
and  the  soundings,  and  thereby  knowing  at  all  times  the  position, 
rather  than  keeping  offshore  and  losing  the  marks,  with  the  neces- 
sity of  again  making  the  land  from  vague  positions,  and  perhaps 
the  added  inconvenience  of  fog  or  bad  weather,  involving  a  serious 
loss  of  time  and  fuel. 

The  route  should  be  plaimed  for  normal  conditions  of  weather, 
with  suitable  variations  where  necessary  in  case  of  fog  or  bad 
weather  or  making  points  at  night,  the  courses  and  distances,  in 
case  of  regular  runs  over  the  same  route,  being  entered  in  a  note- 
book for  ready  reference,  as  well  as  laid  down  on  the  chart.  The 
danger  circles  for  either  the  horizontal  or  the  vertical  danger  angles 
should  be  plotted,  wherever  the  method  can  be  usefully  employed, 
and  the  angles  marked  thereon;  many  a  mile  may  thus  be  saved  in 
rounding  dangerous  points  with  no  sacrifice  in  safety.  Ranges 
should  also  be  marked  in,  where  useful  for  position  or  for  safety,  and 
also  to  use  in  checking  the  deviation  of  the  compass  by  comparing, 
in  crossing,  the  compass  bearing  of  the  range  with  its  magnetic 
bearing,  as  given  by  the  chart. 


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GENERAL  NAVIGATION.  17 

Changes  of  course  will  in  general  be  made  with  mark  or  object 
abeam,  the  position  (a  i\ew  "departure'')  being  then,  as  a  rule, 
best  and  most  easily  obtained.  The  pelorus  should  be  at  all  times 
in  readiness  for  use,  and  the  chart  where  it  may  be  readily  consulted 
by  the  officer  of  the  watch.  The  sextant  should  also  be  kept  con- 
veniently at  hand. 

A  continuous  record  of  the  progress  of  the  ship  should  be  kept 
by  the  officer  of  the  watch,  the  time  and  patent-log  reading  of  all 
changes  of  course  and  of  all  bearings,  especially  the  two  and  four 
point  bearings,  with  distance  of  object  when  abeam,  being  noted  in 
a  book  kept  in  the  pilot  house  for  this  especial  purpose.  The  ship's 
reckoning  is  thus  continuously  cared  for  as  a  matter  of  routine  and 
without  the  presence  or  particular  order  of  the  captain  or  navigating 
officer.  T^e  value  of  thus  keeping  the  reckoning  always  fresh  and 
exact  will  be  especially  appreciated  in  cases  of  sudden  fog  or  when 
making  points  at  night. 

•Where  the  coastwise  trip  must  be  made  against  a  strong  head 
wind,  it  is  desirable,  with  trustworthy  charts,  to  skirt  the  shore  as 
closely  as  possible  in  order  to  avoid  the  heavier  seas  and  adverse 
current  that  prevail  farther  out.  In  some  cases,  with  small  ships, 
a  passage  can  be  made  only  in  this  way.  The  important  saving 
of  coal  and  of  time,  which  is  even  more  precious,  thus  effected  by 
skillful  coast  piloting  makes  this  subject  one  of  prime  importance 
to  the  navigator. 

Change  in  the  variation  of  the  compass.' — ^The  gradual 
change  in  the  variation  must  not  be  forgotten  in  laying  down  on 
the  chart  courses  and  bearings.  The  magnetic  compasses  placed  on 
the  charts  for  the  piupose  of  facUitating  the  plotting  become  in 
time  slightly  in  error,  and  in  some  cases,  such  as  with  small  scales  or 
when  the  lines  are  long,  the  displacement  of  position  from  neglect  of 
this  change  may  be  of  importance.  The  date  of  the  variation  and 
the  annual  change,  as  given  on  the  compass  rose,  faciUtate  correc- 
tions when  the  change  has  been  considerable.  The  compasses  ^re 
reengraved  once  in  ten  years;  more  frequent  alterations  on  one  spot 
in  a  copperplate  would  not  be  practicable. 

The  change  in  the  variation  is  in  some  parts  of  the  world  so  rapid 
as  to  need  careful  consideration,  requiring  a  frequent  change  of  the 
course.  For  instance,  in  approaching  Halifax  from  Newfoundland 
the  variation  changes  10°  in  less  than  500  miles. 

Local  magnetic  disturbance  of  the  compass  on  board 
ship. — ^The  term  * 'local  magnetic  disturbance''  has  reference  only 
to  the  effects  on  the  compass  of  magnetic  masses  external  to  the 

1  See  H.  O.  Chart  No.  2406,  Variation  of  the  Compass. 
68850—17 2 


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18  GENEBAL  KAVIOATIOK. 

ship.  Observation  shows  that  disturbance  of  the  compass  in  a 
ship  afloat  is  experienced  in  only  a  few  places  on  the  globe. 

Magnetic  laws  do  not  permit  of  the  supposition  that  the  visible 
land  causes  such  disturbance,  because  the  effect  of  a  magnetic 
force  diminishes  so  rapidly  with  distance  that  it  would  require  a 
local  center  of  magnetic  force  of  an  amount  absolutely  unknown 
to  affect  a  compass  half  a  mile  distant. 

Such  deflections  of  the  compass  are  due  to  magnetic  minerals 
in  the  bed  of  the  sea  under  the  ship,  and  when  the  water  is  shallow 
and  the  force  strong,  the  compass  may  be  temporarily  deflected 
when  passing  over  such  a  spot;  but  the  area  of  disturbance  will  bo 
small  unless  there  are  many  centers  near  together. 

Use  of  oil  for  modiifyiiig  the  effect  of  breaking  waves. — 
Many  experiences  of  late  years  have  shown  that  the  utility  of  oil 
for  this  purpose  is  undoubted,  and  the  application  simple. 

The  foUowing  may  serve  for  the  guidance  of  seamen,  whose 
attention  is  called  to  the  fact  that  a  very  small  quantity  of  oil, 
skillfuDy  applied,  may  prevent  much  damage  both  to  ships,  espe- 
cially of  the  smaller  classes,  and  to  boats  by  modifying  the  action 
of  breaking  seas. 

The  principal  facts  as  to  the  use  of  oil  are  as  follows: 

1.  On  free  waves,  i.  e.,  waves  in  deep  water,  the  effect  is  greatest. 

2.  In  a  surf,  or  waves  breaking  on  a  bar,  where  a  mass  of  liquid  is 
in  actual  motion  in  shallow  water,  the  effect  of  the  oil  is  uncertain, 
as  nothing  can  prevent  the  larger  waves  from  breaking  under  such 
circumstances;  but  even  here  it  is  of  some  service. 

3.  The  heaviest  and  thickest  oils  are  most  effectual.  Refined 
kerosene  is  of  little  use;  crude  petroleum  is  serviceable  when  no  other 
oil  is  obtainable,  or  it  may  be  mixed  with  other  oils;  all  animal  and 
vegetable  oik,  such  as  waste  oil  from  the  engines,  have  great  effect. 

4.  In  cold  water,  the  oil,  being  thickened  by  the  low  temperature 
and  not  being  able  to  spread  freely,  will  have  its  effect  much  reduced, 
a  rapid-spreading  oil  should  be  used. 

5.  A  small  quantity  of  oil  suffices,  if  applied  in  such  a  manner 
as  to  spread  to  windward. 

6.  It  is  useful  in  a  ship  or  boat  either  when  running,  or  lying-to, 
or  in  wearing. 

7.  When  lowering  and  hoisting  boats  in  a  heavy  sea  the  use  of  oil 
has  been  found  greatly  to  facilitate  the  operation. 

8.  For  a  ship  at  sea  the  best  method  of  application  appears  to  be 
to  hang  over  the  side,  in  such  a  manner  as  to  be  in  the  water,  small 
canvas  bags,  capable  of  holding  from  1  to  2  gallons  of  oil,  the  bags 
being  pricked  with  a  sail  needle  to  permit  leakage.  The  waste  pipes 
forward  are  also  very  useful  for  this  purpose. 


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GENERAL  NAVIGATION.  19 

9.  Crossing  a  bar  with  a  flood  tide,  to  pour  oil  overboard  and 
allow  it  to  float  in  ahead  of  the  boat,  which  would  follow  with  a 
bag  towing  astern,  would  appear  to  be  the  best  plan. 

On  a  bar,  with  the  ebb  tide  running,  it  would  seem  to  be  useless 
to  try  oil  for  the  purpose  of  entering. 

10.  For  boarding  a  wreck,  it  is  recommended  to  pour  oil  over- 
board to  windward  of  her  before  going  alongside,  bearing  in  mind 
that  her  natural  tendency  is  always  to  forge  ahead.  If  she  is  aground 
the  effect  of  oU  wiU  depend  upon  attending  circimistances. 

11.  For  a  boat  riding  in  bad  weather  to  a  sea  anchor,  it  is 
recommended  to  fasten  the  bag  to  an  endless  line  rove  through  a 
block  on  the  sea  anchor,  by  which  means  the  oil  can  be  diffused  well 
ahead  of  the  boat,  and  the  bag  readily  hauled  on  board  for  refilling, 
if  necessary. 


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CHAPTER  I. 


GENERAL  REMARKS— COMMUNICATIONS— WINDS  AND  WEATHER 
—CURRENTS— TIDAL  STREAMS  —  LIGHTS  —  PILOTAGE  —  BUOY- 
AGE—PORT REGULATIONS  — SEMAPHORES  — WEATHER  AND 
STORM  SIGNALS— COAL  SUPPLY— NAVAL  ESTABLISHMENTS- 
DOCKS  —  FISHING  VESSELS'  LIGHTS  —  TUNNY  FISHERIES  — 
ROUTES. 

Note. — This  chapter  sIkmiUI  Ik*  read  In  (MHine<'thiii  with  Cliapter  I  of  H.  O. 
No.  151  Meillterrauean  Pilot,  Volume  I,  which  contalus  a  descriptiou  of  the 
winds  and  weather  in  a  portion  of  the  western  basin  of  the  Me<ll terra nean, 
together  with  other  remarks  common  to  the  whole  of  that  sea.  and  which  are 
of  jn-eat  importance  to  the  navigator. 

General  remarks. — The  portion  of  the  Mediterranean  Sea  de- 
scribed in  this  vohime,  comprises  the  south  coast  of  France  from 
Cape  Cerbere,  and  the  west  coast  of  Italy  to  Cape  Spartivento, 
inchiding  Messina  Strait;  the  Islands  of  Sardinia,  Corsica,  the 
Tuscan  Archipelago,  the  Islands  of  Sicily,  Lipari  or  ^Eeolian  Is- 
hinds,  Maltese  Islands  and  the  .Kgadean  Isles. 

The  limits  and  distinctive  features  of  the  areas  embraced  in  this 
publication,  with  the  productions  of  the  countries,  will  be  found  in 
detail  on  the  following  pages  in  this  chapter. 

The  south  coast  of  France,  between  Capes  Cerbere  and  Martin, 
is  about  400  miles  in  extent,  and  forms  the  seaboard  of  the  three 
ancient  Provinces  of  Rouissilon,  Languedoc,  aad  Prover.ce,  and  now 
subdivided  into  seven  departments,  as  follows:  Pyrenees,  Orientales, 
Aude,  Herault,  Gard,  Bouches  du  Ehone,  Var,  and  Alpes  Maritimes. 

Deeply  indented  by  the  (iulf  of  Lyons,  and  broken  by  many  smaller 
gulfs  and  bays,  the  coast  presents  a  great  variety  of  feature — be- 
tween Port  Vendres  and  Marseille  the  land  is  low  and  marshy,  with 
a  low  sandy  beach  inclosing  numerous  etangs  or  salt  lagoons;  east- 
ward of  Marseille  the  shore  l^ecomes  bold  and  rocky,  rising  in  pre- 
cipitous headlands.  Within  the  last  few  centuries  considerable 
accessions  of  land,  caused  by  alluvial  deposit,  have  taken  place,  par- 
ticularly near  the  mouths  of  the  Rhone. 

The  coast  is  generally  clear  of  danger  and  may  be  approached  in 
most  places  within  1  mile;  safe  and  commodious  harbors,  and  well- 
sheltered  anchorages  are  numerous;  amongst  the  former,  Marseille, 
Toulon,  Vendres,  Cette,  Antibes,  and  Villefranche  are  the  principal. 

The  principal  rivers  are  the  Khone,  Tet,  Aude,  Herault,  and  Var; 
they  are,  however,  navigable  only  for  vessels  of  the  smallest  class. 

21 
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22  GENERAL   REMARKS. 

The  greatest  elevations  near  the  coast  are  the  Puig  de  Saillfore 
(on  the  eastern  fall  of  the  Pyrenees  and  on  the  boundary  between 
Spain  and  France),  2,605  feet  in  height;  Montagne  de  Saint  Cyr, 
or  Carpiagne  (near  Marseille),  2,119  feet;  Le  Coudon  and  Mont 
des  Pomets  or  de  Caumes  (near  Toulon),  2,284  and  2,612  feet,  re- 
spectively; and  Mount  Montagne  Saint  Pierre  (in  the  department 
of  Var),  1,362  feet  high. 

The  commerce  of  this  part  of  France  is  very  considerable;  the 
chief  exports  are  wines  and  spirits,  silk,  sugar,  soap,  cork,  salt,  wheat, 
and  flour.  The  vine,  orange,  citron,  olive,  fig,  pomegranate,  and  mul- 
berry are  largely  cultivated.  There  are  fisheries  of  anchovy,  sardine, 
and  tunny. 

The  climate  of  the  south  of  France  is  very  variable ;  the-summer 
is  excessively  hot,  and  the  country  appears  scorched  by  the  intense 
heat;  the  sky  assumes  a  copper  tint  which  overspreads  everything 
with  a  lurid  glare,  the  air  is  loaded  with  dust,  and  the  hills  present 
the  appearance  of  bare  masses  of  rock,  being  destitute  of  any  cover- 
ing of  vegetation  or  soil.  Frequently  no  rain  falls  in  June,  July,  or 
August,  and  the  usual  amount  during  those  months  is  very  small. 
The  great  heat  occurs  between  the  middle  of  July  and  the  end  of 
September,  yet  in  summer  scorching  heat  alternates  with  piercing 
cold,  the  mistral  or  northwest  wind  being  the  cause  of  this  sud- 
den change.  The  mistral,  which  prevails  chiefly  in  winter  and 
spring  is  a  most  violent,  bitterly  cold,  and  dry  wind,  filling  the  atmos- 
phere with  a  yellow  haze.  In  winter  (December  to  February),  how- 
ever, the  weather  is  very  fine,  excepting  when  the  mistral  is  blowing. 

Italy  (Italia)  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  the  Alps,  on  the  east  by 
the  Adriatic,  and  on  the  west  and  south  by  the  Mediterranean;  the 
greater  portion  of  it  is  a  large  peninsula  extending  about  500  miles  in 
a  southeast  direction,  and  varying  in  breadth  from  70  to  150  miles; 
its  southern  extremity  is  deeply  indented  by  the  Gulf  of  Taranto, 
giving  its  configuration  the  peculiar  appearance  familarly  known  as 
"  the  boot,"  across  which  it  is  180  miles  wide. 

The  Kingdom  of  Italy  includes  Sicily  and  Sardinia  (two  of  the 
largest  and  most  important  islands  in  the  Meditarranean)  the  Tus- 
can Archipelago,  the  Lipari  Islands,  and  several  smaller  groups 
comprising  a  total  area  of  110,059  square  miles.  The  population 
in  the  year  1914  was  35,597,784. 

Italy,  proverbial  for  its  beauty,  its  richness  and  capabilities,  was 
consolidated  under  one  Government  in  the  year  1870. 

The  west  coast  of  Italy,  southward  of  the  Gulf  of  Genoa,  and  as  far 
as  the  Neapolitan  division,  is  in  general  low  and  sandy,  fronting  a 
«onsiderable  extent  of  marsh  and  swamp,  the  country  round  which 
is  thickly  wooded,  especially  near  the  mouths  of  the  Amo  and 
Tiber.    It  is  indented  by  many  bays  or  gulfs,  which  are  bounded  by 

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GENERAL   REMARKS.  23 

prominent  and  elevated  headlands,  the  most  western  being  that  of 
Piombino.  The  principal  gulfs  are  Genoa,  (Jaeta,  Naples,  Salerno, 
Policastro,  Eufemia,  Gioja,  Squillace,  and  Taranto,  the  latter  being 
by  far  the  most  extensive. 

The  principal  rivers  are  the  Arno,  Cicina,  Ombrone,  Tiber,  Garig- 
liano,  Voltumo,  and  the  Brodano  flowing  into  the  Gulf  of  Taranto 
upon  the  south ;  the  estuaries  of  these  rivers,  with  the  exception  of 
the  Tiber,  are  shallow  and  admit  only  the  smallest  class  of  coasting 
vessels. 

The  peninsula  is  traversed  by  the  Appenine  range,  which  to  the 
southward  approaches  within  a  short  distance  of  the  Calabrian  coast ; 
Monte  Como,  its  highest  peak,  situated  eastward  of  Rome,  is  10,206 
feet  above  the  sea,  and  has  snow  lying  on  it  for  nine  months  in  the 
year.  The  greatest  elevations  within  six  miles  of  the  coast  are  Mount 
Carmo  or  Calvo,  upon  the  west  side  of  the  Gulf  of  Genoa,  4,557  feet 
in  height;  Altissima,  near  Spezia,  5,213  feet;  Petrella,  near  Gaeta, 
5,034  feet;  Vesuvius,  4,206  feet;  Cocuzzo,  near  Belmonte  (Calabria), 
5,620  feet;  and  Monte  Alto,  near  Reggio,  4578  feet.  The  country 
round  Naples  and  to  the  southward  is  a  vast  volcanic  region,  Vesu- 
vius being  the  only  active  volcano  on  the  mainland ;  there  are,  however, 
three  others  upon  the  islands  at  distances  of  from  180  to  130  miles, 
viz.,  JEtna  in  Sicily,  and  Stromboli  and  Vulcano  in  the  Lipari  group. 

Considerable  changes  in  the  levels  of  the  Italian  coast  are  traceable 
as  resulting  from  volcanic  agency,  and  the  shores  have  been  greatly 
extended  by  accumulations  of  alluvial  deposit,  chiefly  in  the  neigh- 
bourhood of  the  Tiber.  Although  generally  low,  the  coast  is  bold 
and  safe  for  navigation,  as,  except  off  leghorn,  the  bay  southward 
of  Cape  Linaro,  and  off  Licosa  Point,  a  depth  of  5  fathoms  will  be 
f oimd  at  1  mile  from  the  shore. 

Ports. — The  chief  ports  and  anchorages  are  Savona,  Genoa, 
Spezia,  Leghorn,  Civita  Vecchia,  Gaeta,  Naples,  and  Taranto  on  the 
mainland,  and  Ferrajo  in  Elba.  There  are  arsenals  and  naval  depots 
at  all  these  places  except  Savona,  but  there  are  large  ironworks, 
where  armor  plates  and  steel  rails  are  manufactured.  The  iron  in- 
dustry on  the  coast  from  Savona  and  Spezia  has  very  much  devel- 
oped of  late  years  and  is  now  as  preeminently  the  most  important 
industry  of  the  district  as  shipbuilding  was  in  the  days  of  wooden 
vessels  some  45  years  ago.  At  Leghorn  there  are  large  iron  rolling 
mills. 

Products. — The  country  is  highly  productive,  abounding  in  much 
mineral  wealth,  especially  iron  and  lead ;  there  are  numerous  mineral 
and  thermal  springs,  and  the  white  marble  quarries  of  Carrara 
are  famous.  The  forests  produce  a  variety  of  timber,  including  the 
chestnut,  which  affords  also  an  important  article  of  food ;  the  vine, 
olive,  orange,  lemon,  almond,  fig,  date,  melon,  and  mulberry  are  very 


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24  GENERAL   REMARKS. 

extensively  cultivated,  the  latter  chiefly  for  the  i-earing  of  silk- 
worms. In  the  rivers  and  on  the  coast  an  abundance  of  fish  are 
caught,  the  anchovy,  sardine,  and  tunny  fisheries  employing  in  the 
season  a  large  number  of  men.    Sponges  and  coral  are  also  produced. 

Climate. — As  regards  climate,  Italy  may  be  divided  into  four 
regions — ^the  northeni,  eastern,  western,  and  southern.  The  first, 
coinciding  with  the  valley  of  the  Po,  has  a  shoi-t.  warm  summer,  and 
large  daily  ranges  of  temperature.  Places  situated  on  the  Alpine 
slope  have  a  mild  winter  relatively  to  their  elevation  and  to  those 
lying  along  the  axis  of  the  valley.  Toward  the  Adriatic  both  the 
annual  mean  and  the  winter  meaa  increase.  Very  low  temperatures 
have  been  recorded  at  Padua,  Milan,  Turin,  and  Alessandria,  and 
the  annual  range  from  the  greatest  heat  at  Milan  (90.5°)  to  the 
greatest  cold  at  Alessandria  (0.1°)  marks  the  climate  as  distinctly 
continental. 

Central  Italy  is  divided  by  the  Apennines  into  two  great  parts, 
the  eastern  and  western.  The  extremes  of  temperature  diminish 
toward  the  south,  and  the  temperature  rises  on  both  slopes  toward 
the  sea.  On  the  eastern  slope  the  mean  annual  temperature  does  not 
exceed  57°.  and  the  absolute  range  is  only  03°.  In  the  western  zone 
the  annual  mean  is  57.7°  and  the  range  01°. 

Calabria,  the  Basilicata,  Apulia,  Sicily,  and  Sardinia  form  the  last 
division,  in  which  the  annual  mean  varies  from  61°  to  64°,  and  the 
difference  between  summer  and  winter  is  only  25°.  The  higher  mean 
in  this  zone  is  due  to  the  greater  warm  in  January,  February,  March, 
November,  and  December,  and  therefore  it  does  not  appear  that  the 
summer  heat  increases  in  Italy  toward  the  south.  August  is  warmer 
than  July  in  this  southern  region. 

A  comparison  of  recent  records  with  those  referring  to  the  early 
years  of  the  century  shows  that  the  climate  has  undergone  no  marked 
change. 

In  the  Alpine  region,  particularly  in  the  valley  of  the  Po  and  the 
larger  valleys  of  the  Apennines  in  central  Italy,  there  are  two  maxi- 
mums and  two  minimunis  of  nebulosity.  The  maximums  occur  in 
spring  and  autumn,  that  of  autumn  being  the  highest.  The  low<»st 
minimum  occurs  in  summer.  The  average  number  of  clear  days  is 
above  150  in  Venice,  Pavia,  and  Ancona.  and  less  than  1*20  in  Turin, 
Moncalieri,  Alessandria,  Urbino,  Leghorn,  Siena,  and  Perugia. 

In  distribution  of  precipitation  upper  Italy  differs  from  central, 
and  still  more  froui  southern  Italy.  In  the  south  tliere  are  two 
seasons,  a  wet  and  a  dry,  whereas  north  Italy  has  two  maximums  and 
two  niinimums,  the  rain  falling  abundantly  and  being  accompanied 
by  storms,  especially  in  May  and  June.  The  Provinces  of  Udine  and 
Belluno  are  especially  rainy,  the  fall  amounting  to  alx)ut  00  inches  in 
the  year.    (Jenoa  and  the  Province  of  Vicenza  follow,  while  the  (^api- 


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<iE^'ERAI.   REMARKS.  25 

tanata,  the  Salentine  Peninsula,  and  Sardinia  are  the  driest  pails  of 
the  kingdom.  F'or  the  rest,  the  distribution  of  rain  is  so  irregular 
that  the  amount  received  by  adjacent  places  may  differ  considerably. 

In  summer  Italy  is  not  affected,  directly  or  indirectly,  by  the 
cyclones  of  the  Atlantic,  and  the  numerous  storms  are  due  to  local 
winds.  In  spring  and  autumn  also,  though  the  great  cyclones  pass 
from  west  to  east  at  lower  latitudes,  they  seldom  impinge  directly  on 
Italy,  but  the  danger  from  secondary  disturbances  is  greater  when 
anticyclones  bar  the  passage  of  a  cyclone  to  the  east  or  when  great 
bai'ometrical  depressions  lie  over  the  land  or  seas  of  Italy.  The 
storms  of  winter  sometimes,  and  these  the  most  violent,  pass  south- 
ward from  the  Brittish  Isles,  impinging  on  the  Alps  between  Mont 
Blanc  and  the  Maloja  Pass;  others  descend  from  the  Baltic;  others, 
again,  reach  the  western  coast  from  the  gidf  of  Gascony  and  Spain, 
while  storms  from  the  Strait  of  (iibraltar  visit  the  southern  parts  of 
Italy. 

Trade. — In  1914  there  were  11,105  miles  of  railroads  open  and 
3-2,t>52  miles  of  telegraph  line.  The  chief  impoi-ts  were  cotton,  spirits, 
colors  and  dyeing  materials,  hemp,  flax,  jute,  wool,  silk  (raw  and 
manufactured),  wood,  hides,  minerals,  metals,  stones,  earth,  coal, 
pottery,  cereals,  animals  and  their  products,  paper,  books,  carbonate 
of  sodium,  cheese,  coffee,  salt,  gutta-percha,  horses,  leather,  machin- 
ery, medicines,  oils,  nitrate  of  soda,  nonoleaginous  seeds,  instru- 
ments, potash,  sulphate  of  copper,  chemical  products,  colonial  prod- 
uce, agricultural  machinery,  railway  rolling  stock,  iron  (scrap  and 
pig),  steel,  petroleum,  oleaginous  seeds,  salt  fish,  etc.  The  expoits 
consisted  of  wine,  olive  oil,  raw  silk,  acids,  straw  hats,  paper,  hemp, 
rice  (refined),  coral,  cotton  tissues,  hides,  cattle,  agricultural  prod- 
ucts, minor  cereals,  fish,  dried  fruits,  pigs,  poultry,  cheese,  butter, 
eggs,  minerals,  marble,  zinc  ore,  sulphur,  glassware,  artistic 
works,  etc. 

Corsica  (ancient  Cyrnos),  belonging  to  P^rance,  is  about  100  miles 
in  length  north-northeast  and  south-southwest,  45  miles  in  extreme 
breadth,  of  an  irregular  but  somewhat  oval  figure,  tapering  to  the 
northward  and  forming  a  promontory  nearly  20  miles  in  length;  the 
area  of  Corsica  is  3,377  square  miles,  within  a  coast  line  of  338  miles. 
Its  northern  extremity  is  about  9*2  miles  to  the  southeastwanl  of  Cape 
Martin,  in  France,  and  45  miles  from  the  coast  of  Italy  eastward, 
the  sea  separating  it  from  the  Gulf  of  Genoa  is  known  as  the  Gulf  of 
Liguria.  The  southern  extremity  of  Corsica  is  about  6  miles  from 
Sardinia,  from  which  island  it  is  separated  by  the  Strait  of  Boni- 
facio. The  eastern  coast  of  the  island  is  formed  for  the  most  part 
of  a  fine  alluvial  plain,  bordered  near  the  beach  by  a  line  of  stagnant 
waters,  which  are  hotbeds  of  malaria  in  summer;  the  western  shores 
are  lofty   (the  mountains  descending  abruptly  to  the  sea)   and  in- 


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26  GENERAL   REMARKS. 

dented,  several  extensive  bays  affording  good  roadsteads  and  secure 
harbors  for  coasting  vessels. 

A  chain  of  granitic  mountains  traverse  it  from  north  to  south,  the 
highest  summits  of  which  are  Monte  Cinto  8,898  feet  Monte  Rotondo 
8,626  feet,  and  Monte  de  Oro  (the  Mons  Aureus  of  Ptolemy)  8,695 
feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea,  covered  with  snow  nearly  the  whole 
year,  and  in  clear  weather  seen  from  a  distance  of  from  60  to  90  miles. 
The  declivities  of  the  central  chain  are  steep,  with  numerous  clefts 
and  gorges;  valleys  are  few,  excepting  in  the  lower  hill  ranges,  and 
even  there  they  are  narrower.  There  are  no  navigable  rivers;  the 
principal  streams  are  the  Golo  and  Tavignano  on  the  east,  and  the 
Taravo,  and  Tavaria  or  Valinco  on  the  west.  The  east  coast  is  bor- 
dered in  many  parts  by  low  plains;  rivers  can  only  force  their  way 
through  with  difficulty,  thus  forming  marshes  and  lagoons,  which 
are  hotbeds  of  malarial  fever  in  summer,  obliging  the  natives  to 
migrate  to  the  hills  during  that  season. 

A  large  extent  of  the  country  is  covered  with  brushwood,  but  the 
forests  are  remarkably  fine,  and  abound  with  timber  of  the  best 
qualities,  among  which  are  the  birch,  oak,  pine,  ilex,  cork,  and  chest- 
nut. There  are  both  chalybeate  and  sulphur  springs,  the  waters  from 
the  former  being  largely  exported.  Game  is  abundant  in  some  places 
and  include  wild  duck,  plover,  partridges,  quail,  woodcock,  and  snipe ; 
the  red  deer  and  wild  sheep  (moufflon)  still  exist  in  small  numbers; 
trout  are  to  be  found  in  the  streams  and  in  the  pools  in  the  interior. 
There  is  a  close  season. 

The  chief  branch  of  industry  is  the  rearing  of  live  stock,  such  as 
horses  and  goats.  The  corsican  horse  is  small,  hardy,  willing,  and 
swift.  Owing  to  the  absence  of  meadows  the  goat  takes  the  place  of 
the  cow.  Goat's  milk,  butter,  and  cheese  are  abundant.  Much  time  is 
devoted  to  general  agriculture.  The  products  are  timber,  honey,  olive 
oil,  and  fruits;  fish  are  caught  along  the  coast,  but  principally  by 
Italians.  Minerals  of  various  kinds  exist,  including  lead,  silver,  cop- 
per, and  antimony,  but  with  the  exception  of  the  antimony  and  cop- 
per mines  near  Bastia  the  others  are  not  worked.  There  is  an  inex- 
haustible amount  of  granite,  porphyry,  serpentine,  and  marbles.  As- 
bestos is  produced,  of  excellent  quality,  coral  is  procured  off  the  west 
<;oast  and  sponges  off  the  east  coast  of  the  island.  Coarse  woolens, 
hardware,  and  leather  are  manufactured. 

The  principal  articles  of  import  to  Corsica  consist  of  spirits,  coal, 
timber,  glass  and  earthen  ware,  forage,  building  materials,  hardware, 
potatoes,  textiles,  sugar,  etc.;  and  of  exports,  wine,  mineral  water, 
timber,  charcoal,  antimony  and  copper  ores,  citrons,  fruits,  chestnuts, 
bark  for  tanning,  gallic  acid,  cork,  etc. 

There  are  railroads  into  the  interior  from  the  towns  of  Bastia, 
Ajaccio,  Calvi,  and  He  Rousse;  also  along  the  east  coast  of  the  island 


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GENERAL   REMARKS.  27 

from  Casamozza  to  Ghisonaccia,  and  the  island  roads  are  excellent. 
Telegraph  cables  are  laid  to  Nice,  Leghorn,  and  Toulon. 

Mineral  springs. — Corsica  is  exceptionally  rich  in  mineral 
^rings,  the  most  important  of  these  being  at  Orezza,  whose  waters 
are  more  impregnated  with  iron  than  any  other  similar  spring  in 
Europe.  Pietrapola,  with  its  hot  sulphur  springs,  is  an  excellent 
place  for  rheumatic  cases.  Other  very  effective  springs  are  Puzzi- 
chello,  Guagno,  Caldane,  Guitera,  Pardina,  etc. 

Climate. — The  climate,  which  has  the  characteristic  of  being  very 
uniform  and  clear,  has  many  therapeutic  qualities,  being  tonic  and 
sedative. 

There  are  three  distinct  climates  in  Corsica — 

(a)  That  of  the  coast  and  plain,  extending  from  the  seashore  to 
an  altitude  of  300  feet,  which  is  a  winter  climate — hot  like  the  paral- 
lel coasts  of  Italy  and  Spain. 

(b)  A  mountain  and  sea  air  combined,  from  300  to  1,800  feet;  this 
is  also  a  winter  climate. 

(c)  A  mountain  climate,  from  1,800  to  4,500  feet,  which  is  a  sum- 
mer one. 

In  April  and  May  the  weather  is  pleasant,  and  this  is  the  most 
pleasant  time  for  traveling.  In  June,  though  the  sim  is  hot,  the 
air  is  agreeable  and  invigorating,  but  from  the  end  of  June  to  the 
end  of  September  the  island  should  be  avoided  on  account  of  the 
malaria.  The  average  annual  rainfall  is  not  more  than  23  inches 
at  Ajaccio.    Long  droughts  prevail  in  summer. 

Ports. — There  are  sixteen  commercial  ports,  the  most  important 
being  Bastia,  followed  by  Ajaccio,  Propriano,  Bonifacio,  He  Rousse, 
Calvi,  St.  Florent,  Centuri,  Macinaggio,  etc. 

Population. — In  1911  the  population  numbered  288,820,  includ- 
ing 12,000  foreigners,  mostly  Italians. 

TUSCAN  ABGHIPELAGO. 

The  Tuscan  Archipelago  belongs  to  the  kingdom  of  Italy,  and 
consists  of  eight  islands  and  two  groups  of  rocks,  with  deep  and 
safe  channels  between  them;  they  are  situated  between  the  north 
part  of  Corsica  and  the  west  coast  of  Italy.  The  group  forms  the 
figure  of  a  parallelogram,  the  western  side  of  which  comprises  the 
islands  of  Capraia,  Pianosa  and  Monte  Cristo,  and  the  Africa  Rock; 
the  channel  between  them  and  Corsica  is  from  15  to  22  miles  wide; 
the  eastern  side  comprises  the  islands  of  Elba,  Palmajola,  Cerboli, 
Giglio  and  Giannutri,  and  the  Formiche  de  Grosseto  Eocks,  all  being 
5  to  8  miles  from  the  coast  of  Italy. 

SABDINIA. 
Sardinia   (Ital.  Sardegna)   is  the  second  largest  island  in  the 
Mediterranean  and  second  only  in  importance  to  Sicily;  it  is  of 


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28  GENERAL  REMARKS. 

oblong  form,  extending  for  147  miles  in  a  north-northeast  and  south- 
southwest  direction,  with  breadths  varying  from  55  to  80  miles.  It 
lies  southward  of  Corsica,  with  the  Strait  of  Bonifacio  (yi  miles  in 
width  between  and,  with  its  adjacent  islands,  108  miles  in  circuit, 
has  a  coast  line  of  726  miles  and  an  area  of  9,187  square  miles. 

The  early  history  of  Saixiinia  is  entirely  unknown.  It  was  con- 
quered by  Caithage  about  500-480  B.  C.  In  238  B.  CI  the  island  was 
handed  over  to  the  Romans  and  was  governed  by  them  in  conjunc- 
tion with  Corsica.  Little  was  heard  of  the  island  under  the  Roman 
Empire,  except  as  a  gi-anary,  and  as  remarkable  for  its  unhealthi- 
ness  and  the  audacity  of  its  brigands.  After  the  Romans,  the  island 
passed  into  the  hands  of  the  Vandals,  and  on  the  fall  of  the  Vandal 
Kingdom  in  534  it  passed  to  the  Byzantine  Empire  and  remained 
nominally  under  Byzantium  until  the  tenth  century.  From  720  to 
1022  the  island  was  frequently  raided  by  the  Saracens,  but  in  the 
latter  year  they  Avere  finally  driven  out  by  the  Pisans  and  Genoese, 
the  island  becoming  Pisan.  In  1320  the  Pisans  were  driven  out,  and 
it  became  a  province  of  Aragon.  The  island  remained  a  Spanish 
province  until  the  war  of  the  Spanish  succession,  when  in  170H 
Cagliari  capitulated  to  an  English  fleet,  and  the  island  became  Aus- 
trian. In  1720  Sardinia  passed  to  the  Dukes  of  Savoy  in  exchange 
for  Sicily,  and  in  1840  it  was  merged  into  the  Kingdom  of  Italy,  com- 
plete political  union  with  Piedmont  was  granted,  and  the  vice  regal 
(lovernment  suppressed. 

A  large  proportion  of  the  surface  is  hilly  or  mountainous;  the  prin- 
cipal range  runs  north  and  south  at  no  great  distance  from  the  east 
coast,  but  the  land  is  of  considerable  elevation  in  other  directions. 
The  highest  peak  is  Monte  del  (lennargentu,  which,  near  the  middle 
of  the  island,  rises  6,130  feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea.  while  that  of 
Limbara,  to  the  north,  is  4,330  feet:  upon  these  the  snow  lies  for  six 
and  seven  months  in  the  year. 

There  are  several  extensive  and  elevated  plains,  the  principal  being 
those  of  Ozieri  and  Sassari  in  the  north,  that  watered  by  the  Tirso,  in 
the  center,  and  the  Campidano  di  San  (Javido,  between  the  Gulfs  of 
Crista  no  and  Cagliari,  in  the  southeast. 

The  most  considerable  streams  are  the  Tirso  or  Tirsi,  and  Bosa 
on  the  west:  the  Coghinas  on  the  northwest;  the  Flumendosa  on  the 
southwest:  and  the  Samassi  or  Mannu  on  the  south;  there  are  also 
numerous  small  streams.  Around  the  coast  are  some  lagoons,  and 
several  bays,  as  those  of  Cagliari  and  Palmas  on  the  south:  Oristano 
on  the  west:  Asinara  on  the  north:  Sassari  and  Orosei  on  Uie  east. 

The  northeast  and  southwest  coasts  are  of  very  irregular  outline, 
islands  and  rocks  lying  a  short  distance  off,  between  which  and  the 
coast  (especially  (m  the  northeast)  are  many  excellent  anchorages 
protected  from  all  winds,  and  adapted  for  all  classes  of  vessels. 


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GENERAL   REMARKS.  29 

It  is  divided  into  two  provinces,  Ca^liari  in  tlie  south  and  Sassari 
in  the  north,  these  being  subdivided  into  nine  districts,  viz. :  Cagliari 
Iglesias,  Lanusei,  Oristano,  Sassari,  Alghero,  Nuoro,  Ozieri,  and 
Tempio,  and  is  governed  by  a  prefetto,  who  resides  at  Cagliari. 
Italian  is  the  language  of  the  educated  clasB,  but  that  generally 
spoken  is  Sarde,  a  mixture  of  Latin,  Spanish,  and  Italian. 

G«olo£7« — Th*  island  is  composed  mainly  of  granite  and  other 
crystalline  rocks;  granite  being  estimated  to  cover  half  of  the  entire 
surface.  In  the  western  part  of  the  island  the  crystalline  rocks  are 
principally  porphyritic  in  structure;  there  are  deposits  of  Silurian 
and  Cretaceous  times,  but  the  sedimentary  deposits  are  comparatively 
unimportant. 

Minerals* — The  southern  portion  of  Sardinia  is,  as  regards  min- 
eral wealth,  the  richest  province  of  Italy;  they  are  chiefly  sulphates 
of  lead,  sulphates  and  silicates  of  zinc,  iron  pyrites,  sulphates  of  iron 
and  copper,  of  antimony,  arsenic,  besides  cobalt,  nickel,  and  silver. 

Flora  and  fauna. — ^Many  of  the  mountains  w^ere  formerly  cov- 
ered, from  base  to  summit,  with  dense  forests  of  oaks,  cork  trees, 
chestnuts,  beeches,  larches,  and  pines,  but  these  forests  have  been 
largely  destroyed  by  the  trees  being  burnt  for  charcoal  and  potash. 

Among  the  wild  animals,  that  known  as  the  musimon,  or  Euro- 
l>ean  mufflon,  is  the  most  interesting,  and  of  noxious  animals  are  the 
scorpion  and  the  tarantula. 

The  lagoons,  near  the  coast,  aboimd  in  nudlets,  eels,  mussels,  and 
crabs,  and  the  sea  fish  are  the  tunny,  anchovy,  and  the  sardine. 

Population.— In  1914  the  population  was  870,077. 

Products. — The  most  fertile  plains  are  in  the  southern  part  of 
the  island,  and  produce  wheat,  barley,  beans,  etc.,  large  quantities 
of  the  first  named  being  grown. 

Palms  and  groves  of  olive  trees  are  found  in  the  forest.  Vines, 
orange,  lemon,  citron,  fig,  pomegranate,  and  the  ordinary  fniit  trees 
of  Europe,  are  abundant,  and  are  found  side  by  side  with  those  of 
North  Africa;  flax,  linseed,  hemp,  and  barilla  are  grown. 

The  production  of  wine  is  very  large,  the  manufacture  of  tobacco 
has  considerably  developed,  and  salt  is  produced  in  great  quantity. 

Tunny  and  coral  fishing  are  also  carried  out. 

Trade. — The  exports,  principally  consisting  of  minerals  and 
manufactures  of  metals,  wines,  live  animals  and  animal  produce, 
hides  and  furriery,  cereals  and  vegetable  products,  spirits,  tobacco 
and  oils.    The  imports,  cereals,  groceries,  cotton,  etc. 

Ports. — The  principal  ports  are  Cagliari,  on  the  south  coast, 
Porto  Torres  and  Forte  on  the  west  coast,  Terranova  on  the  east 
coast,  and  Maddalena  on  the  north  coast. 

Comniunication — Steamers. — By  the  steamers  of  the  Xavi- 
gazione  Generale  Italiana  there  is  daily  communication  (often  in- 
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30  GENERAL   REMARKS. 

terrupted  in  bad  weather)  with  Civita  Vecchia  from  (xolfo  degli 
Aranci ;  there  is  weekly  communication  with  Leghorn,  (Jenoa,  Naples. 
Palermo,  and  Tunis,  and  with  Porto  Torres,  calling  at  the  inter- 
mediate ports  of  the  island.  There  is  also  a  weekly  French  serv  ice 
between  Porto  Torres  and  Ajaccio,  in  Corsica. 

Bailroads. — The  main  line  of  railroad  is  from  Cagliari  north- 
ward to  Aranci,  a  distance  of  190^  miles,  and  at  Decimo-Mannu,  10 
miles  from  Cagliari,  a  branch  runs  to  Iglesias  and  Porto  Vesme  on 
the  southwest  coast;  further  north  on  the  main  line,  at  San  Gavino, 
a  mineral  railway  runs  to  Monte  Vecchio.  At  Macomer,  96  miles 
from  Cagliari,  branch  lines  run  to  Bosa  on  the  west  coast,  and  to  the 
eastward  to  Nuoro.  Alghero  and  Porto  Torres,  on  the  west  coast, 
are  connected  with  Sassari,  and  thence  join  the  main  line  at  Chili- 
vani,  and  at  Monti,  28  miles  from  Aranci,  there  is  a  sliort  branch 
line  to  Tempio. 

Cagliari  has  also  railroad  communication,  by  narrow  gauge,  with 
Tortoli  on  the  east  coast,  and  on  this  line  there  is  a  branch  at  Mandas 
to  Sorgono,  almost  in  the  center  of  the  island. 

Telegraph. — Two  submarine  telegraph  cables,  connected  by  land 
wire  with  Terranova,  are  laid  between  the  northeast  coast  of  Sardinia 
and  the  west  coast  of  Italy. 

Badio. — Radio  stations  have  been  established  at  Capo  Sperone 
and  at  Isola  Chiesa  (Maddalena),  which  are  always  open;  and  one 
at  Castiadas,  which  is.  open  to  the  general  public  from  sunrise  to 
sunset. 

Submarine  vessels — Caution. — Mariners  are  cautioned  that 
exercises  with  submarines  are  being  carried  out  daily  in  the  ap- 
proaches to  Maddalena,  at  Baia  degli  Aranci,  and  in  adjacent  areas. 

Time. — Mid-European  time,  or  one  hour  fast  of  Greenwich  mean 
time,  is  kept. 

Money — ^Measures — ^Weights. — See  Sicily,  page  M. 

Climate. — The  climate  is  similar  to  that  of  the  rest  of  the  Medi- 
terranean region:  autumn,  prolonged  into  December,  is  the  most 
agreeable  season,  and  winter  is  rainy.  The  intemperie,  which  differs 
from  the  malaria  of  Italy,  is  being  pernicious  at  all  times  wherever 
it  aboiuids,  attacks  even  strangers  landing  for  a  few^  hours,  and  the 
cool  air  of  evening  or  night  should  be  especially  avoided  by  them. 

The  natives  also  avoid  the  extreme  heat  of  the  day  on  account  of 
sunstroke,  and  attribute  its  frequency  and  fatal  effects  to  the  malig- 
nity of  the  intemperie,  to  the  sun  becoming  suddenly  overcast,  or  to 
moving  abruptly  from  the  sunshine  to  the  shade. 

Inhabitants,  who  can  afford  residences  on  high  ground,  remove  to 
them  in  June  when  the  air  logins  to  become  unsafe,  although  it  is  not 
dangerous  until  August ;  those  remaining  on  the  lower  ground  keep 
w^ell  clad  in  woolens,  avoid   exposure   to  the  sun  or  to  summer 

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GENERAL   REMARKS.  31 

showei^s  and  e.Yertion,  and  adopt  a  spare  diet.  A  severe  lieadaehe. 
brought  on  by  evening  dew,  is  supposed  to  be  a  forerunner  of  in- 
teniperie. 

SICILY. 

Sicily^  the  most  important  island  of  the  Mediterranean,  is  trian- 
gular in  form  (hence  its  ancient  name  Trinacria),  the  northern  or 
longest  side  being  al)out  150,  the  southern  140,  the  eastern  100  miles 
in  length,  and  the  whole  area  is  about  10,000  square  miles;  it  is 
separated  from  the  mainland  of  Italy  by  the  narrow  Strait  of 
Messina. 

The  greater  part  of  Sicily  is  mountainous;  the  average  distance  of 
the  summits  of  the  mountain  ranges  from  the  coast  is  about  10  miles. 
There  are,  however,  isolated  elevations,  the  mosi  remarkable  being 
that  of  the  volcanic  mountain  of  .^^tna  upon  the  east,  10,880  feet 
al)ove  the  level  of  the  sea.  An  extensive  plain  lying  southward  of 
.Etna  is  20  miles  in  length  in  a  westerly  direction  from  Catania  Bay^ 
and  about  7  in  breadth. 

The  shores  are  not  deeply  indented,  and  there  are  few  off-lying 
features  except  the  ^gadean  Islands  off  the  western  point. 

It  is  divided  into  seven  provinces,  viz,  Caltanissetta,  Catania.  (lir- 
genti,  Messina,  Palermo,  Syracuse,  and  Trapani,  each  governed  by  a 
prefect. 

History. — The  geographical  position  of  Sicily  led  almost  as  a 
matter  of  necessity  to  its  horistorical  position,  as  the  meeting-place  of 
the  nations,  the  battlefield  of  contending  races  and  creeds.  For  this? 
reason,  too,  Sicily  was  never  in  historic  times  (nor,  it  seems,  in  pre- 
historic times  either)  the  land  of  a  single  nation ;  her  history  exists 
mainly  in  its  relation  to  the  history  of  other  lands. 

The  Phoenician  occupation  came  about  900  B.  C. ;  the  Greeks  com- 
menced to  arrive  about  100  years  later,  and  gradually  drove  the 
Phoenicians  into  three  considerable  towns  on  the  northwest  corner 
of  the  island.  From  now  on  to  392  B.  C.  the  fighting  was  constant 
between  Greeks  and  Phoenicians.  In  241  B.  C,  at  the  end  of  the  first 
Punic  war,  Carthage  ceded  to  Rome  all  her  possessions  in  Sicily,  and 
Sicily  remained  Roman  until  about  429,  when  it  l)elonged  variously  to 
Teutonic  powers,  Vandals,  and  Goths,  but  was  won  back  to  the  Roman 
Empire  in  550,  and  remained  so  until  900.  In  the  ninth,  tenth,  and 
eleventh  centuries  Sicily  was  once  more  the  scene  of  the  old  drama 
with  the  strife  for  life  and  death  between  Christendom  and  Islam. 
The  Saracen  invasion  began  about  655,  and  in  9()5  they  had  con- 
quered the  whole  island,  and  remained  in  possession  until  the  Xor- 
man  Conquest  in  1060.  The  island  remained  under  Xorman  rule 
until  1302,  when  it  became  an  independent  power. 

Sicily  became  once  more  united  to  Naples  in  1443,  and  both  coun- 
tries remained  under  Spanish  rule  until  1720,  when  Sicily  was  sur- 

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32  GENERAL  REMARKS. 

rendered  to  Austria.  In  1733  the  island  was  conquered  by  the 
Bourbons,  and  remained  under  their  sovereignty,  except  for  180G- 
1815,  when  Napoleon  made  his  brother  king,  until  the  successful 
revolution  in  1860  under  (laribaldi.  On  February  18,  1861,  the  first 
Italian  Parliament  met,  and  Sicilly  became  incorporated  in  the 
United  Italian  Kingdom. 

Bivers — ^Lakes. — The  rivers  are  small,  and  there  are  none  navi- 
gable except  for  boats;  the  principal  are  the  Fiunie  Grande  on  the 
north,  the  Fiume  Simeto  and  Alcantera  on  the  east,  the  Salso,  con- 
sidered the  largest  on  the  island,  the  Platani  and  Belici  flowing 
toward  the  south.  The  chief  of  the  lakes,  of  which  there  are  but 
few,  is  the  Biveri  or  I^ntini,  which  lies  a  little  southward  of  the 
plain  of  Catania. 

Qeology. — Of  the  sedimentary  rocks,  none  are  earlier  than  the 
secondary  period.  The  mountain  range,  from  3,<XX)  to  6,000  feet 
above  the  level  of  the  sea,  consists  of  granite  flanked  w  ith  limestone 
and  other  calcareous  formations. 

Quaternary  deposits  border  many  of  the  bays,  and  the  plain  of 
Catania  is  wholly  covered  with  recent  alluvium ;  basalts  and  basaltic 
tufas  border  this  plain  on  the  south,  as  the  ancient  and  modem  lavas 
of  ^tna  do  on  the  north. 

Flora  and  fauna. — ^The  flora  is  remarkable  for  its  wealth  of 
species,  the  orders  most  represented  being  composite,  cruciferw, 
labiato",  caryophyllaceee,  and  serophulariacw :  the  rosaceae  are  also 
abundantly  represented,  and  amongst  them  are  numerous  species  of 
the  rose. 

There  are  fine  forests  of  timber,  especially  around  .l^kna,  on  the 
sides  of  which  the  oak  and  chestnut  thrive  at  4,000  feet,  and  the 
beech  at  6.000  feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea;  amongst  trees  and 
shrubs  is  the  sumach,  the  manna  ash  (Fraxinus  ornus),  the  prickly 
pear,  the  agave,  the  date  palm,  the  plantain,  the  dwarf  palm,  and 
various  bamboos  and  cycads.  The  Arundo  Donax,  the  tallest  of 
European  grasses,  is  indigenous. 

The  native  fauna  of  Sicily  is  similar  to  that  of  southern  Italy; 
timny  and  sardines  abound,  and  the  rivei^s  and  lakes  produce  an 
abundance  of  fish. 

Population. — By  the  last  census,  in  1914,  the  population  of 
Sicily,  including  the  islands,  was  3,743,447,  or  about  one-tenth  of  the 
population  of  the  whole  of  Italy. 

Products. — From  its  soil  and  climate  Sicily  is  one  of  tht*  most 
productive  islands  of  the  world;  vines  and  fruit  trees  are  exten- 
sively cultivated,  and  the  production  of  wine  is  about  100,000,000 
gallons  a  year;  the  other  products  are  olive  oil,  green  fruit,  citrus 
fruits,  Indian  corn,  sumach,  and  beans. 


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GENEBAL  BEMABKS.  3d 

The  chief  mineral  production  is  sulphur  ore,  obtained  in  the  center 
of  the  island  and  toward  the  southern  coast;  the  other  mining  pro- 
ductions are  rock  salt  and  asphalt  rock. 

Trade* — ^The  principal  exports  are  wines,  citrus  fruits,  green  and 
dry  fruit,  sulphur,  rock  asphalt,  olive  oil,  silk,  and  sumach ;  imports, 
petroleum,  timber,  grain,  hides  and  skins,  iron  and  metals,  colors  and 
dyes,  flour  and  staves,  and  coal. 

Ports. — On  the  north  coast  are  the  artificial  harbors  of  Milazzo, 
Termini  Imerese,  and  Palermo;  the  east  side  of  the  island  affords 
several  safe  harbors,  viz,  Messina,  Gatania  (artificial),  Augusta,  and 
Syracuse;  the  south  coast  has  two  artificial  harbors,  named  Empe- 
docle  and  Licata,  and,  on  the  west  coast,  are  the  two  artificial  harbors 
of  Trapani  and  Marsala. 

Communications — Steamers. — ^The  following  lines  afford  com- 
munication : 

The  State  railroad  has  a  steamer  service  from  Palermo  to  Naples 
and  back  daily;  from  Naples  to  Messina,  Beggio,  Riposto,  Catania, 
Syracuse  and  back  twice  a  week. 

A  regular  service  of  steamers  of  the  Wilson  Line  between  Hull 
f\nd  Palermo,  and  of  the  General  Steam  Navigation  Co.  between  that 
port  and  London. 

Navigacione  G4n6rale  Italiana:  From  Palermo  to  Ustica,  twice 
every  week;  to  Cagliari,  weekly;  to  Messina,  Catania,  the  Levant, 
Constantinople,  and  Black  Sea  ports,  weekly;  to  Trapani  and  Tunis, 
weekly.  From  Catania  to  Syracus,  Malta,  and  Libia  (Tripoli), 
weekly;  and  a  monthly  service  between  Venice,  and  intermediate 
Italian  ports  and  Calcutta,  calling  at  Catania. 

Adria  Line:  Syracuse  to  Malta,  daily  (Sundays  excepted),  and  to 
Syracuse,  Malta,  and  Libia  (Tripoli),  weekly. 

Bailroads. — The  main  lines  of  Sicily  are  between  Palermo  and 
Messina,  Palermo  and  Catania,  and  Messina  and  Syracuse.  In  1913 
there  were  793  miles  of  broad  gauge  and  46  of  narrow  gauge  railroads 
in  Sicily.  From  Palermo  the  railroad  rims  near  the  coast  to  Messina, 
with  stations  at  Bagheira,  Termini  Imerese,  Porto  Cefalu,  San 
Stefano  di  Camastra,  Sant'  Agata  di  Militello,  Naso,  Patti,  Barcel- 
lona,  and  Milazzo. 

There  is  a  train  ferry  service  across  the  Straits  of  Messina,  distance 
about  14J  miles. 

The  Catania  and  Palermo  railroad  joins  the  line  between  Palermo 
aT)d  Messina  at  Termini  Imerese. 

Between  Messina  and  Syracuse  there  are  stations  on  or  near  the 
coast  at  Scaletta,  Giardini-Taorniina,  Giarre-Riposto,  Acireale,  Ca- 
tania, Valsovoja,  Lentini,  Augusta,  and  Priolo. 
68850—17 3 


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34  GENERAL   REMARKS. 

From  Syracuse  the  line  is  still  near  the  coast,  with  stations  at 
Avola,  Noto,  and  Pozallo;  here  it  turns  to  the  westward,  with  sta- 
tions at  Vittoria,  Terranova,  and  Licata,  which  latter  place  and 
Empedocle  are  both  connected  by  railways  with  the  Catania  and 
Palermo  Railways. 

From  Trapani  a  line  runs  to  the  southward,  with  stations  on  or 
near  the  coast  at  Marsala,  Mazzara,  Campobello,  and  Castelveti*ano ; 
it  then  curves  round  to  the  northward  to  Castellamare,  and  is  agrain 
near  the  coast  to  Palermo,  with  stations  at  Partinico,  Carini,  and 
Tommaso  Natale. 

Narrow  gauge  railroads  run  from  Castelvetrano  to  Selinunte  and 
Partanna ;  and  from  Palenno  inland  to  Corlecne. 

A  railroad  from  Catania  circles  round  Mount  ^Etna  to  Eipdsto,  a 
distance  of  71  miles. 

Telegraph. — There  are  submarine  cables  across  the.  Strait  of 
Messina,  a  cable  to  Malta,  one  to  Pantellaria,  one  to  Ustica,  one  to 
Naples,  and  one  to  the  Lipari  Islands. 

Badio. — Radio  stations  have  been  established  at  Vittoria,  near 
Scoglitti,  which  is  always  open  to  the  public ;  and  at  Sferracavallo, 
near  Palermo,  open  to  the  public  from  sunrise  to  sunset. 

Time. — ^Mid-European  time,  or  one  hour  fast  of  Greenwich  mean 
time,  is  kept. 

Money — ^Measures — ^Weights. — Gold  coins  are  very  scarce,  the 
currency  consisting  chieflj'  of  notes,  silver,  bronze,  and  nickel  coins; 
the   current  coins  are  those  of  the  Italian  Kingdom. 

100  centesimi=l  lira=specie,  9^d.=paper,  S^^d. 

Gold  coins.— 100,  50,  20,  10,  and  5  lire. 

Silver  coins. — 5,  2,  and  1  lira. 

Nickel  coins. — ^20  and  10  centesimi. 

Bronze  coins. — 10,  5,  2,  and  1  centesimi. 

The  5-centesimi  piece  is  named  a  soldo,  and  prices  are  sometimes 
quoted  in  soldi. 

The  measures  and  weights  are  those  of  the  metric  system,  as  in 
France. 

Climate. — The  climate  of  Sicily  resembles  that  of  southern 
Europe,  but  the  chief  annoyance  is  the  scirocco,  which,  experienced  in 
its  most  characteristic  form  on  the  north  coast,  occurs  frequently  in 
April,  in  May,  and  September,  but  no  month  is  actually  free  from  it. 
There  is  a  rainy  and  a  dry  season,  the  former  commencing  with  thun- 
fjerstorms  in  September  and  October,  sets  in  steadily  in  November, 
but  somewhat  abates  in  February,  and  ends  about  the  close  of  April ; 
there  is  scarcely  any  rain  in  the  dry  season;  continuous  rain  at  any 
time  is  rare,  but  the  heaviest  fall  is  in  December. 


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GENERAL  REMARKS.  35 


LIFABI  ISLANDS. 


Lipari  Islands. — These  islands,  forming  a  group  off  the  north 
coast  of  Sicily,  are  the  Insulae  JEoliae  of  the  ancients  (from  being 
the  supposed  residence  of  ^Eolus),  and  were  also  known  as  Hephaes- 
tiades  or  Vulcaniae  Insulse.  Here,  according  to  fable,  ^Eolus  held 
the  winds  imprisoned  in  caverns,  and  released  them  at  his  pleasure, 
and  Vulcan  forged  the  bolts  of  Jove. 

The  chief  island  was  colonized  in  the  sixth  century,  B.  C,  and  they 
successively  passed  into  the  hands  of  the  Athenians,  Carthagenians, 
Romans,  Saracens,  and  Normans,  and  finally  Ferdinand  the  Catholic 
annexed  them  to  Sicily. 

The  group  consists  of  seven  principal  islands,  viz.,  Stroniboli, 
Panaria,  Salina,  Lipari,  Vulcano,  Filicudi,  and  Alicudi,  with  several 
islets  and  rocks.  They  are  all  irregular  in  outline,  and  comprise 
with  Ustica  a  coast  line  of  77  miles;  they  are  mountiiinous  and  all 
of  evident  volcanic  origin,  with  distinct  craters  on  several,  two  of 
which  are  active. 

The  western  coasts  of  all  the  Lipari  islands  are  steep  and  craggy, 
rising  abruptly  in  precipitous  masses,  and  shelving  down  gradu- 
ally to  the  eastward;  some  of  them  have  a  high  isolated  rock  off 
their  northern  shores,  a  singularity  extending  even  to  T^stiea. 

They  are  governed  by  a  delegate,  subject  to  the  prefect  of  Messina. 

Oeology. — Mountainous  in  character,  the  islands  consist  of  tuffs 
and  lavas,  and  of  highly  silicious  volcanic  products,  such  as  quartz- 
trachyte,  pumice,  and  obsidian.  There  are  hot  springs  on  the  main 
island,  and  one  at  San  Calogero  has  a  temperature  at  198°  F. 

Products. — Cattle  ure  scarce  and  lean,  as  the  pasturage  is  suitable 
only  for  goats;  but  the  land  is  well  cultivated,  and  yields  grapes, 
currants,  figs,  prickly  pears,  com,  cotton,  olives,  and  pulse,  the  latter 
grown  under  the  cane  trellises  that  support  the  vines. 

Rain,  if  violent,  occasions  great  damage  to  the  ground,  from  the 
situation  and  friability  of  the  soil,  and  swarms  of  locusts  some- 
times injure  the  produce  severely. 

Trade. — A  considerable  quantity  of  wine  and  currants  is  ex- 
ported, and  an  active  trade  carried  on  in  bitumen,  pumice,  niter, 
pozzolana,  cinnabar,  coral,  and  fish;  but  alum,  once  a  great  staple, 
scarcely  exists  as  an  article  of  commerce,  a  failure  supposed  to  be 
owing  to  the  decreased  heat  of  the  subterranean  fires.  Sulphur  is 
still  exported,  but  not  in  the  quantity  it  might  be,  in  conse(iuenee 
of  a  prejudice  existing  that  the  vapor  arising  from  the  purifying 
of  it  infects  the  air  and  injures  vegetation. 

Ports. — The  anchorages  around  the  islands  are  principally  suit- 
able for  small  vessels. 

Communications — Steamers. — There  is  communication  daily 
between  Milazzo,  Lipari,  and  Salina,  twice  a  week  between  Messina, 

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36  GENERAL  BEMARKS. 

Lipari,  and  Stromboli,  and  fortnightly  between  Messina,  Lipari, 
Filicudi,  and  Alicudi,  by  steamers  of  the  Societi  Siciliana  di  Navi- 
gazione.  A  steamer  of  the  Navigazione  Gen^rale  Italiana  luns 
between  Palermo  and  Ustica  twice  every  week. 

Telegraph. — There  is  a  submarine  telegraph  cable  from  Ustica 
to  Palermo;  also  a  cable  from  Milazzo  to  Lipari,  from  which  there 
are  cables  to  Salina,  to  Panaria,  and  to  Vulcano. 

Climate. — ^The  climate  is  highly  salubrious,  and  the  weather  gen- 
erally soft  and  refreshing;  but,  though  there  are  a  few  small  springs, 
there  is  a  general  scarcity  of  water,  as  the  soil,  consisting  entirely 
of  scoriae,  tuff,  pumice,  pozzolana,  and  ashes,  without  any  intervening 
stony  stratum  (except  occasional  masses  of  obdurate  vitrification) 
rapidly  absorbs  the  moisture;  the  natives  are,  consequently,  obliged 
to  construct  spacious  cisterns,  wherein  rain  water  is  kept  with  a 
cool  temperature. 

MALTESE  ISLAiroS. 

Maltese  Islands. — ^This  group,  consisting  of  three  islands — 
Malta,  Gozo,  and  Comino,  lies  on  the  submarine  ridge  which  sepa- 
rates the  eastern  from  the  western  basin  of  the  Mediterranean,  at 
about  58  miles  from  Sicily,  and  180  miles  from  the  African  coast. 
The  islands  extend  24  miles  in  a  northwesterly  and  southeasterly 
direction,  and  cover  an  area  of  115  square  miles. 

The  group  was  originally  under  the  dominion  of  the  Carthaginians, 
from  whom  they  were  taken  in  the  first  Punic  war  by  the  Romans;  on 
the  decline  of  the  Roman  Empire  Malta  fell  to  the  Goths,  and  then  to 
the  Saracens.  It  was  subject  to  the  crown  of  Sicily  from  1190  to 
1525,  when  the  Emperor  Charles  V  granted  it  to  the  Order  of  the 
Knights  of  St.  John  of  Jerusalem,  by  whom  it  was  held  for  more 
than  two  centuries. 

On  July  12,  1798,  Malta  capitulated  to  Napoleon  Bonaparte.  It 
was  taken  possession  of  by  Great  Britain  on  September  5,  1800,  and 
finally  annexed  to  the  British  Crown  by  the  treaty  of  Paris  in  1814. 

Occupying  a  central  position  in  the  Mediterranean,  and  being  in 
the  direct  route  to  the  I^evant  and  to  India  and  Australia,  via  the 
Suez  Canal,  these  islands  are  a  most  important  port  of  call  for  the 
many  vessels  passing. 

The  government  is  administered  by  a  governor,  usually  a  distin- 
^lished  general,  assisted  by  an  executive  and  a  legislative  council, 
the  latter  known  as  the  council  of  government. 

Oeology. — The  geological  formation  is  of  the  late  Tocene,  the 
prevailing  rocks  being  white,  ^ay,  reddish,  or  yellow  sandstone,  with 
some  beds  of  marl  and  coral  limestone,  in  many  parts  abounding  in 
fossils. 

Flora  and  fauna. — ^The  interesting  flora  of  the  islands  ap- 
proaches that  of  Africa,  and  includes  the  palm,  the  cactus,  and  other 

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GENERAL  REMABKS.  37 

subtropical  plants.  The  botanic  garden,  founded  in  1676,  and  the 
third  oldest  in  the  British  Empire,  is  annexed  to  the  university ;  there 
is  also  a  model  farm. 

The  scanty  fauna  is,  for  the  most  part,  European;  a  few  Maltese 
dogs  still  remain,  but  not  in  a  wild  state. 

There  are  some  10  or  12  indigenous  species  of  birds,  and  a  large 
number  of  migratory  birds  pass,  or  rest,  on,  the  island;  the  marine 
plants  and  animals  are  interesting. 

Population. — The  civil  population  of  the  islands  in  1914  was 
219,311. 

Products. — The  chief  products  are  cotton,  com,  oranges,  melons, 
grapes,  cumin  seed,  and  early  potatoes  for  the  London  market ;  figs 
and  honey  are  plentiful. 

The  greater  part  of  the  soil  was  originally  brought  from  Sicily ;  the 
acreage  under  crop,  or  on  which  fruit  trees  are  grown,  is  estimated 
at  38,545  acres,  or  rather  more  than  half  the  extent  of  the  island. 
The  lace  industry  affords  employment  to  between  4,000  and  5.000 
women  and  children,  chiefly  in  Gozo. 

Trade. — ^The  chief  exports  are  potatoes,  onions,  cumin  seed,  vege- 
tables, oranges,  cotton  goods  of  local  manufacture,  Maltese  canes, 
goats,  and  freestone. 

Ports. — ^The  Grand  Harbor  is  the  principal  port  of  Malta,  and 
Marsa  Musciet  is  known  as  the  Quarantine  Harbor;  there  are  also 
several  bays  and  well-sheltered  harbors  around  the  islands. 

Submarine  vessels — Caution. — Submarine  vessels  are  being 
constantly  exercised  in  the  vicinity  of  Malta. 

In  order  to  minimize  the  risk  of  collision  with  other  vessels,  the 
vessel  escorting  the  submarines  will,  when  the  latter  are  exercising, 
display  a  large  red  flag  at  the  masthead. 

Every  vessel  seeing  this  signal  should  steer  so  as  to  give  the  escort- 
ing vessel  a  berth  of  at  least  1  mile,  and  also  to  pass  astern  of  her : 
when  from  any  cause  this  can  not  be  done,  the  escorting  vessel  should 
be  approached  at  a  slow  speed  until  warning  is  given  by  flags,  sema- 
phore, or  megaphone,  as  most  convenient,  of  the  danger  zone,  a  good 
lookout  being  kept  meanwhile  for  the  submarines,  whose  presence 
may  only  be  indicated  by  their  periscopes  showing  above  w  ater. 

Signal. — When  submarine  vessels  are  under  way  in  the  harbor, 
or  within  1  mile  of  the  entrance,  letter  S  flag  is  hoisted  at  the  Castille, 
palace  tower,  and  customhouse. 

Communications — Steamers. — The  following  are  the  principal 
steamship  companies  whose  vessels  call  at  Malta : 

Peninsular  and  Oriental:  To  Gibraltar  and  London  or  to  Port 
Said,  fortnightly. 

Moss  line:  To  Gibraltar  and  Liverpool  or  to  Alexandria,  fort- 
nightly; and  to  Constantinople  and  the  Black  Sea  ports,  monthly. 

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38  GENERAL  REMARKS. 

Adria  line:  To  Syracuse  daily  (Mondays  excepted);  to  Italian 
ports  and  Fiume,  weekly;  to  Italian,  French,  and  Spanish  ports, 
weekly. 

Navigazione  G^nerale  Italiana. — To  Sicilian  ports,  Naples  and 
Genoa,  weekly ;  to  Tripoli  and  ports  of  Tunis,  weekly ;  and  to  Tripoli 
and  its  ports,  weekly. 

Compagnie  (ienerale  Transatlantique :  To  Tunis  and  Marseille, 
weekly. 

Hamburg-American  line:  To  the  United  States 

Ligne  Hambourgeoise  du  Levant:  To  Hamburg,  Havre,  Pireus, 
Smyrna,  and  Constantinople. 

There  is  also  steamer  communication  with  Gozo,  two  services 
daily  each  way. 

Bailroad. — There  is  a  railroad  from  Valletta  to  Notabile,  a  dis- 
tance of  8  miles. 

Telegraph. — Four  submarine  cables  connect  Malta  to  Gibraltar, 
iwo  to  Bona,  one  to  Tripoli,  one  to  Sicily,  one  to  Zante,  and  three  to 
Alexandria;  there  is  consequently  telegraphic  communication  with 
all  parts. 

The  inland  telegraph  system  belong  to  the  military  authorities, 
and  there  is  a  military  telephone  to  Gozo. 

Time. — Mid-European  mean  time,  or  one  hour  fast  of  Greenwich 
mean  time,  is  kept. 

Money — ^Measures — ^Weights. — British  money  is  the  legal  cur- 
rency of  the  islands,  but  there  is  also  a  special  bronze  coin  named  a 
grano,  which  is  equal  to  one-third  of  a  farthing  or  O.ld. 

British  imperial  measures  and  weights  are  the  only  legal  ones 
in  use. 

Climate. — The  climate  is  excellent  in  winter,  with  bright  sun  and 
blue  sky,  the  mean  minimum  monthly  temperature  in  January,  Feb- 
ruary, and  March,  being  about  52°  F.  In  these  months,  gales  from 
northeast,  locally  named  gregales,  occasionally  occur.  Th^  summer 
in  Malta  is  hot  and  relaxing,  and  the  islands  then  well  deserve  the 
title  conferred  on  them  by  Lord  Byron,  "A  military  hothouse." 
September  and  October  is  the  season  of  southeast  winds,  named 
locally  scirocco,  during  the  prevalence  of  which  it  is  useless  to  paint 
a  vessel,  to  bottle  wine,  or  to  attempt  to  keep  meat;  it  is  then  an 
unhealthy  wind,  laden  with  moisture,  and  produces  lassitude  and 
dyspepsia.  Southeast  winds  also  occur  at  other  times  of  the  year, 
but  they  are  not  then  so  oppressive. 

The  death  rate  of  the  civil  population  in  1910  was  21.42  per  mille. 

Mediterranean  fever  has  shown  a  considerable  decrease  among  the 
civil  population,  and  has  practically  ceased  altogether  in  the  fleet 
and  garrison. 


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GENERAL  REMARKS.  39 

WINDS    AND    WEATHER. 

Gulf  of  Lyons. — The  winds  in  this  gulf  are  very  variable  and 
uncertain,  but  as  a  general  rule  westerly  winds  predominate  from 
May  to  September;  easterly  from  October  to  January.  A  great 
peculiarity  noticed  in  the  Gulf  of  Lyons  is  the  sudden  rising  of  the 
waves,  and  their  attaining  a  size  not  at  all  proportionate  to  the 
strength  of  the  wind. 

The  northwest  wind,  named  the  mistral,  is  the  most  frequent 
throughout  the  year,  and  during  the  winter  and  spring  aften  blows 
with  great  violence,  sometimes  lasting  three  and  even  nine  days; 
blowing  hardest  at  midday  and  moderating  toward  evening.  In 
summer  northwest  winds  though  sometimes  strong,  are  not  often 
violent  and  the  weather  is  usually  fine  and  clear;  at  this  season  and 
particularly  in  August  on  the  coast  of  Provence,  the  wind  moderates 
toward  noon,  freshens  again  at  from  2h.  to  3h.  p.  m.  and  falls  at 
sunset;  should  the  wind  continue  after  sunset  it  will  probably  blow 
harder  the  next  day.  Northwest  winds  are  generally  stronger  after 
showers  than  after  heavy  rain. 

Northerly  winds  often  blow  in  the  winter,  and  although  sometimes 
strong  are  usually  accompanied  by  fine  weather;  the  bai'ometer  is 
high,  the  sky  clear,  and  the  air  cold. 

Winds  from  north  to  north -northeast  named  orsure,  are  sometimes 
extremely  violent,  but  are  fortunately  of  rare  occurrence.  They  are 
accompanied  by  stormy  weather,  and  while  they  last  render  the 
coast  unapproachable  to  a  sailing  vessel. 

Easterly  winds  in  the  summer  are  usually  light  during  the  day, 
falling  in  the  evening,  and  the  weather  is  fine.  An  east  wind  in  the 
middle  of  the  gulf  veers  to  southeast  on  the  coast  of  Catalonia  and  to 
northeast  on  the  shores  of  Provence,  both  in  winter  and  summer.  In 
the  winter  easterly  winds  are  always  rainy  on  the  coast  of  Provence, 
and  if  they  shift  to  the  southeast  are  accompanied  by  somber,  dismal 
weather:  &x)utheast  winds  at  this  season  are  dangerous,  and  on  the 
first  indication  of  their  approach  shelter  should  be  sought  for  as 
quickly  as  possible,  for  the  land  becomes  quickly  obscured.  The 
southeast  winds  are  the  most  dangerous,  if  when  coming  from  the 
westward,  southwest  winds  with  thick  weather  have  been  experienced 
on  the  coast  of  Catalonia. 

Southwest  winds  occasionally  blow  in  the  gulf.  In  the  summer 
Ihey  jii'e  generally  light,  hauling  to  southeast  and  east,  with  fine 
weather  as  the  eastern  side  of  the  gulf  is  approached.  In  winter 
the  southwest  wind  seldom  blows  hard,  but  if  it  does  the  weather  is 
bad,  and  the  coast  of  Provence  becomes  very  dangerous  on  account 
of  the  heavy  sea  thrown  in  by  this  wind  and  from  the  land  being 
^ntirelv  obscured. 


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40  QEKEBAL  BEMAEKB. 

Qales. — ^The  Gulf  of  Lyons  is  notorious  for  its  bad  weather,  and 
the  northwest  gales  are  greatly  dreaded  during  the  winter;  some- 
times at  this  season  the  weather  is  fine  and  dry  and  the  sky  clear,  and 
the  wind  hauls  to  the  northward  on  approaching  the  coast  of  Pro- 
vence. Usually,  however,  the  sky  is  covered  with  clouds,  heavy  rain 
falls  and  occasionally  snow,  accompanied  with  violent  squalls. 

As  a  general  rule  gales  from  northwest  to  southeast  veering  by 
north  in  the  gulf,  are  gales  from  northeast  on  the  coast  of  Catalonia. 

Gales  from  southeast  to  west,  veering  by  south  in  the  gulf  are 
generally  southwest  on  the  coast  of  Catalonia.  Gales  from  the  south- 
west often  back  to  the  southward  in  the  middle  of  the  gulf,  and  to 
southeast  and  east  on  the  coast  of  Provence. 

With  gales  from  southeast  or  southwest  too  great  precaution  can 
not  be  taken;  forcing  the  waters  into  the  gulf,  they  cause  a  very 
heavy  sea  and  blow  furiously  in  the  squalls  which  accompany  them. 

Northwest  gales  on  the  coast  of  Provence  during  the  winter 
usually  commence  at  north-northwest  and  back  to  the  westward ;  if 
they  back  to  southwest  the  sea  becomes  very  heavy,  the  weather  thick 
and  rain  falls  in  torrents.  It  sometimes  happens  at  this  season,  es- 
pecially when  the  mountains  are  covered  with  snow,  that  the  wind 
though  strong  in  the  gulf  does  not  approach  the  coast,  where  at  the 
same  time  light  breezes  from  northwest  to  northeast  will  be  found. 
Under  these  circimistances  though  the  sky  may  be  clear,  the  horizon 
has  heavy  clouds  hanging  round  it,  which,  as  a  rule,  denotes  that 
there  is  bad  weather  seaward.  Sudden  shifts  of  wind  from  east  to 
west  are  common,  particularly  in  the  middle  of  the  gulf  in  bad 
weather. 

Frog^Eiostics  of  northwest  gales. — ^If  after  overcast  rainy 
weather  at  the  entrance  of  the  Gulf  of  Lyons,  the  horizon  to  the 
northward  is  observed  to  clear,  while  clouds  rise  rapidly  and  are 
dispersed  or  broken  at  the  zenith,  there  is  every  probability  of  a 
violent  gale.  The  wind  rises  very  quickly,  and  in  a  short  time  blows 
furiously ;  a  heavy  sea  rapidly  gets  up  and  the  weather  is  frequently 
so  bad  as  to  leave  no  alternative  but  to  run  for  shelter  under  the  lee 
of  the  Island  of  Sardinia. 

Sometimes  these  gales  spring  up  in  the  midst  of  a  perfect  calm  and 
when  the  weather  is  clear ;  at  these  times  the  atmosphere  becomes  very 
clear  and  transparent,  the  land  can  be  seen  at  a  great  distance,  and 
the  sea  is  like  oil. 

If  the  barometer  under  these  circumstances  falls  suddenly,  a  north  • 
west  gale  is  approaching. 

When  a  breeze  springs  up  in  the  afternoon  and  freshens  as  the  sun 
goes  down,  it  may  be  expected  to  blow  strong  at  midnight;  hard  gales 
are  sometimes  preceded  by  a  heavy  swell  and  surf. 


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GENERAL  BEMAEKS.  41 

Coast  of  Provence. — The  months  of  December,  January,  Feb- 
ruary, and  March  are  the  bad  seasons  of  this  coast.  Westerly  winds 
are  most  frequent  from  May  to  September,  easterly  from  October  to 
January,  but  especially  in  October. 

From  March  to  September  land  and  sea  breezes  are  frequent  on  this 
coast,  but  only  in  the  day ;  they  commence  before  sunrise  light  from 
northeast  to  east-northeast,  veering  to  the  southward  and  increasing 
in  strength.  At  noon  the  wind  is  from  south  to  south-southwest, 
hauling  to  the  westward  in  the  afternoon,  and  falling  at  sunset. 
Fresh  breezes  from  the  westward  often  at  this  season  succeed  the 
light  morning  breeze  from  the  northeast;  seaward  they  are  fresh, 
but  near  the  coast  they  decrease  at  sunset ;  if  they  continue  after,  the 
wind  will  be  very  fresh  -the  next  day. 

Opposing  winds  (contrastes)  are  often  met  with  on  this  coast, 
especially  near  Cape  Sicie ;  a  strong  northwest  wind  will  blow  on  the 
west  side  of  the  cape,  whDe  at  the  same  time  it  is  from  the  eastward 
in  the  Bay  of  Toulon  and  among  the  Hy^res  Islands. 

Thunderstorms  are  of  frequent  occurrence  in  the  Gulf  of  Lyons, 
including  the  coast  of  Provence,  during  September  and  October ;  on 
the  latter  coast  also  in  March,  and  sometimes  in  April  and  May. 

Ghilf  of  Genoa. — ^The  coasts  forming  this  gulf  are  more  favored 
than  those  to  the  westward ;  it  is  rare  that  the  weather  is  bad  there, 
even  in  winter,  more  especially  between  Nice  and  Genoa. 

In  spring,  on  the  coast  of  Genoa,  where  the  land  is  high,  the 
weather  is  fine,  but  the  winds  off  the  land  are  very  strong,  with  heavy 
gusts  from  the  ravines. 

Winds  from  northwest  blow  sometimes  during  the  day  with  great 
violence  on  the  western  coast  of  the  gulf,  but  they  rarely  continue 
after  sunset,  particularly  to  the  eastward  of  Bordighera,  where  it  is 
nearly  always  calm  while  the  wind  is  blowing  to  the  westward.  These 
are  the  winds  that  the  inhabitants  of  the  city  of  Nice  and  the  adjoin- 
ing coast  dread  so  much  from  the  piercing  cold  that  accompanies 
them. 

As  the  gulf  is  surrounded  by  high  mountains,  the  wind  off  the  land 
is  occasionally  very  violent  in  the  winter  at  the  head  of  the  gulf,  the 
weather  is  overcast  and  rainy,  and  the  squalls  are  very  severe.  These 
winds  are  from  north-northeast  in  the  middle  of  the  gulf,  northeast 
at  Cape  Mele,  east  on  the  eastern  coast  of  Provence,  and  northwest  on 
the  coast  of  Tuscany  and  the  Island  of  Elba. 

Winds  from  southwest  to  southeast  rarely  penetrate  with  theii 
full  force  into  the  head  of  the  gulf,  particularly  during  winter,  when 
there  is  snow  on  the  mountains;  the  southwest  wind  is  loaded  with 
moisture  and  raises  the  level  of  the  water  on  the  coast ;  it  also  sends 
in  a  heavy  sea.  A  southwest  wind  has,  however,  been  known  to  blow 
with  violence  at  Genoa  and  Leghorn,  causing  great  damage,  but  this 
is  the  exception. 

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42  GENERAL   BEMARKS. 

West  coast  of  Italy. — This  coast  is  greatly  sheltered  by  the 
islands  of  Corsica  and  Sardinia ;  in  the  space  between,  the  weather  is 
generally  fine  with  light  variable  breezes  from  northeast  to  east  and 
southeast,  while  on  the  coast  land  and  sea  breezes  prevail. 

Westerly  winds  are  seldom  felt,  except  when  a  gale  is  blowing  from 
northwest,  west,  or  southwest  to  the  westward  of  the  islands;  these 
winds  are  then  felt  as  squalls  on  the  coast,  particularly  to  the  south- 
ward of  Sardinia,  but  they  are  rarely  felt  at  Naples.  In  general  when 
there  is  a  westerly  wind  blowing,  with  fine  weather  to  the  westward 
of  the  islands,  the  wind  to  the  eastward  of  them  is  southeast. 

During  the  winter  and  early  part  of  spring  southeast  gales  are  not 
unfrequent,  especially  on  the  northern  part  of  the  coast  from  Civita 
Vecchia  to  Leghorn,  but  at  Naples  they  are  seldom  felt.  These  winds 
commence  with  gloomy  drizzling  weather,  and  as  the  wind  freshens  it 
becomes  very  thick,  with  heavy  rain ;  the  weather  deal's  as  the  wind 
hauls  to  the  southward  and  westward,  but  it  often  flies  to  the  west- 
ward in  a  violent  squall.  After  blowing  hard  from  this  quarter  fpr 
several  hours  it  usually  hauls  gradually  to  the  northwest  and  moder- 
ates, but  should  it  back  to  southward  of  west  the  southeast  gal«»  will 
return.  These  gales  are  very  disagreeable  at  Leghorn  and  send  a 
heavy  sea  into  the  harbor. 

When  a  southwest  wind  passes  to  the  eastward  of  the  islands,  it 
throws  a  heavy  sea  on  the  coast,  while  the  weather  is  very  bad  and 
overcast,  with  continual  rain;  fortunately  these  winds  are  of  short 
duration  and  usually  fall  during  the  night. 

Land  squalls,  named  raggiature,  often  descend  with  great 
strength  from  the  ravines  and  valleys  situated  amongst  the  high 
land,  but  they  extend  only  a  short  distance  from  the  shore.  In  the 
Gulf  of  (lioja  these  squalls  will  sometimes  be  blowing  while  there  is 
a  southwest  breeze  in  the  offing. 

Corsica — ^West  coast. — Westerly  winds  are  frequent  on  the  west 
coast  of  this  island,  and  in  the  summer  land  and  sea  breezes  are 
prevalent;  the  former  extends  only  a  short  distance  from  the  land; 
the  latter  commences  about  10  a.  m.  and  often  blows  fresh. 

In  winter,  westerly  winds  blow  hard  on  the  western  coast,  throw- 
ing in  a  heavy  sea,  but  these  winds  generally  moderate  toward  night 
near  the  shore,  and  it  sometimes  falls  calm  in  the  deep  bays,  leav- 
ing a  heavy  swell.  The  weather  is  ofen  fine  at  this  season  with  north- 
west winds,  and  when  the  snow  is  on  the  mountains. 

East  coast. — Westerly  winds  do  not  often  occur  on  the  eastern 
coast  of  Corsica;  generally  when  it  is  blowing  hard  from  west  or 
southwest  on  the  western  side,  the  wind  is  light  from  the  eastward 
and  southeast  on  the  eastern  shore.  On  the  whole  of  this  coast  the 
winds  are  very  variable. 


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GENERAL   REMARKS.  43 

Southeast  winds  frequently  blow  on  the  eastern  coast  during  sum- 
mer, bringing  with  them  a  close  and  oppressive  atmosphere.  East 
to  northeast  winds  send  a  heavy  sea  into  the  anchorages  on  this  side 
of  the  island;  the  approach  of  these  winds  is  indicated  by  a  heavy 
swell  rolling  in  from  the  eastward. 

Thunderstorms  are  frequent  at  Corsica  during  the  months  of 
July,  August,  September,  and  October. 

Sardinia  ChanneL — In  the  channel  between  the  south  coast  of 
Sardinia  and  the  coast  of  Africa,  the  predominant  winds,  during  the 
Fummer,  are  from  east,  east-northeast,  and  sometimes  northeast, 
occasionally  alternating  with  winds  from  east-southeast,  but  seldom 
shifting  to  the  southeast  excepting  near  the  land  during  the  night. 
These  winds  are  generally  moderate,  following  the  trend  of  the  coast 
near  the  land;  and  bringing  up  a  thick  mist  which  becomes  very 
dense  if  the  wind  freshens,  rendering  it  difficult  to  distinguish  the 
land  except  from  a  very  short  distance.  When  the  easterly  winds 
blow  fresh,  the  sky  becomes  overcast,  the  weather  gloomy,  and  dew 
falls  heavily. 

Near  the  African  coast  at  this  season  the  wind  falls  at  sunset, 
shifting  to  the  southward  and  becoming  a  land  breeze.  In  sunmier 
westerly  winds  sometimes  blow,  altering  during  the  night  to  south- 
west: they  are  preceded  by  a  cessation  of  dew,  and  when  they  are 
moderate  the  weather  is  clear;  if  the  westerly  wind  lasts  it  is  gen- 
erally fresh  during  the^'day.  moderating  at  night ;  if,  however,  it  has 
set  in  with  squalls  and  rain,  it  generally  shifts  again  to  the  eastward 
as  suddenly  as  it  came. 

During  the  winter  (October  to  April)  the  prevailing  winds  are 
from  the  westward  between  northwest  and  southwest;  they  are 
strong  during  the  early  part  of  winter  and  are  usually  accompanied 
by  rain,  but  in  P^ebruary,  March,  and  April  they  moderate.  If, 
however,  the  westerly  wind  alters  to  the  north  (especially  to  the 
westward  of  Sardinia),  it  generally  blows  hard  from  that  quarter,  a 
very  heavy  sea  being  one  of  the  results.  Winds  from  the  south  are 
rare  and  of  short  duration. 

"Fog, — ^The  commanding  officer  of  the  British  naval  vessel  Alexan- 
dria^ 1887,  states  that  caution  is  necessary  in  aproaching  the  coast  of 
Sardinia  should  the  lights  be  obscured,  as,  although  it  may  appear 
clear  at  sea,  and  apparently  the  land  could  be  seen  some  miles  dis- 
tant, the  fact  that  the  lights  can  not  be  seen  indicates  that  there  is  a 
thick  mist  over  the  land,  so  that  it  is  impossible  to  see  it  even  at  a 
distance  of  200  or  400  yards.  This  is  much  more  dangerous  than 
ordinary  fog,  as  the  weather  is  clear  at  sea. 

Fogs  are  said  to  occur  frequently  in  the  early  morning  in  Bonifacio 
Strait  in  the  month  of  May. 


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44  GENERiL  BEMABKS. 

Sicily  Channel. — ^In  the  Channel  of  Sicily,  between  Sicily  and 
the  coast  of  Africa,  the  winds  in  the  summer  are  the  same  as  those 
experienced  farther  w.estward;  with  this  difference  only,  that  they 
shift  to  southeast  and  sometimes  south,  the  atmosphere  being  very 
moist ;  the  wind  from  this  quarter  is  known  as  the  "  scirocco."  Winds 
from  the  westward  at  this  season  incline  to  the  northwest,  and  are 
accompanied  by  fine  weather. 

In  the  winter,  northeast  and  northwest  winds  prevail,  and  some- 
times blow  very  hard ;  with  the  former  the  sky  is  overcast  and  rains 
are  frequent,  the  wind  often  shifting  to  the  southeast  and  blowing 
hard  for  several  days.  Northwest  winds  often  shift  to  the  west  and 
southwest,  when  they  bring  bad  weather. 

With  winds  from  west,  round  by  north  to  north-northeast,  the 
weather  is  generally  clear.  Calms  are  frequent,  and  about  the  time 
of  the  equinoxes  alternate  with  squalls  and  thunderstorms. 

Sicily. — In  September  the  winds  blow  alternately  from  northeast 
and  southwest,  from  October  to  March  southwest  winds  prevail.  In 
April,  like  September.  From  May  to  August  the  winds  are  chiefly 
from  the  northeast.  The  most  experienced  pilots  say  that  storms 
which  commence  in  the  daytime  are  more  violent  and  of  longer  dura- 
tion than  those  which  spring  up  during  the  night. 
,  The  scirocco  is  among  the  few  drawbacks  to  the  climate  of  Sicily. 
This  wind,  which  comes  from  the  deserts  of  Africa,  is  moderated  by 
its  passage  over  the  sea  to  a  tolerable  degree  of  temperature ;  and  on 
the  east  coast,  where  it  first  arrives,  its  effects  are  inconsiderable,  but 
seeming  to  acquire  additional  heat  in  its  progress  over  the  land, 
becomes  a  serious  inconvenience  as  it  advances. 

At  its  commencement  the  air  is  dense  and  heavy,  with  long  white 
clouds  settling  a  little  below  the  summits  of  the  mountains,  and  at  sea 
floating  just  above  the  horizon  in  a  direction  parallel  to  it ;  the  high- 
est range  of  the  thermometer  is  from  90°  to  95°,  but  the  feelings 
indicate  a  much  higher  temperature,  the  humidity  increases,  and  the 
barometer  faUs  to  about  29.60. 

The  scirocco  often  continues  three  or  four  days,  and  although 
blighting  in  its  general  effects  in  summer,  in  winter  it  is  favorable  to 
some  vegetation.  This  wind  is  particularly  felt  at  Palermo,  the 
streets  become  nearly  deserted,  and  the  doors  and  windows  are  closed 
to  exclude  it ;  in  spring  and  autumn  it  is  more  frequent  than  in  simi- 
mer,  and  in  winter  is  no  longer  disagreeable. 

Malta  Channel. — In  the  Malta  Channel,  winds  from  east  to 
southeast  are  most  prevalent  during  the  summer,  the  latter  sometimes 
shifting  to  the  southward  (scirocco),  the  atmosphere  becoming  thick 
and  humid,  and  being  accompanied  by  lighting.    Calms  are  frequent. 

In  the  winter  the  same  winds  are  experienced  northwest  and  north- 
east as  prevail  further  westward;   they  are,  however,  as  a  rule. 

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GEKEBAL  BEMABKS.  45 

stronger,  and  often  freshen  to  a  gale;  with  winds  from  northeast  to 
southeast  the  sky  becomes  overcast,  and  it  rains  heavily,  but  with 
westwly  winds  tiie  weather  is  clear. 

Oaks  from  northwest  and  northeast  are  frequent  m  these  channels 
during  the  winter,  and  often  blow  with  great  violence;  a  gale  from 
the  latter  quarter  is  termed  a  Gregale,  and  is  especially  destructive  in 
the  vicinity  of  the  Maltese  Islands. 

Malta. — From  December  to  March  the  winds  occasionally  blow 
with  great  force,  the  sky  being  clouded,  with  an  abundance  of  rain, 
the  Gregale,  or  northeast,  wind,  being  especially  destructive  from  its 
violence.  In  March  the  weather  is  more  settled  and  dry,  but  in  April 
and  May  there  are  occasional  showers. 

In  June  the  heat  is  considerable,  and  continues  to  increase  during 
the  summer,  the  winds  being  light  and  mostly  from  the  northeast  and 
northwest.  In  September  the  sky  begins  to  be  obstructed  by  clouds; 
toward  the  evening  the  atmosphere  is  charged  with  electricity,  which 
produces  frequent  lightning,  often  attended  with  heavy  thunder. 

The  scirocco  or  south  and  southeast  winds  occur  with  great  sudden- 
ness, chiefly  in  September,  October,  and  November.  They  are  so 
laden  with  humidity  and  so  hot  as  to  render  the  climate  almost  insup- 
portable. These  winds  never  blow  long  at  a  time,  seldom  lasting 
more  than  three  or  four  days;  they  are  frequently  succeeded  by  a 
calm,  during  which  the  heat  is  very  great  but  much  less  oppressive, 
though  the  thermometer  frequently  shows  a  much  higher  degree  of 
real  heat. 

T/>CAL  NAMES  FOR  VARIOUS  WINDS   IN   THE   MEDITERRANEAN. 

North. — Tramontana  (from  the  mountains) ;  and  Gli  Secchi,  or 
day  winds,  by  the  Italians;  when  from  north  to  northeast  they  are 
called  osure  by  the  fishermen  in  the  Gulf  of  Lyons. 

Northeast. — ^The  Gregale  of  the  Italians  and  Maltese.' 

East. — Solano  and  Levanter  of  the  Straits.  Levante;  Bentu  de 
Sole;  and  when  light,  Chocolatero  by  the  Italians. 

Southeast. — Scirocco,  the  hot,  debilitating  wind  of  South  Italy 
and  Africa;  Maledetto  Levante;  Molezzo,  the  damp  wind;  and  in  the 
Adriatic  when  strong,  Furiante. 

South. — ^Mezzo  Giomo  (midday) ;  from  south  to  southwest  Si- 
moom, Shume,  or  Siume,  on  the  African  coast,  from  off  the  Sahara 
desert. 

Southwest. — Vendavales;  also  Lebeches,  and  Virazones,  by  the 
Spanish.  Libeccio  (Libyan  or  African) ;  when  gusty,  Labeschades; 
and  when  very  stormy,  accompanied  by  lightning,  rain,  etc.,  it  is 
called  Ouragans  by  the  Italians.  Labbetch,  in  Algeria ;  and  Siffanto 
in  the  Adriatic.    It  is  the  hottest  wind  in  the  summer  at  Malta. 


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46  GENERAL  BEMABKS. 

AVest. — It  is  called  in  the  Straits  the  Liberator.  Ponente  by  the 
Italians. 

Northwest. — The  Mistral,  Mistrasu,  the  Bize,  and  Grippe,  also 
the  Vent  de  cers  of  France.  Maestro  and  Maestrale  of  the  Italians; 
and  when  light  it  is  called  Mamatele  by  the  Sicilians.  North-north- 
west, Provenzale  by  the  Italians  of  Leghorn. 

A  sea  breeze,  Imbattu ;  a  land  breeze,  Vento  di  Terra,  or  Rampinu ; 
land  squalls,  Raggiature,  by  the  Italians.  Mountain  storms,  Bur- 
rasche.  South  Italy ;  and  RaflSche  in  Corsica.  Golf ada,  a  hard  gale. 
Bonaceia,  calms  between  land  and  sea  breezes,  in  Italy ;  La  Lispa,  a 
calm  with  a  cloudy  sky,  in  the  Strait  of  Messina,  with  a  fresh  breeze 
blowing  outside. 

The  meeting  of  opposing  winds  is  called  Contrastes  by  the  Span- 
iards.   A  heavy  gale,  Golfada,  by  the  Italians. 

The  years  in  which  the  east  winds  prevail  are  known  in  the  Medi- 
terranean as  "Ano  de  Levantes,"  and  of  west  winds,  "Ano  de 
Ponentes." 

CURRENTS. 

Gulf  of  Lyons. — In  this  stormy  gulf  the  currents  present  several 
peculiarities  worthy  the  attention  and  care  of  the  seaman.  With 
fine  and  dry  weather  the  water  appears  to  be  drawn  into  and  toward 
the  head  of  the  gulf,  although  the  winds  may  be  blowing  off  the 
land  from  the  northward  to  northeast.  Winds  from  the  eastward  to 
southwest  round  south  also  cause  a  current  to  run  into  the  gulf,  but 
it  follows  the  direction  of  the  wind,  and  increases  in  strength  as 
the  gulf  is  entered.  Northwest  winds  force  the  water  out  of  the 
gulf,  causing  a  southerly  current  of  from  one  to  two  miles  per  hour 
to  run  toward  both  the  outer  shores.  On  the  eastern  side  the  current 
often  sets  so  strong  to  the  eastward  as  to  prevent  a  sailing  vessel 
working  to  windward,  against  it.  There  is  believed  to  be  a  perma- 
nent westerly  set  close  inshore  along  the  east  side  of  the  gulf,  which 
is,  however,  much  influenced  by  prevailing  wind. 

Coasts  of  Provence. — The  current  on  these  coasts  generally  sets 
to  the  westward  following  the  contour  of  the  land ;  thus  from  Cape 
Mele  to  Antibes  its  direction  will  be  about  southwest,  and  thence 
to  Marseille  westerly,  running  at  times  among  the  Hyeres  Islands 
with  great  strength.  This  current  is  often  modified  and  sometimes 
reversed  by  gales  of  wind,  for  during  and  after  northwest  gales  in 
the  Gulf  of  Lyons  it  will  run  to  the  eastward  between  Marseille  and 
Toulon.  Occasionally  after  levanters  in  the  Mediterranean  an 
easterly  set  or  current  is  experienced  inshore  off  Toulon. 

Gulf  of  Genoa. — In  this  gulf,  excepting  in  very  bad  weather,  a 
general  westerly  current  of  from  4  to  6  miles  per  day  runs  along  its 


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GENERAL  REMARKS.  47 

chores,  except  off  Spezia,  where  a  weak  current  is  found  setting  east- 
southeast  near  the  land,  but  in  the  offing  it  runs  west-northwest. 
From  Magra  Kiver  to  Voltri  at  the  bottom  of  the  gulf  the  current 
runs  northwest;  from  Voltri  to  Savona,  southwest;  from  Cavona  to 
Cape  Noli,  south ;  and  from  Cape  Noli  to  Cape  Mele,  southwest. 

This  current  is  usually  regular  and  constant,  but  both  its  velocity 
and  direction  are  often  modified  by  the  winds;  it  runs  strongest  in 
the  summer,  and  off  the  capes  often  forms  eddies. 

At  the  middle  of  the  entrance  to  the  gulf  the  currents  are  very 
variable,  and  much  affected  by  the  force  and  direction  of  the  winds. 
With  southwest  winds  the  height  of  the  water  in  the  gulf  is  raised 
much  above  the  usual  level,  and  is  followed  afterwards  by  a  southerly 
current  setting  out  of  the  gulf. 

West  coast  of  Italy, — On  this  coast  between  Leghorn  and  the 
Strait  of  Messina  the  currents  are  very  variable,  being  subject  to  the 
force  and  direction  of  the  winds.  From  Civita  Vecchia  to  Naples, 
however,  they  run  most  frequently  to  the  northeast  near  the  land, 
and  the  mariner  must  be  careful  to  guard  against  them,  particularly 
in  very  fine  weather.  The  gales  in  the  gulfs  of  Lyons  and  Genoa 
have  a  great  influence  on  the  currents  of  this  coast;  with  the  winds 
from  north  to  northwest  in  the  former  gulf  the  current  at  Cape 
Coriso  runs  east,  and  amongst  the  Tuscan  Archipelago,  east-southeast. 

With  strong  winds  from  southwest,  or  a  continuance  of  the  libeccio 
or  gusty  gales  from  the  same  quarter,  the  level  of  the  water  on  this 
coast  has  been  known  at  times  to  be  raised  as  much  as  12  feet 
above  the  ordinary  level.  During  these  winds  the  current  will  be 
east  at  Cape  Corso,  North  and  northeast  between  Corsica  and  Italy, 
find  northeast  on  the  coast,  but  after  these  winds,  especially  if  it 
blows  from  the  northward  in  the  Gulf  of  Genoa,  the  current  will  run 
in  the  opposite  direction,  sometinies  with  a  velocity  of  about  2  miles 
per  hour  on  the  northern  side  of  Corsica. 

From  the  above  irregularities  of  the  currents,  the  seamen  can  not 
be  too  careful  in  using  all  means  possible  to  verify  his  position  when 
.sailing  in  this  part  of  the  Mediterranean. 

In  the  channel  between  the  coast  of  Tunis  and  Sicily  the  current, 
under  ordinary  circumstances,  and  especially  in  fine  weather,  sets  to 
the  eastward  (es|)ecially  near  Cap  Bon  and  across  the  entrance  of  the 
(iulf  of  Tunis),  at  a  rate  of  from  |  a  knot  to  1  knot.  In  the  middle 
of  the  channel,  near  Skerki  Bank  and  Keith  Reef  its  direction  is 
more  variable,  and,  with  westerly  winds,  it  has  been  known  to  attain 
a  velocity  of  4  knots.  In  the  vicinity  of  Cap  Bon,  after  a  siic^*ession 
of  winds  from  north  and  northwest,  the  direction  of  the  current  is' 
often  to  the  southward  and  south-southwestward. 


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48  GEKEBM.  BEliABKS. 

In  this  channel  with  a  southeast  gale  it  has  been  found  setting 
east-northeast  nearly  2  knots  an  hour,  and  at  Keith  Beef  with  a 
northwest  wilid  southeast  by  east  8  miles  on  hour;  but  on  other  occa- 
sions  the  current  has  been  faiown  to  set  north-northwest  in  this  local- 
ity. The  British  naval  vessel  Thmiderer^  during  a  moderate  north- 
west gale  in  the  month  of  February,  1881,  found  between  Pantellaria 
and  Cap  Bon  the  current  setting  southwest  by  south  at  the  rate  of 
1  mile  an  hour. 

In  the  Malta  Channel  the  current  ordinarily  follows  the  direction 
of  the  prevailing  wind;  with  westerly  winds,  it  often  sets  strong  to 
the  eastward  in  mid-channel,  but  near  the  coast,  however,  its  direc- 
tion is  variable. 

Reactions  of  the  tidal  stream  against  the  coasts,  the  effect  of  winds 
and  the  variable  currents,  induced  by  the  smaller  straits  in  the  basin, 
occaaon  lateral  and  adverse  currents  in  all  directions.  The  most 
marked  examples  will  be  found  in  the  Gulfs  of  Lyons  and  Genoa,  in 
the  Strait  of  Bonifacio,  and  in  the  Gulf  of  Syrtis.  Strong  ripples 
and  eddies  are  frequently  met  with  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  islands 
and  banka 

French  semaphore  or  signal  stations.— On  the  coast  of 
France  the  semaphore  buildings  are  placed  in  conspicuous  places; 
they  are  generally,  but  not  always,  painted  yellow,  the  semaphore 
apparatus  black,  and  they  are  all  in  connection  with  the  French  tele- 
graph system.  Vessels  can  communicate  with  the  semaphore  stations 
by  means  of  the  International  Code  of  Signals,  and  a  passing  vessel 
can  communicate  with  its  owner  or  receive  a  message  from  him  by  the 
same  means,  payment  being  made  according  to  a  fixed  tariff.  (See 
International  Code  of  Signals.) 

Distant  signals,  when  the  colors  of  flags  can  not  easily  be  distin- 
guished, can  be  made  by  means  of  a  ball  combined  with  one  or  two 
flags;  at  the  French  stations  the  distant  signals  are  made  also  by  the 
semaphore  arms. 

Distress  sigpials. — Should  a  shipping  casualty  occur  near  a 
signal  station,  the  following  signals  will  be  hoisted  at  the  Interna- 
tional code  signal  mast: 

A  black  flag  at  the  masthead  indicates  that  the  casualty  has  oc- 
curred in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  station. 

A  black  flag  at  the  yardarm  indicates  that  the  casualty  has  oc- 
curred to  the  right,  looking  seawards,  of  the  station. 

A  black  flag  at  the  gaff  indicates  that  the  casualty  has  occurred  to 
the  left,  looking  seawards,  of  the  station. 

Guns  may  also  be  fired  every  five  minutes  to  attract  attention.  See 
also  radio  signal,  page  — . 

Vessels  in  distress  should  make  the  signal  S  O  S,  by  radio. 


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GENERAL  REMABKS.  49 

Weather  signals — ^French. — The  following  signals  are  hoisted 
at  French  semaphore  stations  and  port  oflBces  for  half  an  hour  in 
the  morning  and  evening,  and  indicate  the  weather  existing  at  sea: 

1.  A  flag  of  any  color  indicates  weather  doubtful;  barometer  in- 
clined to  fall. 

2.  A  short  pendant  indicates  appearance  of  bad  weather,  heavy 
sea ;  barometer  falling. 

3.  A  pendant  indicates  appearance  of  better  weather;  barometer 
rising. 

4.  A  flag  over  a  short  pendant  indicates  entry  into  port  is  dan- 
gerous. 

5.  A  short  pendant  over  a  flag  indicates  the  lifeboat  is  going  out. 
In  fine,  settled  weather  no  signal  is  made. 

Storm  signals — ^French. — Storm  signals  are  made  at  the  sema- 
phore stations  and  port  offices  on  the  coasts- of  France,  and  remain 
hoisted  for  48  hours  from  the  time  of  receiving  notice  from  the 
minister  of  marine. 

Signal.  Signification. 

A  cone,  point  upward Gale  probable  from  northwestward. 

Two  cones,  points  upward 1 Gale  probable  from  northeastward. 

A  cone,  point  downward Gale  probable  from  southwestward. 

Two  cones,  points  downward Gale  probable  from  southeastward. 

Two  cones,  bases  together Gale  of  hurricane  force  probable. 

Sudden  shifts  of  wind. — ^No  signal  is  employed  to  indicate  a 
wind  which  is  likely  to  shift  suddenly,  but  a  southerly  wind  is  much 
more  likely  to  shift  to  the  northwestward  than  a  northerly  wind  is  to 
shift  to  the  southeastward,  and  when  the  south  cone  is  hoisted  a 
vessejl  should  prepare  for  a  gale  from  the  northwestward. 

Meaning  of  signal. — Any  of  these  signals  indicates  that  there  is 
an  atmospherical  disturbance  in  existence,  which  will  probably  cause 
a  gale  from  the  quarter  indicated  by  the  signal  used  within  a  distance 
of  about  50  miles  of  the  place  where  the  signal  is  hoisted,  and  the 
knowledge  of  which  is  likely  to  be  of  use  to  mariners.  Its  meaning 
is  simply,  "  Look  out !  Bad  weather,  as  indicated,  is  probably  ap- 
proaching you." 

Italian  semaphore  or  signal  stations.— On  the  Italian  coasts 
semaphore  stations  are  generally  (but  not  always)  painted  in  black 
and  white  chequers. 

The  arrangements  for  signaling  are  similar — with  the  exception  of 
the  use  of  the  semaphore  arms — to  those  on  the  coast  of  France  and 
elsewhere. 

The  working  hours  are,  as  a  rule,  from  sunrise  to  sunset;  but 
should  vessels  be  in  sight  the  hours  will  be  extended  until  such  vessels 
are  no  longer  visible;  the  hours  are  also  extended  should  there  be 
-iny  special  technical,  military,  commercial,  or  private  reasons.    The 

68850—17 4 

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50  QEKERAL  BEMABKS. 

semaphores  at  Palmaria  Island  and  Cape  St.  Vito,  Taranto,  are 
worked  continuously  day  and  night. 

Italian  stomi  signals. — ^The  following  storm  signals  are  in  use 
on  the  coasts  of  Italy : 


Day  signal. 
A  cone,  point  upward. . 


Two  cones,  vertical,  points  up- 
ward. 

'iwo  cones,  vertical,  points  down- 
ward. 


Night  signal.  Signification. 


A  red  light  over  two  white  lights, !  Oale  probable,  commencing  from 
verUcal.  •  !     N.W. 


.do :  Oale  probable,  commencing  from 

;     N.E. 

Two  white  lights  over  a  red  ,  Oale  probable,  commencing  from 
calT 


light,  vertical.  ,     S.E. 

A  cone,  point  downward j do ,  Gale  probable,  commencing  from 

Two  cones,  vertical,  bases  together.   A  red  light  between  two  white     Oale  probable,  direction  of  wind 

lights,  vertical.  imcertain. 

Standard  time. — The  official  time  throughout  the  Kingdom  of 
Italy  is  regulated  by  the  mean  solar  time  of  the  fifteenth  meridian 
east  of  Greenwich,  or  one  hour  in  advance  of  Greenwich  mean  time, 
this  being  the  so-called  middle  European  time.  In  Italy  the  time 
is  reckoned  from  0  h.  to  24  h.,  commencing  at  midnight. 

The  standard  time  in  France  is  mean  time  of  the  meridian  of 
Greenwich. 

Note. — In  1916  a  number  of  European  countries  adopted  a  so-called  "sum- 
mer time"  which  was  one  hour  earlier  than  the  former  standard  time.  It  is 
not  known  whether  this  procedure  Is  to  be  followed  in  the  future. 

Weights  and  measures. — The  metric  system  of  weights  and 
measures  is  used  both  in  France  and  Italy. 

Telegraph. — ^Telegraphic  communication  is  universal  from  all 
ports  and  islands.  Nearly  all  the  semaphore  stations  on  the  coasts 
of  France  and  Italy  can  transmit  by  telegraph  signals  made  by  the 
International  Code.  Submarine  cables  are  mentioned  at  each  port 
from  which  they  are  laid. 

Roads. — It  may  be  generally  taken  for  granted  that  good  roads 
are  available  in  French  and  Italian  territory.  The  Corniche  Road 
from  Nice  to  Genoa  passes  through  Menton,  Ventimiglia,  San  Remo, 
Oneglia,  Noli,  Savona,  and  Voltri.  The  road  is  a  mere  ledge  or 
cornice,  hence  the  name. 

Communication — ^Bailroads. — On  the  French  and  Italian 
coasts  intercourse  by  land  or  by  water  is  carried  on  with  great  fa- 
cility. The  line  of  railroad  commencing  at  Port  Vendres  on  the 
French- Spanish  frontier,  passes  through,  or  within  easy  access  of 
all  the  principal  ports  along  the  coast,  as  far  as  Salerno  in  Italy, 
and  again  southward,  through  Eboli  to  Policastro,  from  thence  it 
skirts  the  coast  to  Reggio.    From  Taranto  there  are  lines  to  Brindisi, 


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GENERAL  REMARKS.  51 

Naples,  and  southward,  skirting  the  coast,  to  Keggio,  thus  forming 
a  complete  system,  connected  with  all  the  European  railroads. 

In  the  Island  of  Corsica  a  railroad  is  completed  between  Bastia 
on  the  northeast  coast,  to  Ajaccio  on  the  southwest,  with  branch  lines 
to  the  ports  of  Calvi  and  He  Rouse;  and  from  Bastia  along  the  east 
coast  to  Ghisonnaccia,  situated  inland  on  the  left  bank  of  the  Orbo 
River. 

From  Marseille  the  steamers  of  the  Messageries  Maritimes  de 
France  to  Alexandria,  Port  Said,  Cyprus,  and  Syrian  ports.  The 
company  Gen^rale  Transatlantique  to  Libia  (Tripoli),  and  the 
Fraissinet  Company  to  ports  on  the  south  coast  of  France,  Genoa, 
Leghorn,  and  Naples. 

Italian  mail  steamers  (Florio  Rubattino)  have  daily  sailings  be- 
tween the  Italian  continent  and  all  parts  of  the  Mediterranean. 

Steamers. — Numerous  steamers  keep  up  communication  between 
the  principal  ports  described  in  this  volume,  among  which  are  the 
steamers  of  the  Peninsular  &  Oriental  Company. 

(See  also  information  given  at  the  different  ports.) 

Tides. — See  Chapter  I,  H.  O.  No.  151,  Mediterranean  Pilot,  Vol- 
ume I,  1916. 

French  tidal  sign^ials — 

By  DAT. — ^The  signals  are  made  from  a  mast,  with  a  yard  across, 
by  means  of  a  black  pendant  and  a  white  flag  with  a  black  diagonal 
cross  and  black  balls,  as  follows : 

1.  The  pendant  above  the  flag  indicates  rising  tide. 

2.  The  pendant  below  the  flag  indicates  falling  tide. 
No  flag  or  pendant  is  shown  at  high  or  low  water. 

3.  A  ball  at  the  left  yardarm,  as  seen  from  seaward,  indicates  a 
height  of  about  10  inches  above  the  soundings  or  fixed  mark. 

4.  A  ball  at  the  right  yardarm,  as  seen  from  seaward,  indicates  a 
height  of  If  feet  above  the  soundings  or  fixed  mark. 

5.  A  ball  at  each  yardarm  indicates  a  height  of  2^  feet  above  the 
soundings  or  fixed  mark. 

6.  A  ball  placed  on  the  mast  below  the  yard  indicates  a  height  of 
3J  feet  above  the  soundings  or  fixed  mark. 

7.  A  ball,  placed  on  the  mast,  above  the  yard,  indicates  a  height  of 
ftj  feet  above  the  soundings  or  fixed  mark. 

8.  A  ball  placed  at  the  intersection  of  the  mast  and  yard  indicates 
a  height  of  9f  feet  above  the  soundings  or  fixed  mark. 

9.  Heights  above  9f  feet  are  given  by  combinations  of  the  above 
signals,  as  shown  in  the  figures  opposite. 

The  signals  are  not  made  in  complete  detail  at  all  ports,  but  any 
particular  signal  has  the  same  meaning  everywhere.  They  may  be 
made  for  every  half  meter  or  every  meter  of  rise  only,  or  indicate 
with  one  ball  either  heights  of  1,  2,  or  3  meters,  or  one  only  of  those 

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52  GENERAL  REMARKS. 

three.  In  some  ports  they  indicate  by  flag  or  pendant  only,  without 
a  ball,  the  time  during  which  the  sea  level  is  above  some  fixed  mark. 

By  night. — The  signals  are  arranged  to  suit  the  requirements  of 
each  particular  port. 

Port  regulations — ^British  Empire— Vessels  inconvenienced 
by  searchlights. — Any  vessel  approaching  a  port  in  the  British 
Empire  when  searchlights  are  being  worked,  and  finding  that  they 
interfere  with  her  safe  navigation,  may  make  use  of  the  following 
signals,  either  singly  or  combined : 

(a)  By  flashing  lamp,  "four  short"  flashes  followed  by  "one 
long  "  flash. 

(fe)  By  whistle,  siren,  or  foghorn,  "four  short"  blasts  followed 
by  "  one  long  "  blast. 

Whenever  possible  both  flashing-lamp  signals  and  sound  signals 
should  be  used. 

On  these  signals  being  made,  the  searchlights  will  be  worked,  as 
far  as  circumstances  will  permit,  so  as  to  cause  the  least  inconveni- 
ence, being  either  doused,  raised,  or  their  direction  altered. 

The  signals  should  not  be  used  without  real  necessity,  as  unless  the 
vessel  is  actually  in  the  rays  of  a  searchlight  it  is  impossible  to  know 
which  searchlight  is  affected. 

Note. — ^These  signals  are  designed  to  assist  mariners,  and  do  not 
render  the  Government  liable  in  any  way. 

Signals  to  be  made  by  vessels  inconvenienced  by  the 
searchlights  of  defended  ports  or  of  French  naval  vessels. — 
Every  vessel  seriously  inconvenienced  by  searchlights  which  are 
being  exercised  at  defended  ports  or  by  French  naval  vessels,  should 
make  use,  either  separately  or  as  far  as  possible  at  the  same  time, 
of  the  following  signals: — 

(a)  By  flashing  lamp,  four  short  flashes  followed  by  one  long 
flash. 

(&)  By  whistle,  siren,  or  foghorn,  four  short  blasts  followed  by 
one  long  blast. 

These  signals  should  not  be  used  without  real  necessity  and  only 
when  the  vessel  finds  herself  actually  in  the  rays  of  a  searchlight, 
when  only  can  it  be  seen  which  searchlight  is  inconveniencing  her, 
and  which  will  then  be  doused  or  its  direction  altered. 

These  signals  should  be  repeated  until  the  searchlight  has  been 
doused  or  its  direction  altered. 

Vessels  failing  to  use  these  signals  will  be  held  responsible  for 
nccidents  that  may  occur. 

French. — All  French  ports  of  importance  are  subject  to  port 
logulations,  which  are  strictly  enforced,  and  to  which  ready  atten- 
tion and  obedience  should  be  shown.  In  some  cases  anchorage  is 
forbidden  within  certain  areas,  and  notices  are  published  to  that 

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GENERAL  REMARKS.  53 

effect.  Mariners  visiting  French  ports  should  ascertain  beforehand 
what  late  Notices  to  Mariners  have  been  issued  regarding  prohibited 
anchorages. 

For  regulations  regarding  the  admission  of  foreign  naval  vessels 
to  French  territorial  waters  and  ports  in  time  of  peace,  and  for  all 
vessels  approaching  French  territorial  waters  in  time  of  war,  see 
Appendices  V  to  VII  in  this  volume  and  Appendix  IV  in  H.  O.  No. 
151,  Mediterranean  PUot,  Vol.  1, 1916,  page  459. 

Caution  (1917). — ^It  has  been  found  impracticable  to  touch  upon 
the  changes  incident  to  the  war,  as  it  is  assumed  that  most  of  these 
are  temporary.  Exceptions  to  this  asumption  will  be  published  in 
the  Notice  to  Mariners,  which  mariners  should  carefully  consult. 

Many  of  the  ports  referred  to  in  this  publication  are  closed  to 
navigation,  areas  prohibited,  and  lights  and  aids  along  the  coast 
discontinued. 

Masters  of  vessels  are  advised  not  to  approach  the  coast  too  closely 
and  are  advised  to  make  use  of  the  services  of  a  pilot. 

Signals  prohibiting  entry. — A  uniform  system  of  signals  has 
been  established  to  indicate  when  vessels  are  prohibited  from  enter- 
ing or  leaving  French  ports.  This  system  comprises  only  three  sig- 
nals, viz,  "Entry  to  the  port  is  prohibited,  "Leaving  the  port  is 
prohibited,"  and  "  It  is  prohibited  either  to  enter  or  leave  the  port." 

Supplementary  signals,  applicable  to  the  special  circumstances  of 
each  port,  will  continue  to  be  made. 

The  three  signals  above  mentioned  will  be  made,  according  to  the 
installation  provided  at  the  port,  by  means  of  one  or  other  of  the 
two  series  of  signals,  as  follows: 

SERIES  A. 


Entrance  prohibited 

Vessels  prohibited  fron^leav- 

ine  the  port. 
Vessels     prohibited     from 

either  entering  or  leaving 

the  port. 


Day. 


Night. 


Three  red  lights,  vertical. 


Horizontnl  prm  with  a  disk  at  the  end  gener- 
ally pointing  toward  the  f.Urway. 

Three  nexaj;onal  shapes  or  disks  placed  ver-  Three  green  lights,  vertical, 
tic^lly.  ! 

Horizontal  nrm  with  a  disk  at  the  end  pener-  Three  litrhts  placed  verti- 
ally  pointing  toward  the  foirway  and  two  cilly,  a  green  between 
hexagonal  shiapes  or  disks  placed  vertically.        two  red. 


Special  distress  signals. — Should  a  shipping  mishap  occur  in 
the  neighborhood  of  a  signal  station,  signals  will  be  hoisted  at  the 
International  Code  signal  mast  as  follows : 

{a)  A  black  flag  at  the  masthead  indicates  that  the  mishap  has 
occurred  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  station. 

(b)  A  black  flag  at  the  yardarm  indicates  that  the  mishap  has 
occurred  to  the  right  (looking  seaward)  of  the  station. 

(c?)  A  black  flag  at  the  gaff  indicates  that  the  mishap  has  occurred 
to  the  left  (looking  seaward)  of  the  station. 

Guns  may  also  be  fired  every  five  minutes  to  attract  attention. 


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64  OENEBAL  BEMABKS. 

Italian  lighthouses. — Signals  for  assistance  are  made  as  un- 
dermentioned from  the  following  lighthouses:  Isola  Santa  Maria; 
Banehi  della  Meloria,  south  end,  and  lightvessel  at  north  end ;  Isola 
Palmajola;  Formica  Maggiore,  Formiche  di  Grosseto;  Isola  Gian- 
nutri;  Capo  Nero,  Isola  di  Zannone;  Capo  Colonne  (by  day  only) ; 
and  Isola  di  Sant'  Andrea,  Gallipoli. 

A  square  black  flag  with  a  white  disc  in  the  middle,  by  day,  or  a 
white  Coston  light  at  night,  signifies  that  a  doctor  is  needed.  A  pen- 
dant with  four  chequers,  two  white  arid  two  black,  by  day,  or  a  red 
and  white  Coston  light  at  night,  signifies  that  the  apparatus  is  dam- 
aged. A  black  ball  by  day,  or  a  red  Coston  light  at  night,  signifies 
that  provisions  and  water  are  required.  A  square  black  flag  with  a 
white  disc  in  the  middle  over  a  black  ball  by  day,  or  a  white  and  red 
Coston  light  at  night,  signifies  shipwreck. 

The  lightvessel  at  night  uses  a  Very  light  instead  of  the  Coston, 
and  substitutes  a  yellow  light  for  the  white  light. 

Fog  signals — Caution.— On  the  coast  of  France  it  is  not  always 
possible  to  determine  the  existence  of  fog  bank  in  the  offing;  and 
nearly  always  an  hour  may  elapse  from  the  time  it  is  considered 
necessary  to  use  the  fog  signal  until  it  is  first  made. 

Mariners,  therefore,  are  cautioned  that  when  approaching  the  land 
in  a  fog  they  should  not  rely  implicitly  upon  these  fog  signals,  but 
should  always  use  the  lead  which,  in  nearly  all  cases,  will  give  suffi- 
cient warning. 

Lloyd's  signal  stations  are  established  at  the  following  places 
within  the  limits  of  Mediterranean  Pilot,  Voliune  II:  Pomfegues 
Island,  Marseille;  Cape  Corse  and  Cape  Pertusato,  Corsica;  Cape 
deir  Armi,  Strait  of  Messina,  Malta,  Pantellaria,  and  Cape  Testa. 

Badio  stations  are  established  at  the  following  places  within  the 
limits  of  Mediterranean  Pilot,  Volimie  II :  Port  Vendres ;  Les  Saintes 
Maries;  Toulon  Naval  School;  Porqiierolles  Island,  Ilyeres  Islands; 
Cros  de  Cagnes,  near  Nice;  Genoa,  and  Palmaria  Island,  Gulf  of 
Genoa,  Aspretto  Point,  Ajaccio;  Cagliari,  Castiadas;  Maddalena; 
Malta;  Palermo;  Scoglitti;  Sf erracavallo ;  Cape  Sperone;  and  Vit- 
toria. 

The  stations  are  open  from  sunrise  to  sunset,  and  weather  forecasts 
will  be  given ;  telegrams  from  the  stations  are  distinguished  by  the 
letters  M  M. 

A  vessel  in  distress  should  make  the  signal  SOS,  repeated  at 
intervals  of  a  few  seconds,  and  on  a  reply  being  received  the  signal 
SOS  should  be  repeated,  after  which  the  position  of  the  vessel,  the 
nature  of  the  damage,  and  of  the  assistance  required  should  be  given. 

Submarine  cables. — On  the  coasts  of  Italy  the  landing  place 
and  first  direction  of  submarine  cables  are  marked  by  two  beacons  in 
range;  as  a  rule  the  beacons  are  posts,  each  surmounted  by  a  frame- 


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GENEBAL  BEMAHKS.  55 

work  painted  white,  one  of  which  having  the  letter  T  on  it  painted 
black.  There  is  also  a  board  where  each  cable  is  landed,  with  notice 
that  anchorage  is  prohibited  near  the  cable. 

Pilots— Prench. — Steamers  of  100  tons  and  sailing  vessels  of  80 
tons  and  upward  must  take  a  pilot  to  enter  or  leave  French  ports,  and 
also  to  shift  berth  if  the  distance  to  be  moved  is  200  yards  or  above. 
In  some  ports  vessels  drawing  7^  feet  and  over  must  take  a  pilot, 
whatever  may  be  the  tonnage.  If  a  vessel  enters  or  quits  a  French 
port  without  a  pUot,  the  pilotage  fee  has  nevertheless  to  be  paid. 

The  master  of  a  vessel  liable  to  pilotage  should  on  approaching  a 
port,  road,  or  river,  hoist  the  pilot  signal,  keeping  it  flying  until  the 
arrival  of  a  pilot  having  the  right  to  pilot  him,  or  until  the  vessel  is 
clear  of  dangers.  The  first  duly  licensed  pilot  offering  himself  has  to 
be  received,  and  if,  for  any  reason,  a  second  pilot  should  be  received 
and  employed,  both  have  to  be  paid.  Should  a  local  fisherman  or 
boatman  be  taken  in  the  absence  of  a  pilot,  the  pilot  signal  should  be 
kept  hoisted,  and  on  a  licensed  pilot  presenting  himself  he  must  be 
given  pilotage  charge.  Every  facility  must  be  given  to  pilots  in 
boarding  vessels. 

Government  vessels,  both  French  and  foreign,  as  well  as  yachts, 
pay,  as  a  rule,  half  the  dues  fixed  for  laden  vessels  of  the  same  ton- 
nage.   At  many  stations  there  are  special  rates  for  these  vessels. 

During  the  day,  as  long  as  there  is  a  pilot  on  board,  pilot  vessels 
hoist  at  the  mainmast  head  a  blue  flag  bordered  with  white  (letter  S, 
International  Code). 

A  vessel  requiring  a  pilot  shall,  by  day,  hoist  one  of  the  following 
signals : 

(1)  A  blue  flag  with  a  white  border  (letter  S,  International  Code) 
below  the  code  pendant,  or  the  vessel's  national  flag,  bordered  with 
white. 

(2)  The  International  Code  signal  P  T  (Kequire  a  pilot). 

(3)  The  distance  signal,  consisting  of  two  balls  or  two  objects  re- 
sembling balls,  over  a  cone,  point  upward. 

Ziights. — On  the  coast  of  France  fixed  lights  of  the  catoptric 
character  (or  by  reflectors),  which  are  described  as  being  visible 
through  a  limited  arc,  may,  from  within  the  distance  of  0.3  or  0.4 
of  their  given  range  of  visibility,  be  seen  55°  to  60°  on  each  side  of 
the  center  of  such  arc,  when  not  otherwise  obscured,  or  unless  the 
sector  is  clearly  limited  by  special  arrangements  of  reflectors  or 
screens.  Other  things  being  equal  the  greatest  power  of  these  lights 
is  in  the  axis  of  the  sector,  and  it  is  greater  the  smaller  the  sector. 

liightvessels. — French  and  Italian  lightvessels  do  not  carry 
any  stay  secondary  lights  to  indicate  how  the  vessel  is  riding. 
French  lightvessels  can  communicate  by  the  International  Code  of 
signals. 

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56  GENERAJL  REMARKS. 

Italy— Pilotage  regulations— Distinguishing  marks.- Ital- 
ian pilot  vessels  are  painted  black  with  a  white  band,  and  the  word 
"  Pilota,"  with  number,  if  any,  painted  in  whit©  on  each  bow  and  on 
the  stem.  The  letter  "  P  "  is  painted  on  each  side  of  her  sail,  or 
funnel  of  a  steamer. 

Each  pilot  vessel  shows  a  distinctive  flag  at  the  masthead,  blue- 
white-blue,  vertical  stripes,  with  the  letter  "  P  "  in  blue  on  the  white 
stripe. 

A  vessel  requiring  a  pilot  shall  make  one  of  the  following  signals : 

By  day  : 

1.  The  national  flag  with  a  white  border. 

2.  International  Code  signal  PT. 

3.  International  Code  flag  S,  with  or  without  the  pennant  above  it. 
By  night: 

1.  Bum  a  fountain  light  every  15^  minutes. 

2.  Show  a  brilliant  white  light  for  periods  of  about  bne  minute, 
with  short  intervals  between  each  period,  just  above  the  vessel's  side. 

The  pilot  vessel  will  answer  by"  hoisting  and  lowering  her  distinc- 
tive flag  several  times  if  by  day,  or  by  showing  a  flashing  lamp  at 
short  intervals  if  by  night. 

Pilots  may  not  perform  towing  services  without  proper  license,  and 
pilots  are  forbidden  to  transport  persons  or  stores  unless  in  excep- 
tional circumstances. 

The  pilotage  dues  include  mooring  the  vessel  if  it  is  done  within 
prescribed  limits  of  time,  and  the  vessel  may  demand  the  assistance 
of  the  pilot  vessel,  if  necessary,  on  adequate  payment. 

The  ordinary  detention  fee  for  the  pilot  is  10  lire  a  day,  with  food 
and  lodging. 

If  a  vessel  is  detained  under  circumstances  out  of  the  control  of 
the  ship's  authorities,  the  detention  fee  only  is  payable  in  addition 
to  the  ordinary  fees. 

Special  fees  are  charged  if  a  pilot  is  engaged  beforehand  to  go  out 
and  meet  the  vessel,  or  if  a  pilot  is  called  to  establish  communication 
only. 

The  pilot,  if  called,  is  entitled  to  his  fee  whether  his  services  are 
made  use  of  or  not. 

If  a  pilot  is  retained  for  leaving,  as  well  as  entering,  half  fees  only 
are  charged  on  leaving. 

The  bill  for  pilotage  is  presented  on  a  special  form  torn  from  a 
counterfoil,  and  is  countersigned  and  presented  by  the  maritime 
authority. 

Pilot  vessels — Lights. — ^The  following  regulations  with  regard 
to  pilot  vessels  have  been  adopted  by  the  French,  Italian,  and  Spanish 
Governments: 


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GENERAL  REMARKS.  57 

Pilot  vessels,  when  engaged  on  their  station  on  pilotage  duty  shall 
not  show  the  lights  required  for  other  vessels,  but  shall  carry  a 
"  white "  light  at  the  masthead,  visible  all  around  the  horizon,  and 
shall  also  exhibit  a  flare-up  light  or  flare-up  lights  at  short  intervals, 
which  shall  never  exceed  "  15  minutes." 

On  the  near  approach  of  or  to  other  vessels  they  shall  have  their 
side  lights  lighted,  ready  for  use,  and  shall  flash  or  show  them  at 
short  intervals,  to  indicate  the  direction  in  which  they  are  heading, 
but  the  "  green  "  light  shall  not  be  shown  on  the  port  side,  nor  the 
"  red  "  light  on  the  starboard  side. 

A  pilot  vessel  of  such  a  class  as  to  be  obliged  to  go  alongside  a 
vessel  to  put  a  pilot  on  board,  may  show  the  "  white "  light  instead 
of  carrying  it  at  the  masthead,  and  may,  instead  of  the  colored  lights 
above  mentioned,  have  at  hand  ready  for  use  a  lantern  with  a 
"  green  "  glass  on  the  one  side  and  a  "  red  "  glass  on  the  other,  to  be 
used  as  prescribed  above. 

A  steam  pilot  vessel,  exclusively  employed  for  the  service  of  pilots 
licensed  or  certified  by  any  pilotage  authority  or  the  committee  of 
any  pilotage  district,  when  engaged  on  her  station  on  pilotage  duty 
and  not  at  anchor,  shall,  in  addition  to  the  lights  required  for  all 
pilot  boats,  carry  at  a  distance  of  8  feet  below  her  "  white  "  masthead 
light  a  "red"  light,  visible  all  around  the  horizon,  and  of  such  a 
character  as  to  be  visible  on  a  dark  night,  with  clear  atmosphere, 
from  a  distance  of  at  least  2  miles,  and  also  the  colored  side  lights 
required  to  be  carried  by  vessels  when  underway. 

When  engaged  on  her  station  on  pilotage  duty,  and  at  anchor,  she 
shall  carry,  in  addition  to  the  lights  required  for  all  pilot  boats,  the 
red  light  above  mentioned,  but  not  the  colored  side  lights. 

Pilot  vessels,  when  not  engaged  on  their  station  on  pilotage  duty, 
shall  carry  lights  similar  to  other  vessels  of  their  tonnage. 

Steering  commands. — The  system  of  steering  conunands,  in 
which  the  terms  starboard  and  port  signify  that  the  vessel's  head  is 
to  go  to  starboard  and  port,  and  not  the  helm,  have  been  adopted  by 
Austria,  France,  Germany,  Greece,  Holland,  Italy,  Japan,  Norway, 
Portugal,  Russia,  Spain,  and  Sweden. 

TTnif orm  system  of  buoyage — ^French. — The  following  system 
of  buoyage,  established  on  the  French  coasts  comprises  all  marks, 
fixed  or  floating,  which  serve  to  indicate  by  day  either  existing 
dangers  or  the  limits  of  navigable  channels,  i.  e.,  buoys,  beacons, 
beacon  towers  or  turrets,  jetty  heads,  rocks,  and  convenient  natural 
objects,  but  does  not  include  ordinary  landmarks,  mooring  buoys,  etc. 

All  buoys  and  beacons  employed  are  characterized  by  their  color 
and  the  shape  of  their  topmarks,  but  in  certain  cases  the  topmarks 
de\aate  from  the  rule,  as  when  lightbuoys,  whistlingbuoys,  etc. 


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58  GENERAL  BEMABKS. 

The  term  "  starboard "  means  the  right  hand  approaching  from 
seaward;  the  term  "port"  the  left  hand.  The  term  "separation'' 
marks  is  given  to  those  marks  placed  at  the  seaward  extremity  of 
middle  grounds,  the  term  "  junction  "  marks  to  those  placed  at  the 
inshore  extremity  of  middle  grounds,  and  marks  placed  on  shoals  of 
small  extent  are  named  "  isolated  dangers  " : 

1.  Starboard  marks  are  painted  red  and  surmounted  by  a  cone. 
If  necessary,  they  are  numbered- with  even  numbers,  commencing 
from  seaward. 

2.  Port  marks  are  painted  black  and  surmounted  by  a  cylinder. 
If  necessary,  they  are  numbered  with  odd  numbers,  commencing  from 
seaward. 

3.  Separation  marks  are  painted  white  and  black  in  horizontal 
bands  and  surmounted  by  a  diamond  topmark. 

4.  Junction  marks  are  painted  red  and  white  on  horizontal  bands 
and  surmoimted  by  a  topmark  formed  of  two  cones,  points  together. 

5.  Isolated  danger  marks  are  painted  red  and  black  in  horizontal 
bands  and  surmounted  by  a  sphere. 

6.  Wreck  marks,  either  buoys  or  vessels,  are  painted  green.  Lights 
are  used  according  to  circumstances.  Wreck  buoys  carry  a  topmark 
according  to  their  position,  as  described  in  articles  1  to  5,  above. 

7.  Names  or  numbers  on  marks  are  painted  white. 

Note. — ^Warping  buoys  in  French  ports,  which  are  not  part  of  the 
buoyage  system,  are  painted  white. 

Uniform  system  of  color  for  buoys  and  beacons — ^Italy. — 
The  Italian  Government  has  ordered  that  all  the  buoys,  beacons,  and 
sea  marks  placed  along  the  coast  of  the  Kingdom  shall  be  painted 
according  to  the  rule  adopted  by  the  Congress  of  St.  Petersburg;  that 
is,  red  on  the  port  and  black  on  the  starboard  hand,  to  vessels  enter- 
ing a  port  or  channel.  The  new  coloring  will  be  applied  gradually, 
nnd  notice  will  be  given  as  the  colors  are  altered. 

Wrecks — ^Vessels  marking. — When  lightvessels  or  other  craft 
are  placed  to  mark  the  position  of  wrecks  in  the  ports  and  roadsteads, 
and  on  the  coasts  of  Italy,  they  will  be  distinguished  as  follows,  in 
order  that  mariners  may  be  able  to  learn  on  which  side  of  them  they 
should  go. 

Vessels  marking  wrecks  will  have  their  top  sides  colored  green, 
and  will  exhibit — 

By  DAY. — Three  balls  from  a  yard,  20  feet  above  the  sea;  two 
placed  vertically  on  the  side  that  shipping  may  safely  pass,  and  one 
on  the  other  side. 

By  NIGHT. — Three  jBxed  white  lights,  similarly  arranged. 

Mariners  will  thus  know  on  sighting  a  wreck-marking  vessel  that 
she  is  so  employed ;  and  that  they  should  pass  on  that  side  of  her  on 
which  the  two  balls  or  two  lights  are  shown. 


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OENEBAL  BEMABKS.  59 

On  the  coasts  of  France  vessels  marking  wrecks  are  painted  green, 
and  lights  are  exhibited  therefrom  according  to  circumstances;  there 
is  no  special  rule. 

lightvessels. — ^The  French  and  Italian  lightvessels  do  not  carry 
any  stay  or  secondary  light  to  indicate  how  the  vessel  is  riding. 

Piflhing  vessels— Lights. — ^The  following  regulations  with 
regard  to  fishing  vessels  have  been  adopted  by  the  French,  Italian, 
and  Spanish  Governments : 

Fishing  vessels  and  fishing  boats,  when  under  weigh  and  when  not  required 
by  these  regulations  to  carry  or  show  the  lights  hereinafter  specified,  shall 
carry  or  show  the  lights  prescribed  f6r  vessels  of  their  tonnage  under  weigh. 

(o)  Open  boats,  by  which  it  is  to  be  understood  boats  not  protected  from 
the  entrance  of  sea  water  by  means  of  a  continuous  deck,  when  engaged  in 
any  fishing  at  night  with  outlying  tacl^le  extending  not  more  than  150  feet  hori- 
zontally from  the  boat  into  the  seaway,  shall  carry  one  all-around  "white  "  light. 

Open  boats  when  fishing  at  night  with  outlying  tackle  extending  more  than 
150  feet  horizontally  from  the  boat  into  the  seaway  shall  carry  one  all-around 
"white"  light,  and  in  addition,  on  approaching  or  being  approached  by  other 
vessels,  shall  show  a  second  "  white  "  light  at  least  3  feet  below  the  first  light 
and  at  a  horizontal  distance  of  at  least  5  feet  away  from  it  in  the  direction  in 
which  the  outlying  tackle  is  attached. 

(&)  Vessels  and  boats,  except  oi)en  boats,  as  defined  in  subdivision  (a),  when 
fishing  with  drift  nets,  shall,  so  long  as  the  nets  are  wholly  or  partially  in  the 
water,  carry  two  "  white  "  lights  where  they  can  best  be  seen.  Such  lights  shaU 
be  placed  so  that  the  vertical  distance  between  them  shall  not  be  less  than  6 
feet  and  not  more  than  15  feet,  and  so  that  the  horizontal  distance  between 
them,  measured  in  a  line  with  the  keel,  shall  not  be  less  than  5  feet  and  not 
more  than  10  feet.  The  lower  of  these  two  lights  shall  be  in  the  direction  of 
the  nets,  and  both  of  them  shall  be  of  such  a  character  as  to  show  all  around 
the  horizon  and  to  be  visible  from  a  distance  of  not  less  than  3  miles. 

Within  the  Mediterranean  Sea  sailing  fishing  vessels  of  less  than  20  tons 
gross  tonnage  shall  not  be  obliged  to  carry  the  lower  of  these  two  lights ;  should 
they,  however,  not  carry  it,  they  shall  show  In  the  same  position  (In  the  direc- 
tion of  the  net  or  gear)  a  "white"  light  visible  from  a  distance  of  not  less 
than  1  nautical  mile  on  the  approach  of  or  to  other  vessels. 

(c)  Vessels  and  boats,  except  open  boats  as  defined  in  subdivision  (a),  when 
line  fishing,  with  their  lines  out  and  attached  to  or  hauling  their  lines,  and 
when  not  at  anchor  or  stationary,  shall  carry  the  same  lights  as  vessels  fishing 
with  drift  nets.  When  shooting  lines  or  fishing  with  towing  lines  they  shall  carry 
the  lights  prescribed  for  a  steam  or  sailing  vessel  under  weigh,  respectively. 

Within  the  Mediterranean  Sea  sailing  fishing  vessels  of  less  than  20  tons 
gross  tonnage  shall  not  be  obliged  to  carry  the  lower  of  these  two  lights ;  should 
they,  however,  not  carry  it,  they  shall  show  In  the  same  position  (In  the  direc- 
tion of  the  lines)  a  white  light  visible  from  a  distance  of  not  less  than  1  nautical 
mile  on  the  approach  of  or  to  other  vessels. 

(d)  In  fog,  mist,  falling  snow,  or  heavy  rainstorms  drift-net  vessels,  attached 
to  their  nets,  and  vessels  when  trawling,  dredging,  or  fishing  with  any  kind  of 
drag  net,  and  vessels  fishing  with  their  lines  out,  shall,  If  of  20  tons  gross 
tonnage  or  upward,  respectively,  at  Intervals  of  not  more  than  one  minute,  make 
a  blast;  if  steamers,  with  the  whistle  or  siren,  and  if  sailing  vessels  with  the 
foghorn ;  each  blast  to  be  followed  by  ringing  the  bell. 


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60  GENERAL  REMARKS. 

Fishing  vessels  and  boats  of  less  than  20  tons  gross  tonnage  shall  not  be 
obliged  to  give  the  above-mentioned  signals ;  but  if  they  do  not,  they  shall  make 
some  other  efficient  sound  signal  at  intervals  of  not  more  than  one  minute. 

Tunny  fisheries. — It  may  here  be  proper  to  remark  that  on  the 
coasts  of  France  and  Italy  during  certain  seasons  of  the  year  fishing 
nets  of  large  size  (madragues  or  tonnara)  are  moored  for  the  purpose 
of  catching  tunny  fish.  These  nets,  which  are  sometimes  at  a  dis- 
tance of  upward  of  1  mile  or  more  from  the  coasts,  should  be  care- 
fully avoided.  In  some  cases  the  nets  are  marked  by  buoys,  or  boats, 
carrying  a  lantern  at  night. 

The  nets  off  the  Italian  coast  are  laid  out  between  March  and 
November,  inclusive,  approximately,  according  to  the  exigencies  of 
the  station;  their  positions  are  subject  to  alteration. 

The  territorial  limits  in  the  Strait  of  Bonifacio,  in  which  the 
right  of  fishing  is  exclusively  reserved  to  the  French  on  the  Corsican, 
and  the  Italians  on  the  Sardinian,  side,  are  marked  by  a  line  through 
a  beacon,  26  feet  high,  on  Guardia  del  Turco,  the  northern  summit 
of  Isola  della  Maddalena,  and  a  beacon,  33  feet  high,  on  the  rocks  at 
the  southern  point  of  Isola  Budelli ;  and  by  a  line  through  a  beacon, 
33  feet  high,  on  a  rock  550  yards  in  front  of  Contra  di  li  Scale,  at 
the  northern  end  of  Sardinia,  and  a  beacon  39  feet  high,  on  the  coast 
near  Punta  Marmorata. 

The  beacons  are  white  masonry  pillars. 

A  zone  of  330  yards  on  both  sides  of  the  limiting  lines  is  open  to 
both  nations'  fishermen. 

The  nets  and  method  of  fishing  are  described  in  H.  O.  No.  151, 
Mediterranean  Pilot,  Volume  1, 1916. 

Marks  for  tunny  nets. — ^Throughout  the  coasts  of  Italy  the 
following  rules  will  be  observed  for  marking  the  timny  fisheries  : 

1.  Tunny  fisheries  proper : 

(a)  The  point  at  which  the  nets  are  attached  to  the  shore  will  be  marl^ed  by 
a  mast  not  less  than  33  feet  in  height,  surmounted  by  a  disk  6  feet  in  diameter, 
painted  in  concentric  white  and  black  bands,  and  exhibiting  by  night  two  fixed 
white  lights  6  feet  apart  and  visible  at  a  distance  of  at  least  2  miles. 

(b)  The  outer  left-hand  extremity  of  the  nets,  as  seen  by  an  observer  situated 
at  the  point  at  which  the  nets  are  attached  to  the  shore,  will  be  marked  by  a 
buoy,  boat,  or  floating  mark,  surmounted  by  a  spar  16  feet  in  height,  carrying 
by  day  two  black  balls  placed  vertically  6  feet  apart  and  by  night  two  lights 
placed  vertically  6  feet  apart,  the  upper  green,  the  lower  white,  visible  in  clear 
weather  at  a  distance  of  at  least  2  miles. 

(c)  The  outer  right-hand  extremity  of  the  nets,  as  seen  by  an  observer  placed 
as  in  (&),  will  be  marked  by  day  in  a  manner  identical  with  the  above  (a  mast 
and  two  balls)  and  by  night  by  two  lights  placed  vertically,  6  feet  apart,  the 
upper  red,  the  lower  white,  and  visible  in  clear  weather  at  a  distance  of  at 
least  2  miles. 

The  above-mentioned  marks  will  be  on  the  outermost  limit  of  the  tunny  nets, 
or  place<l  outside  it  should  the  lights  be  a  hindrance  or  obstacle  to  the  fishiujif: 

2.  Smaller  tunny  fisheries: 


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GENERAL  REMARKS.  61 

(tf)  The  point  where  the  nets  are  attached  to  the  shore  will  l>e  ninrke<l  as 
above.' 

(&)  The  outer  end  of  the  nets  will  be  marketl  by  day  by  a  buoy,  boat,  or  other 
floating  mark  surmounted  by  a  mast  16  feet  in  height,  with  -tvvo  disks  placed 
vertically,  6  feet  apart,  and  by  night  by  two  lights  placed  vertically,  6  feet  apart, 
the  upper  red,  the  lower  white,  visible  at  a  distance  of  2  miles. 

3.  Tunny  fishery  nets  laid  out  in  an  anchorage : 

In  addition  to  the  foregoing  signals,  every  anchor  for  nets  will  be  marked  by 
a  buoy  or  other  conspicuous  mark. 

At  Malta  each  seaward  extremity  of  the  nets  is  marked  by  a  nun 
buoy  surmounted  by  a  staff  and  ball  during  the  day,  and  at  night  by 
a  boat  showing  two  fixed  white  lights,  placed  vertically,  which  in 
cleiir  weather  should  be  seen  from  a  distance  of  2  miles. 

Caution. — Apart  from  the  damage  that  may  be  done  to  the  nets, 
should  a  vessel  pass  through  them,  they  are  generally  of  such  a 
strength  that,  should  a  vessel's  propeller  become  fouled,  the  vessel 
might  become  unmanageable. 

Coal  supply. — The  various  ports,  in  this,  book,  where  coal  may 
be  obtained  are  enumerated  below.  The  quantity  kept  in  stock  and 
facilities  for  coaling  will  be  found  in  the  description  of  the  various 
ports. 

Cette,  Marseille,  Toulon,  Hyeres,  Nice,  Savona,  Genoa,  Spezia, 
Leghorn,  Naples,  Salerno. 

Malta :  Trapani,  Palermo,  Milazzo,  Messina,  Licata,  Catania. 

Porto  Torres  and  Cagliari. 

Naval  dockyards  and  establishments  are  to  be  found  at 
Toulon,  Grenoa,  Spezia,  Naples,  Castelmarre,  Isola  della  Maddalena, 
and  Malta. 

Dock  accommodation. — Dry  docks  are  to  be  found  at  Marseille, 
La  Ciotat,  Villefranche,  Genoa,  and  Leghorn;  floating  docks  at 
Genoa;  patent  slips  at  La  Ciotat,  Ajaccio,  Leghorn;  and  Govern- 
ment dry  docks  at  Toulon,  Genoa,  Spezia,  Naples,  Taranto  and 
Malta.    These  are  all  fully  described  in  their  several  places. 

There  are  Government  and  private  docks  at  the  following  places; 
the  private  docks  are  marked  with  an  asterisk  (*) : 

Malta,  Messina,*  and  Palermo  ♦  in  Sicily ;  and  Maddalena  in  Sar- 
dinia, this  latter  being  for  torpedo  boats  only.  (For  particulars, 
see  Appendix  I.) 

Broutes— Gibraltar  to  Sardinia,  Naples,  or  Sicily,  and 
back — Steamers. — ^Keep  well  off  the  Spanish  coast  till  abreast  of 
Cape  de  Gata,  so  as  to  profit  by  the  easterly  current,  and,  if  bound 
to  Naples  or  Sardinia,  steer  direct  for  the  southern  end  of  that  island, 
or,  if  bound  to  Sicily,  direct  for  its  northern  side,  giving  the  Keith 
Keef  a  wide  berth. 

In  returning  keep  along  the  coast  of  Spain  from  Cape  de  Gata. 


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62  GENERAL  BEMABKS. 

Sailing  vessels— Summer. — With  a  fair  wind  pass  between 
Alboran  Island  and  the  coast  of  Spain  (about  30  miles  distant),  and 
midway  between  the  Balearic  Islands  and  the  coast  of  Africa,  along 
the  south  coast  of  Sardinia,  and  north  or  south  of  Sicily,  according 
to  the  port  bound  to. 

With  an  easterly  wind  work  to  windward  in  mid-channel,  and 
then  between  the  Balearic  Islands  and  the  coast  of  Africa,  keeping 
nearer  the  coast  of  Africa  with  the  wind  to  the  southward  of  east, 
but  nearer  the  islands  with  the  wind  to  the  northward  of  east. 

Winter. — ^Keep  along  the  coast  of  Spain  as  far  as  Cape  Palos, 
and  thence  make  for  the  southern  end  of  Sardinia,  and  pass  north- 
ward or  southward  of  Sicily. 

The  opposite  route  in  both  seasons  is  to  pass  along  the  southern 
coasts  of  Sardinia  and  the  Balearic  Islands  and  keep  along  the  coast 
of  Spain  from  Cape  Palos. 

Between  Oibraltar  and  the  Oulfs  of  Lyons  and  Oenoa — 
Steamers. — ^Keep  about  20  miles  off  the  coast  of  Spain  up  to  Cape 
San  Antonio,  and  thence  direct. 

In  returning,  the  route  is  direct  to  Cape  San  Antonio  and  close 
along  the  coast  of  Spain. 

Sailing  vessels. — ^Keep  in  the  middle  of  the  channel  whether  the 
wind  be  from  the  eastward  or  westward. 

In  summer. — Pass  through  the  Majorca  Channel,  and  if  bound 
to  Marseille  sight  Capes  Sebastian  or  Creus  before  crossing  the  Gulf 
of  Lyons;  but "  if  bound  to  the  Gulf  of  Genoa  "  make  the  land  about 
the  Hyeres  Islands.  In  most  cases,  bound  to  Genoa  or  Leghorn,  the 
sooner  the  coast  of  Provence  is  made,  the  more  secure  the  voyage, 
unless  the  wind  should  be  settled  from  southeast  to  southwest. 

In  winter. — ^Keep  along  the  coast  of  Spain  up  to  Cape  Creus, 
where  shelter  may  be  obtained  in  Rosas  Bay  in  case  of  a  northerly 
gale  or  bad  weather,  and  thence,  "  if  bound  to  Marseille,"  stand  across 
the  Gulf  of  Lyons  and  pass  well  to  the  westward  to  Planier  Island, 
but  in  case  of  a  southeast  wind  endeavor  to  make  easting  as  quickly 
as  possible  as  far  as  longitude  5°  E.  "If  bound  to  the  Gulf  of 
Genoa,"  make  the  Hyeres  Islands. 

Sailing  vessels  round  Cape  Corso,  the  northern  end  of  Corsica,  in 
the  winter,  should  give  it  a  berth  of  6  or  8  miles,  as  within  that  dis- 
tance dangerous  whirlwinds  and  squalls  come  off  from  the  cape. 

In  approaching  the  northern  shore  of  the  Gulf  of  Lyons,  with 
southerly  winds,  the  greatest  caution  is  necessary,  as  the  currents 
with  these  winds  set  strongly  to  the  northward  and  northwestward, 
and  many  vessels  have  been  wrecked. 

On  the  return  voyage  vessels  should  make  for  Cape  San  An- 
tonio, and  then  keep  along  the  coast  of  Spain. 


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GENERAL  BEMABKS.  63 

Gibraltar  to  Malta  and  back — Steamers.^ — ^Direct  to  Cape 
Oaxine  and  thence  along  the  African  coast,  passing  southward  of 
the  Sorelle  Rocks  and  Galita  Islands,  toward  Cape  Bon;  thence 
northward  of  Pantellaria  and  Gozo. 

In  the  reverse  route,  pass  northward  of  Galita  and  thence  toward 
and  along  the  Spanish  coast  from  Cape  de  Gata  to  avoid  the  ad- 
verse currents. 

Sailing  vessels — Summer  (May  to  September). — ^Keep  in 
the  middle  of  the  channel  until  abreast  of  Cape  de  Gata,  and  thence 
along  the  African  coast  as  far  as  Cape  Bon,  to  profit  by  the  easterly 
current,  passing  north  of  Galita  Island.  Thence  proceed  direct  for 
Malta,  passing  northward  or  southward  of  Pantellaria  and  the 
Maltese  Islands,  according  to  circumstances. 

In  winter  (October  to  April). — Westerly  winds  (southwest  to 
northwest)  principally  prevail,  and  vessels  should  then  keep  along 
the  coast  of  Spain  as  far  as  Cape  Palos  and  thence  steer  for  the 
south  coast  of  Sardinia.  Under  all  circumstances  the  African  coast 
should  be  avoided  in  the  winter,  as  the  northerly  gales  make  it  a 
dangerous  lee  short.  From  southward  of  Sardinia  make  for  Cape 
Bon  and  pass  northward  of  Pantellaria  and  Gozo.  With  a  strong 
southwest  wind,  however,  vessels  may  keep  the  African  coast  as  far 
as  Cape  Bon. 

If  leaving  Gibraltar  with  an  easterly  wind,  work  to  windward  in 
mid-channel  as  far  as  Cape  Palos  and  to  the  southern  end  of  Sar- 
dinia. Thence  make  for  Cape  Bon,  and  pass  northward  or  southward 
of  Pantellaria  and  the  Maltese  Islands,  according  to  circumstances. 

In  the  return  voyage,  from  Malta  to  Gibraltar,  with  a  fair 
wind,  after  passing  Cani  Rocks,  keep  well  off  the  African  coast  to 
avoid  the  easterly  current,  and  make  the  Spanish  coast  about  Cape 
Palos,  afterwards  keeping  along  it  to  Gibraltar. 

Great  care  is  requisite  in  making  Gibraltar  Strait  in  the  thick 
weather  which  usually  accompanies  easterly  winds,  as  vessels  mis- 
taking the  Rock  of  Gibraltar  for  Sierra  BuUones  (Apes  Hill)  and 
supposing  they  were  passing  through  the  strait,  and  vice  versa,  have 
been  wrecked  in  Mala  and  Tetuan  Bays,  where  the  land  is  low. 

With  northwesterly  winds,  vessels  should  work  along  the  coast  of 
Sicily  to  Maritimo,  taking  care  to  avoid  the  Graham  Shoal,  with  2^ 
fathoms  of  water  over  it,  which  lies  about  23  miles  from  the  shore 
abreast  Capo  San  Marco,  and  then  work  across  to  the  south  coast  of 
Sardinia  and  the  south  coast  of  Spain.  The  difficulty  of  getting  to 
windward  with  a  westerly  wind  increases  as  the  Strait  of  Gibraltar 
is  approached,  vessels  being  frequently  obliged  to  remain  some  days 
at  anchor  on  the  coast.  Short  tacks  should  be  made  along  the 
Spanish  coast  to  avoid  the  easterly  current  in  mid-channel. 


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64  GENEBAL  REMARKS. 

If  a  northwesterly  gale  be  encountered  between  Malta  and  Pantel- 
laria,  it  is  better  to  put  back  to  Malta  rather  than  risk  straining  the 
vessel  in  the  heavy  sea  then  met  in  that  channel. 

Another  route,  and  recommended  as  a  better  one,  is,  on  leaving 
Malta,  to  stand  on  the  starboard  tack  toward  the  coast  of  Africa 
and  work  along  it  up  to  Cape  Bon,  and  thence,  as  before,  keeping 
well  oflf  the  coast  of  Africa. 

Steamers  proceeding  from  ports  in  the  Gulf  of  Lyons  to  the  Levant 
take  the  direct  route  through  the  straits  of  Bonifacio  and  Messina. 

Sailing  vessels,  however,  will  not  find  this  passage  advanta- 
geous in  summer,  as  at  that  season  calms  and  light  winds  are  often 
found  eastward  of  Corsica  and  at  the  Strait  of  Messina.  It  is  prefer- 
able to  pass  southward  of  Sardinia,  particularly  if  on  leaving  the 
French  coast  a  northwest  wind  should  be  blowing,  or  there  should  be 
signs  of  the  wind  coming  from  that  quarter.  If  on  reaching  the 
Sardinia  Channel  an  easterly  wind  should  be  found  blowing,  it  is 
preferable  to  work  to  windward  on  the  African  shore,  where  the 
water  is  smoother  than  on  the  Sardinian  coast,  and  a  vessel  will  bene- 
fit by  the  general  easterly  current,  but  in  winter  the  Sardinian  coast 
should  be  preferred. 

Sailing  vessels  from  the  west  coast  of  Italy  bound  to  the  Levant 
should  pass  through  the  Strait  of  Messina,  taking  advantage  of  every 
variation  of  the  wind. 

If  bound  to  Libia  (Tripoli),  after  passing  through  the  Sardinia 
Channel  and  rounding  Cape  Bon,  the  islands  of  Pantellaria,  Linosa, 
and  Lampedusa  must  be  passed  and  a  departure  from  the  latter 
taken  if  possible.  If  the  wind  should  be  from  the  northward  and 
eastward,  a  current  should  be  guraded  against,  which  will  most  prob- 
ably set  toward  the  Gulf  of  Kabes  and  Kerkenah  Islands.  If  return- 
ing from  the  Adriatic  or  Ionian  Islands  the  Island  of  Malta  should 
be  sighted  and  a  departure  taken  from  it. 

If  bound  from  the  Gulf  of  Lyons  to  Alexandria  or  Port  Said  dur- 
ing the  summer,  after  passing  through  the  Sardinian  and  Sicily 
Channels,  the  Island  of  Malta  should  be  sighted,  passing  on  cither 
side  according  to  circumstances.  From  thence  a  course  should  be 
steered  for  Eas  Sem,  on  the  eastern  side  of  which  the  winds  are  almost 
always  favorable  for  proceeding  along  the  coast  to  the  eastward  at 
this  season.  In  winter  when  north  and  northeast  winds  often  blow  very 
hard  in  the  eastern  basin  of  the  Mediterranean,  a  vessel  after  leaving 
Malta  should  keep  to  the  northward  toward  Candia,  under  the  lee  of 
which  island  shelter  may  be  obtained  if  necessary,  and  both  ports  are 
within  easy  reach  when  the  weather  moderates. 

The  following  remarks  are  supplementary  to  the  above  directions : 

Steamers  proceeding  between  ports  in  the  Gulf  of  Lyons  and  the 


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GENERAL  BEMABKS.  66 

Levant  take  the  direct  route  through  the  Straits  of  Bonifacio  and 
Messina. 

Sailing  vessels  during  summer,  when  calms  and  light  winds  often 
prevail  eastward  of  Corsica  and  in  the  Strait  of  Messina,  pass  pre- 
ferably westward  and  southward  of  Sardinia,  particularly  if  on 
leaving  the  French  coast  a  north-westerly  wind  is  blowing.  If  on 
reaching  the  Sardinia  channel  the  wind  is  easterly,  work  to  wind- 
ward on  the  coast  of  Africa,  where  the  sea  is  smoother  than  on  the 
coast  of  Sardinia,  in  the  general  easterly  current,  but  in  winter  work 
to  windward  from  the  coast  of  Sardinia,  as  directed  above  or  in 
Mediterranean  Pilot,  Volume  I.  Sailing  vessels  from  the  west  coast 
of  Italy  to  the  Levant  pass  through  the  Strait  of  Messina. 

Sailing  vessels  from  the  southwestward,  or  the  Gulf  of  Lyons, 
bound  to  the  Gulf  of  Genoa,  should  at  all  seasons  make  ties 
d'Hyferes,  and  then  keep  along  the  coast  to  Capo  delle  Mele  at  a 
distance  depending  on  the  weather;  if  bound  to  Leghorn  from  lies 
d'Hyferes  steer  to,  and  make,  Isola  Gorgona,  and  if  bound  to  ports 
southward  of  Leghorn  pass  a  short  distance  northward  of  Cape 
Corse,  and  north  or  south  of  Isola  d'Elba,  according  to  destination. 
If  on  arriving  at  the  entrance  to  the  Gulf  of  Genoa  a  northeasterly 
gale  should  be  blowing,  wait  under  the  land  westward  of  Capo  delle 
Mele  until  it  moderates,  the  gales  in  the  gulf  not  being  of  long  dura-, 
tion;  if  caught  by  a  gale  in  the  gulf  run  and  obtain  shelter  under 
Isola  d'Elba. 

In  winter,  with  strong  easterly  or  westerly  winds,  give  Cape  Corse 
a  wide  berth,  as  violent  squalls  and  whirlwinds  come  off  the  cape  and 
are  felt  from  6  to  8  miles  seawards. 

Sailing  vessels  bound  to  the  Gulf  of  Lyons  from  the  eastward 
should,  especially  in  winter,  with  fresh  westerly  winds,  pass  through 
the  Strait  of  Messina,  and  northward  of  Corsica. 
68850—17 5 


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CHAPTER  II. 


THE  SOUTH  COAST  OF  FRANCE  FROM  CAPE  CERB^RE  TO  CAPE 

MARTIN. 

The  Giilf  of  Lyons,  between  Cape  Creus  on  the  west  and  Hyeres 
Islands  on  the  east,  is  about  134  miles  wide  and  60  miles  deep  in 
a  northwest  direction;  it  forms  a  deep  bight  between  the  Pyrenees 
and  Alps,  and  has  always  been  notorious  for  bad  weather,  sudden  and 
violent  gales,  and  a  heavy  confused  sea.  The  latter  is  one  of  the 
great  peculiarities  of  this  gulf,  a  strong  breeze  even  being  accom- 
panied by  a  dangerously  heavy  "chopping"  sea.  These  lofty  and 
"  crowded  "  waves,  together  with  the  extreme  violence  of  southeast 
and  southwest  winds,  and  the  want  of  shelter  in  its  most  dangerous 
part,  render  the  navigation  ofter  very  difficult. 

Directions. — North  of  the  parallel  of  the  Planier  the  depths 
decrease  gradually ;  3  miles  northward  there  are  49  fathoms,  6  miles 
from  44  to  36  fathoms  (the  greater  depth  about  3°  50'  E.,  the  lesser 
4°  20'  E.) .  In  these  depths  a  vessel  will  be  at  least  9  miles  from  land. 
On  the  above  parallel  between  4°  20'  E.  and  4°  45'  E.,  there  are  40 
and  44  fathoms,  soft  mud;  from  4°  45'  E.  to  the  Planier  there  are 
from  53  to  56  fathoms.  Throughout  the  gulf  westward  of  Marseille 
depths  of  25  fathoms  are,  excepting  off  the  mouths  of  the  Rhone, 
from  3  to  5  miles  from  the  shore;  in  this  latter  locality  there  are 
from  30  to  50  fathoms  at  those  distances. 

Bound  to  the  Gulf  of  Lyons  from  the  westward  the  coast  of  Cata- 
lonia should  always  be  kept  in  sight,  so  as  to  pass  near  Cape  Creus, 
when,  should  the  weather  be  bad  and  the  barometer  below  29.9  in.,  it 
would  be  prudent  to  await  more  favorable  weather  in  Rosas  Bay,  an 
excellent  anchorage,  affording  shelter  from  all  winds  except  those 
from  the  southeast.  Should  it  be  impossible  to  reach  this  bay,  and 
the  vessel  be  unable  to  keep  in  the  offing,  run  to  the  westward  as  far 
as  Cape  Sebastian,  and  there  await  a  favorable  change.  In  all  cases 
it  is  better  to  meet  a  gale  on  the  coast  of  Catalonia  than  in  the  gulf. 
From  eastward  the  usual  landfall  is  Ilyeres  Islands,  and  in  winter, 
when  once  tlie  coast  of  Provence  is  gained,  it  ^rtiould  not  be 
abandoned. 

(37 


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68  THE  SOUTH  COAST  OF  FBANCE. 

With  northerly  winds  (which  blow  strong  in  winter),  if  bound  to 
Marseille  from  the  eastward  and  the  weather  be  moderately  fine, 
follow  the  above  directions,  keeping  close  in  with  the  coast  of  Prov- 
ence in  the  evening,  as  the  wind  frequently  hauls  to  the  eastward 
during  the  night.  In  a  northerly  gale  (orsure),  failing  the  coast 
of  Catalonia,  good  shelter  will  be  found  under  the  lee  of  Minorca  or, 
if  necessary,  at  Port  Mahon. 

With  a  northwest  wind  get  to  the  northward  as  quickly  at  pos- 
sible, and  reach  the  parallel  of  the  Planier ;  should  it  be  made  west- 
ward of  4^  2(K  E.  steer  for  the  Faraman  Light  and  then  for  Cape 
Couronne  and  Marseille;  if  eastward  of  4°  20'  E.,  make  for  Cape 
Couronne  at  once.  In  making  for  Faraman  Light  do  not  bring  it 
to  bear  southward  of  77°,  and  to  clear  the  shoal  water  off  the 
mouths  of  the  Rhone  do  not  bring  the  light  westward  of  291°.  This 
course  is  necessary  as  there  is  a  probability  of  the  wind  either  fresh- 
ening or  becoming  scant.  If  the  wind  becomes  scant  or  freshens 
to  a  gale  after  the  parallel  of  43®  has  been  gained,  keep  on;  but  if 
either  occurrence  takes  place  before  that  point  is  reached,  the  vessel 
should  return  to  the  Catalonian  coast. 

With  westerly  or  northwest  winds  if  the  weather  be  moderately 
fine  (though  it  blow  strong)  steer  to  make  the  parallel  of  the  Planier 
in  4°  20'  E.,  thence  make  for  Cape  Couronne  (care  must  be  taken 
on  approaching  Cape  Couronne,  see  page  — )  and  Marseille,  for  it 
may  be  expected  (and  in  winter  it  is  almost  invariably  the  case)  that 
the  wind  will  be  scant  on  approaching  the  land. 

With  southwest  winds  in  winter  the  weather  is  seldom  fine;  if  the 
horizon  be  clear  to  windward  and  the  weather  moderate  there  is  a 
probability  of  a  shift  of  wind  to  west  and  even  northwest,  especially 
if  the  atmosphere  become  less  moist;  then,  if  the  barometer  be  not 
below  29.5  inches,  it  is  best  to  cross,  taking  the  same  course  as  with 
westerly  winds.  In  rough  weather  if  the  southwest  wind  reach  the 
coast  of  Provence  the  land  will  be  completely  obscured ;  under  these 
circumstances  it  is  therefore  necessary  to  make  the  coast  in  the  day- 
time. After  passing  a  few  miles  northward  of  the  Planier  steer  for 
Cape  Mejean,  which  is  the  best  landfall  in  thick  weather,  the  land 
being  of  more  moderate  height  and  generally  less  obscured  than  the 
the  high  land  eastward  of  Marseille;  there  are  also  large  red  and 
white  patches  in  the  vicinity  of  the  cape,  which,  being  usually  visible 
through  the  mist,  serve  as  good  marks,  and  the  coast  can  be  closely 
approached  without  danger. 

If,  when  steering  for  the  Planier,  the  wind  should  veer  to  the  west- 
ward and  the  weather  become  clear,  make  to  the  northward  without 
delay  as  far  as  the  parallel  of  the  Planier.  If  the  wind  backs  to  the 
southward  there  is  every  probability  of  its  hauling  to  the  eastward. 


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THE  SOUTH  COAST  OF  FBANOE.  69 

With  a  southwest  wind  and  bad  weather,  if  the  barometer  is  below 
29.5  inches,  it  is  better  to  remain  in  Rosas  Bay  or  in  the  ofl^g  near 
Cape  Creus,  for  if  the  wind  reach  the  coast  of  Provence  it  can  not 
be  approached  even  by  day,  and  should  it  not  reach  the  coast  there 
is  almost  a  certainty  of  an  easterly  wind  prevailing  there. 

With  a  southeast  wind  get  to  the  eastward  as  far  as  5°  E.  as 
quickly  as  possible ;  generally  in  winter,  however,  it  blows  hard  from 
this  quarter,  and  is  very  dangerous  from  the  heavy  sea  and  strong 
currents  it  sends  into  the  gulf.  If  the  wind  is  steady  at  east  with  the 
barometer  above  29.5  inches  and  a  moderate  sea  (even  though  the 
sky  be  cloudy),  fair  weather  may  be  expected;  this  is  frequently  the 
case  in  the  autumn  and  sometimes  in  winter. 

With  northeast  winds  at  any  season,  vessels  should  remain  on  the 
coast  of  Catalonia  whether  the  weather  be  fine  or  not,  unless  they  be 
of  moderate  steam  power. 

Caution. — In  approaching  the  northern  shore  of  the  Gulf  of 
Lyon  with  southerly  winds  the  greatest  precaution  is  necessary,  as 
the  current  with  those  winds  at  times  sets  strongly  to  the  northward 
and  northwest,  and  many  vessels  have  been  carried  into  the  bight  of 
Aigues-Mortes  and  elsewhere,  and  have  been  wrecked.  From  Cajxi 
d'Agde  to  near  Cape  (^ouronne,  eastward  of  the  delta  of  the  Rhone, 
the  land  is  low  and  marshy  with  innumerable  lakes,  and  consequently 
at  night  or  in  foggy  weather  is  difficult  to  be  seen ;  every  considera- 
tion should  therefore  be  given  to  the  vessel's  position,  and  recourse 
frequently  had  to  the  lead. 

Cape  Cerbire  is  the  termination  of  a  range  of  lofty  mountains 
forming  the  boundary  between  France  and  Spain.  The  surface  of 
the  cape  is  a  table  land  teiminating  abruptly  in  steep  cliffs.  At  a 
little  more  than  J  mile  northward  of  the  cape  are  two  islets  named 
Canadell,  with  2|  fathoms  between  them,  and  a  rock  off  the  coast 
abreast  them. 

Cerbdre  Bay,  on  the  northern  side  of  the  cape,  is  ^  mile  deep  and 
affords  shelter  to  small  vessels  from  southerly  and  westerly  winds; 
a  small  village  is  situated  on  the  shore,  and  good  water  may  be 
obtained  from  the  rivulet  which  flows  into  the  head  of  the  bay.  The 
bay  may  be  recognized  by  a  large  customhouse  barrack,  built  to  the 
southward  of  the  village.  About  ^  mile  northward  of  Cerbere  Bay 
is  the  small  Bay  of  Terrambou;  with  offshore  winds  it  affords  a  con- 
venient anchorage  for  small  vessels. 

Light. — From  a  wooden  davit  over  a  shed  at  the  signal  station  at 
Cerbere  at  an  elevation  of  62  feet,  a  fixed  white  light  is  exhibited, 
visible  through  an  arc  of  65°,  between  Capes  Cerbere  and  Canadell, 
from  a  distance  <^1  1  miles.    (See  Light  List.) 

Life-saving  station. — A  rocket  life-saving  apparatus  is  estab- 
lished at  Cerbfere  customhouse. 


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70  THE   SOUTH   COAST  OF   FRANCE. 

Cape  Redeiis. — Peyrefite  Bay,  to  the  northward  of  Terrambou, 
affords  shelter  under  similar  circumstances;  Cap  Kederis,  its  north 
extremity,  is  high  with  steep  cliffs.  At  300  yards  from  it  is  Bosse 
Rederis,  a  rocky  shoal  of  5  feet  water,  with  6.5  fathoms  between  it 
and  the  shore. 

Cape  I'Abeille,  a  little  less  than  1  mile  from  Cape  Rederis,  is 
moderately  high  with  three  rocks  close  off  it.  At  300  yards  from 
them  is  a  shoal  of  2?  fathoms  with  a  depth  of  6  fathoms  between  it 
and  the  shore.  The  coast  between  Capes  Rederis  and  TAbeille  is 
high,  rugged,  and  skirted  by  rocks. 

Banyuls  Bay. — Between  Cape  I'Abeille  and  Cape  OuUestreil,  the 
coast  forms  a  bight  at  the  head  of  which  are  the  bay  and  small  town 
of  Banyuls.  With  offshore  winds  vessels  may  anchor  in  the  bight  in 
from  7  to  10  fathoms,  sandy  bottom;  small  coasting  vessels  find 
shelter  within  the  reef  at  the  head  of  the  bay. 

Light. — From  a  white  wooden  tower  on  Cape  Dosne,  Banyuls 
Bay,  is  exhibited  at  an  elevation  of  55  feet  above  high  water  a  fixed 
white  and  red  light.  The  white  light  is  visible  5  miles  and  the  red 
light  3  miles.    (For  sectors  see  Light  List.) 

Life-saving  station. — A  rocket  life-saving  apparatus  is  estab- 
lished at  Banyuls  customhouse. 

Water  may  be  obtained  from  Riviere  Baclaury,  a  stream  which 
Hows  into  the  bay,  or  from  the  wells  in  the  town. 

Cape  OuUestreil  is  nearly  1  mile  northward  of  the  town  of  Ban- 
yuls, the  intermediate  coast  being  skirted  by  detached  rocks.  A 
stretch  of  arid  cliffs  ^  mile  long  extends  southward  to  Cape  Castell 
and  renders  the  point  conspicuous  from  the  offing. 

Cape  B6ar,  on  which  there  is  a  semaphore  269  feet  above  the  sea, 
is  rugged  and  sloping  toward  the  sea,  terminating  in  a  vertical  cliff 
of  about  30  feet  in  height;  on  its  summit  is  a  lighthouse,  and  about 
3  miles  westward  of  the  cape  is  the  Madeloc  or  Diable  Tower,  on  the 
peak  of  an  arid  mountain,  2,146  feet  above  the  sea.  About  J  mile 
308"^  from  the  cape  is  a  rock  on  which  there  is  only  a  depth  of  1^ 
fathoms,  with  deep  water  between  it  and  the  shore. 

Light. — A  group  flashing  white  light,  exhibited  at  an  elevation  of 
251)  feet  from  a  scpiare  stone  tower  74  feet  m  height,  painted  red 
and  gray,  situated  near  the  semaphore.  This  light  is  visible  22 
miles.     (See  Light  List.) 

Paulilles  Bay^  between  Capes  OuUestreil  and  Bear,  is  about  i 
mile  deep,  with  depths  of  from  3  to  6  fathoms,  and  is  frequented  by 
small  vessels  when  unable  to  enter  the  port  of  Port  Vendres  during 
ttrong  northwest  winds.  There  are  two  small  beaches  at  the  head 
of  the  bay,  on  one  of  which  is  a  dynamite  factory.  A  reef  extending 
northward  from  Cape  OuUestreil,  and  a  rocky  shoal  of  25  fathoms 
(la  Lioze)  in  the  middle  of  the  bay,  should  be  avoided. 


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THE  SOUTH  OOAST  OF  FBANCE.  71 

Anchorage. — Small  vessels  may  anchor  north  of  la  Lioze  Shoal, 
but  it  is  exposed  to  violent  squalls  oflf  the  land  and  should  be  only 
resorted  to  in  case  of  necessity. 

Port  Vendres  (ancient  Portus  Veneris). — The  entrance  to  the 
port  of  Port  Vendres  is  1  Jmiles  to  the  northwestward  of  Cape  B6ar ; 
the  port  is  small  but  affords  good  shelter.  It  extends  about  i  mile  in 
a  west  and  southwest  direction,  the  inner  part  forming  the  basin  0\>e- 
lisque  or  Old  Port,  with  an  average  width  of  328  feet  and  426  feet 
in  length,  and  the  basin  Castellane  or  New  Port,  456  feet  average 
width  and  1,063  feet  in  length,  separated  by  the  health  office,  per- 
fectly landlocked,  and  having  from  about  18  to  28  feet  water  along- 
j^ide  the  quays.  The  outer  part  is  200  yards  wide  and  is  protected  by 
a  breakw^ater,  which  projects  300  yards  to  the  northwest  from  the 
eastern  entrance  point  inside  the  rocks  off  the  point.  On  the  western 
point  of  entrance  is  a  fort,  and  there  are  others  on  the  southern  shore 
westward  of  the  bi-eakwater ;  the  town  stands  on  the  northwest  and 
.western  shore  of  the  port.  Population  about  2,400.  There  are  moor- 
ing posts  along  the  shore.  The  heads  of  the  rocks  at  the  Point  de  la 
Presqu'ile,  and  that  part  of  the  wall  appearing  above  them,  are 
painted  black. 

The  northwest  wind  blows  strong  over  the  Old  Port.  It  is  neces- 
sary to  have  two  anchors  ahead  and  stem-hauled  in  to  the  guns  at  the 
foot  of  the  ramparts. 

Buoys. — A  red  buoy  with  triangular  top  mark  lies  about  75  yards 
eastward  of  the  lighthouse  on  Point  du  Fanal,  another  about  20 
yards  off  Point  des  Pilotes  and  a  black  buoy  with  cylindrical  top 
mark  25  yards  of  the  northern  extremity  of  Point  de  la  Presqu'ile. 

Trade. — The  trade  at  Port  Vendres  is  small,  but  situated  as  it  is 
on  the  frontier,  with  facilities  of  communication  by  rail,  and  in  the 
absence  of  any  other  port  to  the  northward  nearer  than  Cette,  it  is 
important  as  a  harbor  of  refuge. 

Lights. — An  occulting  white  light,  visible  10  miles,  is  exhibited  at 
an  elevation  of  98  feet  above  the  sea  from  a  square  white  tower  in 
Fort  Fanal  on  the  western  side  of  entrance  to  Port  Vendres. 

A  fixed  red  light,  visible  5  miles,  is  exhibited  67  feet  above  the 
sea  from  a  white  iron  support  at  end  of  the  breakwater. 

Range  lights. — A  fixed  white  light,  visible  7  miles,  is  exhibited 
from  a  white  iron  support,  elevation  of  36  feet  above  the  sea,  from 
the  point  under  and  northwestward  of  Bear  redoubt,  on  the  south 
shore  of  the  port. 

A  fixed  white  light,  exhibited  at  216  yards  204°  fiom  the  latter  light 
from  a  window  of  a  house,  at  an  elevation  of  67  feet  above  the  sea, 
is  visible  13  miles,  over  an  arc  of  32°,  or  16°  on  either  side  of  the 
range,  joining  these  last  two  lights,  the  power  of  the  light  increasing 
as  that  line  is  approached.     (See  Light  List.) 


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72  THE  SOUTH   COAST  OF   FRANCE. 

Signal  station. — There  is  a  signal  station  at  Port  Vendres. 

Radio. — ^A  naval  training  radio  station  at  Port  Vendres  is  open 
in  case  of  distress ;  call  letters  F  U  V. 

Directions. — ^The  port  of  Port  Vendres  is  easily  recognized  either 
by  day  or  night;  by  day  it  will  be  known  by  the  light  tower  and 
semaphore  on  Cape  Bear,  the  Diable  tower  to  the  westward  of  it, 
by  Fort  San  Elme,  a  little  more  than  ^  mile  westward  of  the  town, 
and  by  Fort  Fanal ;  by  night  the  lights  are  suflScient  guide. 

A  vessel  may  round  the  end  of  the  breakwater  at  a  prudent  dis- 
tance, and  keeping  in  mid-channel,  anchor  as  convenient.  At  night 
the  white  range  lights  on  the  southern  side  of  the  harbor  in  line 
bearing  204°  lead  60  yards  westward  of  the  breakwater  and  into 
the  middle  of  the  entrance.    Pilots  will  be  found  at  the  entrance. 

Anchorage. — Temporary  anchorage  during  fine  weather  will  be 
found  about  J  mile  northward  of  the  port,  in  19  or  20  fathoms,  or 
northward  of  the  line  of  bearing  of  Collioure  church  274°;  the 
holding  is  bad  eastward  of  a  line  joining  Fanal  Lighthouse  and  the 
Madeloc  or  Diable  tower  and  west  of  a  line  joining  the  same  light- 
house and  the  inner  range  light.  At  night  the  two  range  lights  in 
line  204°  and  the  light  at  Cape  Bear  bearing  167°  to  145°  will  be 
good  marks. 

Vessels  in  quarantine  moor  eastward  of  the  redoubt  de  la  Presqu'ile 
on  the  southern  shore. 

Lifeboat. — ^A  lifeboat  and  rocket  life-saving  apparatus  are  sta- 
tioned here  at  the  customhouse. 

Supplies. — Water  may  be  obtained  from  fountains  and  provi- 
sions of  all  kinds  may  be  obtained  from  Collioure. 

Coal. — From  3,000  to  4,000  tons  of  coal  are  imported  annually, 
and  about  350  tons  are  kept  in  stock. 

Communication. — Port  Vendres  is  on  the  Narbonne  and  Cerbfere 
Railroad,  which  connects  with  the  Spanish  Line  from  Portbou  to 
Barcelona.  The  steamers  of  the  Compagnie  Generale  Transatlan- 
tique  formerly  called  here  weekly  from  Marseille  to  Algerian  ports. 

Collioure  Bay. — Cape  Gros,  about  600  yards  westward  of  Port 
Vendres,  is  high  and  rugged;  f  mile  farther  westward  is  the  small 
bay  at  Collioure.  On  its  western  point  is  a  church,  and  off  the  north- 
em  point  is  the  small  islet  of  St.  Vincent  joined  to  the  mainland  by 
a  pier,  and  a  breakwater  or  mole  joins  the  island  to  the  outer  rock 
situated  to  the  southeastward.  At  about  70  yards  eastward  of  the 
mole  is  a  rock  having  only  ^  fathom  water.  The  town  (ancient  Cau- 
roliberis)  is  fortified  and  occupies  a  corner  on  the  western  side  of 
the  bay,  and  in  a  sandy  creek  to  the  southward  are  fishermen's 
houses.  There  is  a  railroad  station  and  the  population  is  about 
3,651.  The  bay  is  frequented  by  small  craft  during  offshore  winds, 
but  it  is  exposed  to  onshore  winds,  which  send  in  a  heavy  sea. 


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THE  SOUTH   COAST  OF   FRANCE.  73 

Anchorage. — Small  vessels  may  anchor  in  3J  fathoms  off  the 
beach  between  the  church  and  citadel,  during  northwest  winds. 

Light. — A  fixed  white  light,  visible  8  miles,  is  exhibited  at  an 
elevation  of  43  feet  above  the  sea  from  a  white  iron  support  at  the 
end  of  the  mole.     (See  light  List) 

Life-saving  station. — ^A  rocket  life-saving  apparatus  is  estab- 
lished at  Collioure  customhouse. 

The  coast  from  Collioure  trends  northwestward  about  IJ  miles, 
gradually  declining  in  height;  at  this  distance  a  low  beach  com- 
mences and  turns  suddenly  to  the  northward  for  3J  miles  to  the  Tech 
Kiver;  on  the  beach  are  two  towers,  and  the  town  of  Argelfes  is 
situated  at  the  foot  of  the  slope.  From  the  mouth  of  the  Tech  the 
low  beach,  defended  by  redoubts,  continues  northward  7^  miles  to  the 
Tet  Kiver.  A  little  inland  are  the  towns  of  Elne,  St.  Cyprien,  St. 
Nazaire,  Canet,  and  Perpignan,  the  latter  being  an  important  forti- 
fied town  containing  a  population  of  about  25,264,  with  several  large 
manufactories.  The  Tet  River  which  flows  past  it  upon  the  north 
has  a  course  from  the  west  southwestward  of  about  55  miles. 

Within  the  low  shores  are  the  etangs  or  lakes  of  St.  Cyprien  and 
St.  Nazaire,  the  latter  being  about  2^  miles  in  length;  it  communi- 
cates with  the  sea  by  a  narrow  bar  entrance. 

The  bottom  along  this  part  of  the  coast  is  generally  sand,  or  sand 
and  mud;  but  there  are  various  rocky  patches  with  from  11  to  18 
fathoms  water  on  them,  lying  in  some  places  about  3  miles  from  the 
shore.    At  1  mile  from  the  shore  there  are  from  12  to  14  fathoms. 

The  coast. — From  the  Tet  River  a  low  beach  trends  north-north- 
eastward for  12  miles  to  Cape  Leucate. 

Behind  this  beach  is  the  6tang  or  Lake  de  Leucate,  about  7^  miles 
in  length  and  2J  in  breadth ;  it  communicates  with  the  sea  by  narrow 
entrances.  Several  towns  are  seen  from  off  this  part  of  the  coast, 
Perpignan  and  St.  Laurent  being  the  most  conspicuous;  the  latter 
lies  about  2  miles  westward  of  the  entrance  to  the  small  river  I'Agli. 

Port  of  St.  Laurent,  close  northward  of  the  entrance,  consists 
of  a  few  houses  and  a  battery  on  the  beach,  where  vessels  land  and 
embark  goods. 

light. — ^A  fixed  red  light,  visible  5  miles,  is  exhibited  from  a 
white  iron  support  above  a  hut,  elevated  24  feet  above  the  sea,  at 
the  village  of  Barcares,  on  the  beach.    (See  Light  List.) 

Cape  Leucate  is  of  moderate  height,  whitish,  and  slightly  pro- 
jecting; on  its  summit  is  the  town  of  the  same  name,  and  on  the 
slope,  a  castle  in  ruins. 

Semaphore. — ^Near  the  extremity  of  the  cliff  is  a  semaphore  sta- 
tion 174  feet  above  the  sea,  the  house  and  tower  are  white  and  30 
feet  high ;  the  mast  is  black. 


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74  THE   SOUTH    COAST  OF   FRANCE. 

Idfe-saving  stations. — There  are  life-saving  stations  at  Arge- 
les,  St.  Cyprien,  Canet,  Barcares,  and  Franqui. 

Anchorage. — On  the  noi-thern  side  of  Cape  Leucate  the  shore 
forms  a  slight  bay  having  an  opening  into  fitang  de  la  Palme. 
The  Franqui  bank  with  1|  fathoms  on  it  extends  across  the  bay  in  a 
northwestern  and  southeastern  direction,  between  which  and  the 
opening  into  the  etang  there  is  anchorage  for  small  coasting  vessels. 
With  offshore  winds  large  vessels  may  anchor  at  1  mile  from  the 
shore  in  9  to  10  fathoms,  or  farther  out  if  necessary. 

La  Nouvelle. — At  5J  miles  northward  of  Cape  Leucate  is  the 
entrance  to  canal  Robine  leading  to  La  Nouvelle  and  into  the  etangs 
Sigean  and  Bages,  which  extend  8  miles  in  the  direction  of  Nar- 
bonne,  of  ^vhich  La  Nouvelle  is  the  port.  La  Nouvelle  (with  a  popu- 
lation of  about  2,000)  stands  on  the  southern  side  of  the  canal  1  mile 
from  its  entrance,  which  is  about  150  yards  wide,  and  formed  be- 
tween two  jetties  projecting  547  yards  from  the  beach.  Between 
the  moles  there  are  19  feet  of  water.  Vessels  should  enter  with  cau- 
tion. The  entrance  is  sometimes  impracticable  during  strong  easi 
or  southeast  winds. 

Pilots  in  fine  weather  will  be  found  off  the  entrance.  In  bad 
weather  they  await  vessels  at  the  entrance.  When  unable  to  board 
a  vessel  the  pilot  will  direct  her,  using  a  flag  by  day  and  a  light  at 
night.  The  pilot  lookout  station  is  on  the  tower  of  Fort  St.  Charles 
at  the  shore  end  of  the  southern  pier. 

Bar  signals. — Signals  as  to  state  and  depth  of  water  on  the  bar 
are  made  from  the  pilot  lookout  station.  The  signals  made  are  in 
accordance  with  the  uniform  system  of  tidal  signals  in  use  in  France 
and  the  heights  of  water  are  observed  at  a  distance  of  131  to  164  feet 
from  the  pierheads ;  beyond  that  distance  sand  banks  do  not  form. 

The  condition  of  the  sea  upon  the  bar  is  reported  by  means  of  a  red 
pendant,  indicating  that  there  is  a  swell,  and  by  a  red  flag  when  the 
channel  is  impracticable. 

lights. — A  group  flashing  white  light,  visible  13  miles,  at  an  ele- 
vation of  50  feet  above  high  water,  is  exhibited  from  a  white  iron 
lighthouse  situated  at  the  head  of  the  south  mole. 

A  fixed  green  unwatched  light,  visible  4  miles,  is  exhibited  from  an 
iron  support  over  a  white  shed  situate  at  the  head  of  the  north  mole, 
at  an  elevation  of  33  feet  above  high  water.    (See  Light  List.) 

Lightbuoy. — A  black  lightbuoy,  from  which  is  exhibited  a  fixed 
red  light,  is  moored  150  yards  from  the  head  of  La  Npuvelle  South 
Jetty,  and  in  the  line  of  its  prolongation,  to  mark  the  outer  part  of 
the  extension  works  in  progress. 

Vessels  must  not  pass  between  this  buoy  and  the  head  of  the  jetty. 

Jetty  being  extended — ^Buoys. — The  north  jetty  at  Port  la 
Nouvelle  (1913)  is  being  extended  40  yards  in  a  direction  parallel 

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THE   SOUTH    COAST  OF    FRANCE.  75 

with  the  south  jetty,  and  the  work  is  being  carried  on  in  conjunction 
with  the  work  on  the  south  jetty. 

Red  nun  buoys  mark  the  extension  work  of  the  north  jetty. 

The  temporary  dangers  in  connection  with  the  work  on  both  jetties 
may  be  avoided  at  night  by  the  aid  of  three  lights :  The  flashing  white 
light  on  the  south  jetty,  the  green  light  on  the  north  jetty,  and  the 
red  light  on  the  lightbuoy. 

Lifeboat. — A  lifeboat  and  rocket  apparatus  are  stationed  here. 

Commimicatlon. — The  Narbonne,  Papignan  &  P\)rt  Vendres 
Railway  crosses  the  canal  at  La  Nouvelle,  where  there  is  a  station. 

Narbonne  (ancient  Narbo  Martius),  partly  surrounded  by  a  wall 
flanked  with  towers,  stands  in  a  fine  plain  about  10^  miles  northward 
of  the  entrance  to  Nouvelle,  or  Canal  de  la  Robine,  and  on  the  line  of 
railroad  between  Port  Vendres,  Bordeaux,  etc.  It  is  divided  by  the 
canal  into  two  nearly  equal  parts,  and  is  connected  by  three  bridges ; 
the  streets  are  narrow  and  tortuous,  but  the  esplanade  in  the  center 
of  the  town  is  a  fine  open  space.  The  cathedral  is  one  of.  the  finest 
specimens  of  Gothic  architecture  in  Europe.  It  has  several  manufac- 
tories and  carries  on  a  trade  in  wine,  brandy,  silk,  oil,  salt  (obtained 
from  the  neighboring  lakes),  wax,  and  honey,  the  latter  said  to  be 
the  finest  in  the  world,  which  are  exported  partly  to  Bordeaux  by 
the  Canal  du  Midi,  and  partly  to  the  markets  in  the  Mediterranean  by 
its  Port  of  la  Nouvelle ;  the  population  is  about  28,500.  The  Canal  du 
Midi  or  Languedoc  connects  the  Garonne  at  Toulouse  with  the 
Mediterranean. 

The  coast. — From  the  canal  of  Nouvelle  a  sandy  beach,  on  which 
are  the  towers  of  la  Vielle  Nouvelle  and  Montolieu,  trends  to  the 
northeast  for  11  miles  to  St.  Pierre  Point,  the  termination  of  the 
mountain  of  la  Clape,  which  rises  over  this  part  of  the  coast.  The 
Grau  de  la  Vielle  Nouvelle,  2f  miles  beyond  the  canal,  is  the  shallow 
entrance  to  the  fitang  de  Gruissan,  which  is  separated  by  a  long 
narrow  strip  of  level  land  from  the  ft  tang  de  Bages;  the  town  of 
Gruissan  wnth  its  windmills  is  about  8  miles  northward  of  Grau 
de  la  Vielle  Nouvelle  on  one  of  the  arms  of  the  lake,  which  has  a 
second  outlet  by  a  rocky  channel  southeast  of  the  town,  called  Grau 
du  Grazil.  St.  Pierre  Point  has  a  tower  and  redoubt  on  it,  and  ^ 
mile  to  the  northeastward  is  a  battery,  off  which  rocks  extend  about 
200  yards.  The  land  then  becomes  low  and  marshy,  and  2  miles 
farther  on  is  the  tower  and  redoubt  of  Vendres,  between  a  small  lake 
with  a  shallow  rocky  outlet  and  a  branch  of  the  Aude  River. 

life-saving  stations. — There  are  life-saving  stations  at  Vielle 
Nouvelle  and  St.  Pierre. 

Aude  River,  8  miles  northeastward  of  St.  Pierre  Point,  com- 
municates by  a  canal  with  the  Etang  de  Vendres,  at  the  head  of 
which  lake,  about  3  miles  from  the  beach,  is  the  town  of  the  same 

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76  THE  SOUTH  COAST  OF  FBANCB. 

name.  Off  the  mouth  of  the  Aude  the  water  is  very  shallow  for 
nearly  i  mile;  and  1  mile  to  the  southeast  is  Banc  de  Vendres,  a 
rocky  bank  of  10  fathoms  about  1  mile  in  extent.  There  are,  how- 
ever, no  dangers,  and  the  coast  may  be  approached  by  the  lead. 

Orb  River. — ^Three  miles  beyond  the  Aude  is  the  entrance  to  Orb 
River,  on  the  left  bank  of  which,  2i  miles  from  the  beach,  is  the  town 
of  Serignan. 

Light. — A  fixed  red  electric  light,  visible  5  miles,  is  established 
on  the  head  of  the  west  jetty  at  the  mouth  of  the  Orb  River. 

The  light  is  exhibited  24  feet  above  the  sea  from  a  white  metal 
column  18  feet  high. 

life-saving  stations. — A  rocket  life-saving  apparatus  is  estab- 
lished at  Valras  village  on  the  western  side  of  the  mouth  of  the  Orb 
River  and  another  at  Roque  Haute,  2  miles  to  the  northeastward. 

Herault  River  is  6^  miles  eastward  of  the  mouth  of  the  Orb,  the 
beach  between  curving  a  little  to  the  northward;  half  way  between 
is  the  town  and  redoubt  of  Roque.  The  entrance  to  Herault  River 
is  about  100  yards  wide  between  two  moles  which  project  300  yards 
southward  from  the  coast,  and  has  a  depth  of  8  feet  in  the  fairway. 
The  towns  of  Portiragues  and  Vias  are  situated  2  and  IJ  miles 
inland. 

Shoal. — A  shoal,  with  about  6  feet  water,  extends  about  350  yards 
southward  from  the  western  molehead,  and  there  is  a  curved  channel, 
about  50  yards  wide,  with  12  feet  water,  between  the  shoals  and  the 
eastern  mole. 

Lights. — ^A  fixed  red  unwatched  light,  visible  5  miles  in  clear 
weather,  is  exhibited  at  41  feet  above  the  sea,  from  a  small  white 
tower,  surmounted  by  a  black  ball,  on  the  western  mole  head  at  the 
entrance  to  Herault  River. 

A  fixed  white  light,  visible  10  miles,  is  exhibited  at  41  feet  above  the 
sea  from  a  small  white  round  tower  on  the  eastern  mole  head. 

Pilots. — There  is  a  pilot  and  an  assistant.  Vessels  are  boarded 
2  miles  off  the  entrance  in  fine  weather,  and  in  bad  weather,  when  the 
pilot  is  unable  to  go  out,  he  directs  vessels  by  signals  with  a  flag  from 
a  boat  in  the  entrance.  The  pilot  station  is  about  400  yards  within 
the  inner  end  of  the  eastern  mole. 

Tidal  signals. — Signals  indicating  the  height  of  water  will  be 
made  from  a  mast  and  yard  at  the  entrance  of  Herault.  The  signals 
are  made  in  accordance  with  the  uniform  system  of  tidal  signals  in 
use  in  France. 

The  condition  of  the  sea  upon  the  bar  is  reported  by  means  of  a 
red  pendant,  indicating  that  there  is  a  swell,  and  by  a  red  flag  when 
the  channel  is  impracticable. 

Tides. — The  tide  is  insignificant,  but  with  northwest  winds  the 
river  may  suddenly  lower  as  much  as  3  feet.    During  the  season  of 

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THE  SOUTH  COAST  OF  FBANCE.  77 

floods,  from  November  to  May,  the  current  is  sometimes  very  strong, 
and  at  the  entrance  rmis  to  the  southward,  but  is  not  felt  more  than 
li  miles  off. 

Lifeboat. — ^A  lifeboat  is  stationed  here,  and  the  station  is  pro- 
vided with  life-saving  apparatus.  There  is  also  a  gun  life-saving 
apparatus  at  the  mouth  of  the  Libron  River. 

A^e  (ancient  Agatha),  situated  on  the  Herault  River,  about  2^ 
miles  from  the  sea,  is  entirely  built  of  black  basaltic  lava  and,  being 
surrounded  by  a  wall  with  towers  of  the  same  material,  has  a  grim 
appearance  and  is  called  by  the  country  people  the  Ville  Noire;  it 
contains  a  population  of  about  10,000.  The  Canal  du  Midi  passes 
th^  northern  side  of  the  town,  between  it  and  the  town  of  Vias.  It 
has  some  foreign  and  a  considerable  coasting  trade,  shipbuilding  is 
carried  on,  and  there  are  distilleries  and  manufactures  of  verdigris 
and  soap.  Vessels  of  about  9  feet  draft  can  go  up  the  Herault  to 
the  town.  The  land  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  river  is  very 
low ;  on  nearing  it,  trees,  houses,  and  cultivated  ground  will  be  seen. 

The  Canal  du  Kidiy  sometimes  called  the  Canal  des  Deux  Mers, 
because  it  unites  the  Mediterranean  with  the  Atlantic,  was  com- 
menced in  1666,  but  not  really  finished  as  far  as  the  Rhone  until  the 
beginning  of  the  last  century.  It  measures  from  the  basin,  where  it 
joms  the  Garonne  at  Toulouse,  to  near  Agde,  where  it  falls  into  the 
Mediterranean,  155  miles;  it  is  65  feet  wide  at  the  surface  and  32 
leet  at  the  floor. 

The  simmiit  level  is  719  feet  above  the  Mediterranean,  and  there 
are  46  locks  on  the  declivity  toward  the  Mediterranean  and  18 
oetween  the  summit  level  and  Toulouse.  It  is  navigated  by  barges 
of  100  tons. 

Cape  d'Agde,  3  miles  eastward  of  the  Herault  River,  when  seen 
from  the  eastward  appears  to  descend  in  a  gentle  slope  and  termi- 
nates in  a  low,  rocky  point,  on  the  summit  of  which  is  a  battery ;  the 
intermediate  shore  is  also  low  and  terminates  in  a  beach  which  is 
bordered  to  the  distance  of  800  yards  with  shallow  water  and  rocky 
patches.  Mount  d'Agde,  a  conical  hill,  with  a  chapel  and  electric 
semaphore  on  it,  is  IJ  miles  northward  of  the  cape  and  about  the 
same  distance  to  the  southeast  of  the  town ;  on  its  southern  slope  is 
an  old  castle. 

Brescou  Islet, — About  |  mile  to  the  southwestward  of  Cape 
d'Agde  is  Fort  Brescou,  on  a  low,  rocky  islet  300  yards  in  extent,  with 
a  reef  extending  800  yards  to  the  northwestward  and  some  isolated 
rocks  in  the  same  direction. 

Light. — A  flashing  red  light,  visible  14  miles,  is  exhibited  at  69 
feet  above  the  sea  from  a  round  black  tower  on  the  southeastern  bas- 
tion of  Fort  Brescou.     (See  Light  List.) 


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78  THE   SOUTH   COAST  OF   FRANCE. 

L'Ane  Kock,  on  which  there  is  only  a  depth  of  1  foot,  lies  a  little 
more  than  150  yards  southwestward  of  the  lighthouse  on  Brescou 
Islet  The  rock  is  the  shoalest  part  of  a  narrow  reef  which  extends 
about  40  yards  from  it  in  the  direction  of  the  lighthouse  northeast- 
ward, and  on  which  there  is  a  depth  of  1  fathom.  A  detiiched  rock, 
on  which  is  a  depth  of  13  feet,  lies  20  yards  about  13^1:^  from  TAne 
Rock. 

Aloze  Bock  and  Beacon. — From  the  western  part  of  Cape 
d'Agde  a  mole  extends  800  yards  in  the  direction  of  Brescou  Islet, 
leaving  a  channel  of  800  yards  between  the  two ;  in  the  middle  of  this 
channel  is  Aloze  Rock,  with  2  feet  water  on  it  and  marked  by  a 
beacon  tower. 

Anchorage. — One  mile  308*^  from  Fort  Brescou  is  a  battery  on 
a  point  which  terminates  m  a  reef  between  which  and  the  rocks 
to  the  northwestward  of  Brescou  Islet  there  is  a  narrow  channel 
carrying  9  feet  water  to  an  anchorage  southward  of  the  fort  in  from 
12  to  18  feet,  sand  and  weed.  It  is  better  to  pass  between  Aloze  Rock 
and  the  end  of  the  mole,  for  though  the  passage  is  narrow  it  is  more 
direct  and  carries  17  feet  water.  It  requires,  however,  care  and 
vigilance  in  taking  up  this  anchorage.  Local  knowledge  is  necessary 
to  use  these  channels;  the  chart  is  not  a  sufficient  guide. 

There  is  also  anchorage  with  westerly  winds  on  the  eastern  side  of 
^''ape  d'Agde,  in  any  convenient  depth. 

The  coast  from  Cape  d'Agde  takes  a  northeastern  direction 
for  11  miles  to  Port  Cette.  It  is  a  low,  narrow  beach  separating  the 
fitang  Thau  from  the  sea. 

There  are  9  fathoms  water,  at  the  distance  of  1  mile  from  the  land, 
and  from  12  to  14  fathoms  at  2  miles,  mud  bottom,  except  near  the 
shore. 

Life-saving  stations. — There  is  a  gun  life-saving  station  at 
la  Quinzieme,  4  miles  northeastward  of  Cape  d'Agde,  and  another  at 
Villeroi,  situate  to  the  southwestward  of  Mount  Cette. 

The  £tang  Thau  is  an  extensive  lake  with  a  depth  of  from  1^ 
to  (>  fathoms  water.  On  the  shores  of  the  lake  are  the  ports  of 
Marseillan  and  M^ze,  besides  several  villages. 

Lights. — A  fixed  white  unwatched  light,  visible  8  miles,  is  exhib- 
ited at  an  elevation  of  21  feet  from  a  beacon  tower,  painted  red  and 
black  in  horizontal  bands,  erected  on  Roquerols,  in  Lake  Thau.  Also 
from  a  white  turret  at  the  entrance  to  Cette  Canal  (in  Lake  Thau), 
at  an  elevation  of  16  feet  above  high  water,  is  exhibited  a  fixed  green 
light,  visible  2  miles. 

A  fixed  white  light,  visible  8  miles,  on  the  east  pier  head  at  Meze,  in 
Lake  Thau,  is  exhibited  from  an  iron  pole,  19  feet  high,  surmounting 
a  white  shed. 


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THE   SOUTH   COAST  OF   FRANCE.  79 

A  fixed  red  light  is  exhibited  from  the  west  pier  head.  (See  Light 
List.) 

A  fixed  light  with  green  sector  is  exhibited  at  an  elevation  of  34 
feet  above  high  water  from  a  masonry  turret  on  the  pier  head  of  the 
Canal  du  Midi,  Onglous,  in  Lake  Thau.  The  white  light  is  visible 
11  miles  and  the  green  sector  light  5  miles.  (For  sectors  see  Light 
List.) 

Beacons. — There  are  several  beacons  in  the  £tang  Thau,  for 
positions  of  which  see  the  chart. 

Mont  de  Cette,  590  feet  high,  with  a  semaphore  on  its  summit, 
resembles  Mount  d'Agde,  and  at  a  distance  both  appear  like  islands, 
being  in  the  vicinity  of  lowland  and  lakes.  It  has  an  old  hermitage 
and  a  white  tower  on  it,  is  higher  than  d'Agde,  and  its  top  more 
level,  and  is  easily  distinguished  from  the  former  from  its  having 
highland  a  short  distance  to  the  northeastward  of  it. 

Cap  de  Cette  is  the  southeastern  extremity  of  the  mount;  there  is 
a  battery  on  it,  and  Fort  Saint  Pierre  and  Citadelle  Richelieu  are  a 
little  to  the  northward. 

Signal  station. — There  is  a  semaphore  on  the  summit  of  Mont 
de  Cette ;  the  house  and  tower  are  white  and  28  feet  high ;  the  mast 
is  black. 

Cette  Approach — Fairway  reserved  for  traffic  when  sub- 
marine vessels  are  exercising. — When  the  flag  with  a  yellow 
and  a  red  horizontal  stripe  is  hoisted  at  the  signal  stations  or  on  the 
vessel  escorting  submarine  vessels,  to  indicate  that  the  latter  are  exer- 
cising submerged,  all  vessels  wishing  to  enter  or  leave  the  port  of 
Cette  are  earnestly  requested  to  make  use  of  the  fairway  defined 
below,  in  which  submarine  vessels  are  prohibited  from  exercising 
submerged.     (See  Regulations  relative  to  submarines.) 

This  fairway  is  limited  as  follows : 

On  the  north,  by  the  coast  eastward  of  the  port. 

On  the  south,  by  the  alignment  of  St.  Clair  Lighthouse  with  the 
lighthouse  on  the  eastern  extremity  of  the  breakwater. 

On  the  east,  by  the  meridian  of  Frontignan  Steeple. 

Wreck. — The  wreck  of  the  steamer  Oheron  lies  sunk  eastward 
of  Castelas  Redoubt. 

Cette. — The  town  of  Cette  lies  at  the  foot  of  Mount  Cette,  on  the 
eastern  side  and  partly  on  a  narrow  neck  of  land  separating  Lake 
Thau  from  the  sea ;  on  this  strip  of  land  are  extensive  salt  works.  It 
is  well  built,  possesses  a  good  hospital,  but  derives  its  chief  impor- 
tance from  its  harbor  and  from  its  being  the  port  on  the  Mediter- 
ranean side  of  the  Canal  du  Midi.  The  harbor  is  formed  by  two 
lateral  moles,  named  St.  Louis,  projecting  in  an  easterly  direction 
from  the  foot  of  Mount  Cettp,  and  Frontignan  Jetty  on  the  east, 
1,900  and  1,600  feet  long;  further  protection  is  afforded  by  a  break- 
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80  THE  SOUTH  COAST  OF  FBANOB. 

water  which  extends  across  the  entrance.  The  harbor  has  from  21  to 
25  feet  water,  as  shown  from  the  chart  (a  recent  report  states  that 
there  is  a  depth  of  from  18  to  34  feet),  and  with  its  basin  maritime 
canal,  and  wet  docks,  can  accommodate  in  safety  a  large  number  of 
vessels ;  a  vessel  of  24.6  feet  draft  has  entered.  In  the  angle  formed 
by  the  Frontignan  Jetty  and  the  east  mole  of  the  new  basin,  vessels 
laden  with  petroleum  are  berthed. 

A  broad  and  deep  canal  bordered  with  quays  flows  through  the 
town  communicating  between  the  harbor  and  the  6tang  Thau,  and 
consequently  with  the  Canal  du  Midi  and  the  Garonne  on  the  one 
hand  and  with  the  Rhone  on  the  other.  Cette  contains  shipbuilding 
yards  and  is  the  center  of  considerable  trade. 

Cette  was  founded  by  Louis  XIV  in  1666,  and  had  in  1903  a  popu- 
lation of  36,540;  it  is  connected  by  railroad  and  electric  telegraph 
with  every  part  of  France  and  Spain;  there  is  daily  commimication 
by  steamers  with  Marseille,  also  weekly  to  Port  Vendres  and  Oran 
(Algeria),  and  a  weekly  line  of  steamers  to  Tunis. 

Close  to  the  northeastward  of  Cape  Cette  (at  the  foot  of  Mount 
Cette)  is  the  fort  of  St.  Pierre,  and  i  mile  northward  of  the  latter  is 
Richelieu  citadel  commanding  the  port  and  town. 

The  population  of  Cette  in  1911  was  33,892. 

Buoy. — ^A  sphero-conical  buoy  painted  black  with  cylindrical  top- 
mark  is  moored  just  outside  the  3-fathom  curve  to  the  south  westward 
of  Cape  Cette  to  mark  the  spoil  ground. 

Wet  docks. — In  the  Petroleum  Basin  there  are  130  yards  of 
wharf.  Old  ( Vieux)  Basin,  with  the  exception  of  the  Quai  Richelieu, 
is  devoted  entirely  to  fishing  vessels. 

The  channel  (chenal)  has  depths  of  16  to  22  feet;  the  quays  on 
both  sides  have  a  depth  of  25  feet  alongside.  At  the  northern  end  of 
the  Canal  de  Cette  are  two  swing  bridges  giving  access  to  the  fitang 
de  Thau. 

New  (Nouveau)  Basin  or  Parse,  entered  on  the  south  from  the 
outer  port,  is  820  feet  long,  820  feet  wide,  width  at  entrance  160  feet, 
has  a  depth  of  24  feet  and  an  area  of  17j  acres.  Canal  Maritime  has 
a  depth  of  23  feet  and  Canal  Lateral  has  24  feet.  Basin  de  la  Com- 
pagnie  du  Midi  is  1,418  feet  long,  328  feet  wide,  with  a  depth  of  23 
feet  at  the  quay ;  the  Maritime  Canal  connects  with  the  New  Basin. 

BEarbor. — The  western  entrance  to  the  port  of  Cette  is  300  yards 
wide,  the  deepest  water  being  in  mid-channel. 

At  95  yards  134^  from  St.  Louis  Lighthouse  is  Pilon,  a  square 
pillar  of  masonry*  16  feet  high,  which  marks  the  extremity  of  the 
rocks  bordering  the  mole. 

The  entrance  to  the  harbor  is  very  good  from  the  northward,  be- 
tween the  breakwater  and  the  mainland.  The  depths  are  from  28  to 
32  feet.    There  is  no  bar,  the  depths  decreasing  gradually  to  the 


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THE  SOUTH   COAST  OF  FRANCE.  81 

shore.  There  is  a  good  anchorage  about  1  mile  northward  of  the 
breakwater  when  the  wind  is  off  the  shore. 

The  outer  harbor  has  depths  from  18  to  34  feet.  There  are  no 
quays.  Vessels  lay  moored  to  both  anchors  out  forward,  stern  to 
shore,  well  moored  aft  by  big  cables  from  both  quarters. 

During  the  winter  it  often  blows  very  hard  from  the  southeast- 
ward, bringing  some  swell  into  the  harbor. 

The  inner  harbor  has  a  number  of  quays  for  berthing  vessels,  with 
depths  from  16  to  33  feet. 

BEarbor  works. — A  new  harbor  is  projected,  which  lies  north- 
westward of  the  old  inner  harbor. 

The  eastern  entrance  is  little  more  than  200  yards  wide.  In  enter- 
ing keep  St.  Louis  Mole  Lighthouse  open  to  the  southward  of  Frontig- 
nan  Jetty  Lighthouse.  There  are  two  black  mooring  buoys  within 
the  breakwater.  In  entering  by  either  passage  the  direction  of  the 
wind,  sea,  and  current  should  be  considered,  and  a  stranger  can 
always  avail  himself  of  the  services  of  a  pilot,  except  in  bad  weather, 
when  they  are  unable  to  get  out.  Attention  should  be  paid  to  the 
sectors  of  lights  shown  from  St.  Louis  Lighthouse  and  from  the 
breakwater  central  lighthouse.  During  fresh  winds  from  the  ofl^g 
the  sea  breaks  right  across  the  eastern  entrance. 

Port  regtilations. — ^All  vessels  when  under  way  inside  the  port 
must  hoist  their  national  flag. 

The  swing-bridges  will  be  opened  on  request  as  follows: — 

From  April  1  to  September  30,  from  5h.  30m.  a.  m.  to  7h.  p.  m. ; 
from  November  1  to  February  28,  from  7h.  a.  m.  to  6h.  p.  m. ;  dur- 
ing March  and  October,  from  6h.  a.  m.  to  7h.  p.  m. 

Nevertheless,  the  bridges  will  remain  closed  every  day  from  8h. 
a.  m.  to  9h.  a.  m.;  and  from  noon  to  Ih.  p.  m.,  and  also  any  other 
time  the  port  service  may  consider  necessary. 

Independently  of  the  hours  fixed  above,  the  bridges  will  remain 
closed,  Sundays  and  holidays,  from  lOh.  a.  m.  till  noon,  and  from 
2h.  p.  m.  till  night. 

During  the  night  and  at  all  hours  for  closing  during  the  day,  but 
outside  the  intervals  the  port  service  may  consider  necessary,  the 
captain  of  the  port  may  allow  the  passage  through  a  bridge,  at  a 
time  he  will  fix,  provided  a  request  is  made  two  hours  in  advance  by 
day,  and  for  movements  at  night  before  the  hours  fixed  above  as 
liormal  limits. 

The  captains  of  vessels  passing  through  a  bridge  on  Sundays  cyp 
holidays  must  lend  assistance  in  working  the  bridge. 

The  bridges  will  not  be  opened  until  a  vessel  has  made  the  neces- 
sary arrangements  to  effect  a  quick  passage  through.  Should  a 
vessel  not  be  able  to  pass  through  the  bridge  when  she  is  in  the 

68850—17 6 


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82  THE  SOUTH   COAST  OF   FRANCE. 

passage,  she  must  drop  astern  if  requested  to  do  so  by  the  bridge 
man.    No  vessel  or  boat  is  allowed  to  remain  in  the  bridge  channel. 

All  vessels  going  with  the  current  have  preference  over  those  going 
against  it  in  passing  the  bridges.  The  vessels  are  admitted  to  the 
channel  in  the  order  they  arrive  each  way,  and  two  vessels  must  never 
pass  together. 

Petrol. — Vessels  carrying  petrol  or  other  inflammable  matter,  are 
berthed  in  Bassin  Petrole;  should  there  be  no  room  there,  and,  on 
account  of  the  weather,  it  would  be  dangerous  for  a  vessel  to  remain 
outside  the  port,  the  captain  of  the  port  may  allow  a  vessel  to  be 
berthed  at  4-5  jetty  in  Outer  Port,  all  necessary  precautions  being 
taken.  The  same  berth  may  be  given  to  vessels  which  have  dis- 
charged their  cargoes  and  wish  to  leave  at  once.  Other  regulations 
for  vessels  carrying  small  quantities  of  petrol,  for  discharging  petrol, 
and  for  watchmen,  are  the  same  as  at  other  French  ports. 

Buoys. — Two  black  mooring  buoys  lie  in  2^  fathoms  on  the 
northern  side  of  the  curved  breakwater. 

A  lifeboat  and  rocket  apparatus  are  kept  at  Cette.  The  lifeboat 
station  is  in  the  old  basin. 

Directions. — Steamers  entering  by  East  Pass  keep  southward  of 
the  alignment  of  the  lighthouses  of  Mole  St.  Louis  and  Jet6e  de 
Frontignan,  or  at  night  keep  in  the  white  sector  of  Mole  St.  Louis 
light,  with  Mont  de  Cette  light  just  northward  of  it.  After  passing 
the  lighthouse  on  the  eastern  end  of  the  breakwater,  bring  Mont  de 
Cette  and  Mole  St.  Louis  lighthouses  in  range,  which  leads  close 
southward  of  Jetee  de  Frontignan,  when  turn  into  Outer  Port. 

Entering  by  West  Pass,  keep  Jetee  de  Frontignan  lighthouse 
well  open  southward  of  Le  Pilon  until  past  the  black  buoy  south- 
westward  of  Cap  de  Cette,  and  when  in  the  pass  do  not  close  Mole 
St.  Louis  within  200  yards  until  past  Le  Pilon. 

At  night,  keep  in  the  white  sector  of  Mole  St.  Louis  light  until 
the  white  light  on  the  breakwater  is  visible,  and  then  steer  for  it 
until  within  the  western  arm  of  the  breakwater. 

Then  steer  for  Jetee  de  Frontignan  light,  and  when  the  lights  at 
the  entrance  to  Nouveau  Bassin  are  well  open  eastward  of  Le  Pilon, 
turn  into  the  Outer  Port,  giving  Le  Pilon  a  berth  of  not  less  than 
100  yards. 

Pilotage. — Pilots  constantly  cruise  between  Hot  de  Brescou  and 
Gulf  of  Aigues-Mortes,  both  by  day  and  at  night,  in  favorable 
weather.  When  unable  to  go  out,  pilots  are  stationed  at  the  en- 
trance to  the  passes,  and  also  near  the  breakwater,  if  possible.  Pilot- 
age is  compulsory. 

Sailing  vessels. — On  making  for  Cette  it  should  be  remembered 
that  when  the  wind  is  not  from  south-southwest  to  west-northwest  the 


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THE  SOUTH   COAST  OF   FRANCE.  83 

chances  are  the  current  near  the  coast  will  be  found  running  to  the 
southwest;  with  winds  from  southeast  in  the  ofling  it  is  often  blowing 
northeast  on  the  coast. 

Vessels  from  the  southward,  after  rounding  Cape  Creus  with 
winds  from  southeast,  should  stand  to  the  northeastward  and  so 
make  the  land  well  to  windward  of  the  port.  A  vessel  to  leeward 
will  have  both  wind  and  current  against  her,  and  should  at  once  put 
to  sea  and  not  get  embayed  on  a  low  coast,  covered  with  mist  and 
difficult  to  be  seen,  a  heavy  sw^ell,  and  no  port  of  refuge.  A'essels 
from  the  eastward  should  also  make  the  land  to  windward  and  so 
profit  by  the  current  and  not  risk  missing  the  entrance. 

Current. — On  the  coast  the  current  running  to  the  south  westward 
is  deflected  by  the  Frontignan  Jetty  across  the  eastern  entrance:  in 
light  winds  vessels  should  be  prepared  to  anchor  to  avoid  being  set  on 
to  the  breakwater.  In  the  road  the  current  sometimes  is  very  strong 
along  the  breakwater. 

With  northwest  winds  the  current  generally  runs  from  Lake  Thau, 
and  in  the  canal  attains  a  speed  of  2  knots;  with  winds  from  seaward 
the  contrary  is  the  case,  and  the  current  then  runs  into  the  lake. 

Liights. — A  group  occulting  light  with  red  sector  is  exhibited,  at 
105  feet  above  the  sea,  at  the  end  of  the  mole  head  of  St.  Louis,  on  the 
western  side  of  the  entrance  of  the  port,  from  a  white  round  tower. 

The  white  light  is  visible  16  miles  and  the  red-sector  light  12  miles. 
(For  limits  of  sectors,  see  Light  list  and  chart.) 

On  the  extremit}'  of  the  Frontignan  (eastern)  mole,  from  a  small 
w^hite  tower,  is  exhibited,  at  44  feet  above  the  sea,  a  fixed  green  un 
watched  light,  visible  3i  miles. 

There  is  also  a  red  light  on  the  west  and  a  green  light  on  the  east 
side  of  entrance  to  New  Basin. 

A  fixed  white  light  is  exhibited  from  a  small  white  tower  on  the 
center  of  the  breakwater  fronting  the  entrance  to  the  port  at  46  feet 
above  the  sea,  visible  11  miles. 

A  fixed  red  light  is  exhibited  from  a  white  tower,  constructed  of 
masonry,  at  the  eastern  end  of  the  breakwater,  it  is  elevated  69  feet 
above  the  sea,  62  feet  above  the  breakwater,  and  is  visible  5  miles. 

As  this  light  is  not  constantly  watched,  it  should  not  be  implicitly 
relied  on. 

A  white  flashing  light  is  exhibited  at  an  elevation  of  303  feet  above 
high  water,  from  an  octagonal  white  stone  tower  62  feet  high, 
erected  on  Mont  St.  Clair,  at  a  distance  of  920  yards  264°  from  the 
lighthouse  on  St.  Louis  Mole  Head,  visible  24  miles.  (See  Light 
List.) 

Caution. — ^When  the  St.  Tjouis  light  show  s  red  vessels  should  not 
approach  the  harbor  until  the  white  light  is  seen,  when  vessels  may 
safely  approach  either  of  the  channels  into  the  harbor. 


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84  THE   SOUTH   COAST  OF   FKANCE. 

'  Sea  level. — ^The  wind  causes  considerable  variations  in  the  height 
of  water.  On  December  25,  1870,  during  a  heavy  gale  from  south- 
east, the  water  rose  rapidly  3  feet;  on  July  14, 1841,  without  any  ap- 
parent cause,  it  rose  5  feet  in  a  minute,  making  a  number  of  oscilla- 
tions before  returning  to  the  ordinary  level. 

Trade. — ^The  principal  exports  are  wines,  liqueurs,  alcohol,  lime, 
superphosphates,  and  bauxite;  the  imports  are  coal,  coal-tar,  cork, 
cereals,  mineral  oils,  chemical  manures,  phosphates,  sulphur,  oak 
staves,  and  wines.  The  sardine  and  oyster  fisheries  are  successfully 
carried  on  along  the  coast,  and  the  salt  works  of  the  adjoining  lakes 
are  extensive. 

Consul. — The  United  Stat^  is  represented  by  a  consular  agent. 

Communications. — ^There  is  a  regular  steamer  sailing  every 
second  day  to  Marseille  and  regular  lines  of  steamers  to  other  French 
and  Spanish  ports.  Railroad  communications  are  very  good  to  the 
north  and  south.  Telegraphic  connections  are  very  good  to  the 
whole  world. 

Coal — Supplies. — ^About  1,400  tons  are  usually  in  stock.  Any 
quantity  of  French  coal  can  be  delivered  in  three  days  from  the 
mines.  Coaling  is  performed  from  lighters  or  from  a  wharf,  2,500 
feet  long,  with  a  depth  alongside  of  23  feet.  Supplies  are  plentiful ; 
the  water  is  very  good  and  is  supplied  by  pipes  on  the  quays  or  by 
tank  vessel,  to  be  ordered  two  days  before  wanted. 

Hospital. — A  mixed  hospital  will  receive  men  from  naval  vessels. 
The  crews  of  merchant  vessels  are  admitted  at  a  charge. 

Repairs. — There  are  two  engine  works  at  Cette,  and  any  repairs 
not  requiring  the  use  of  a  dry-dock  can  be  executed. 

Pilots  are  found  off  the  port  1  or  2  miles  in  a  small  steamer,  and 
pilotage  is  compulsory.  In  bad  weather  they  signal  with  a  tricolor 
flag,  held  in  the  hand,  at  the  east  entrance,  the  direction  a  vessel 
sliould  steer. 

Tugs. — In  calms  or  light  breezes  the  services  of  a  tug  can  be  had, 
but  with  strong  winds  from  the  offing  they  do  not  go  out. 

The  coast. — From  Cette  a  low  narrow  beach  trends  eastward  and 
northward  to  the  landing  place  of  Palavas,  a  distance  of  13  miles; 
within  the  beach  is  a  chain  of  lakes,  the  principal  of  which  are  the 
Palavas  and  I'Aruel,  with  the  towns  of  Frontignau,  Vic,  and  Mire- 
vals;  the  square  steeple  of  the  former  at  4  miles  northeast  by  43°  east 
from  the  port  of  Cette  is  the  best  mark  on  this  part  of  the  coast ;  at 
the  back  are  hills  of  Gardiole  and  Bauzeli,  774  feet  and  614  feet  high, 
which  from  the  west  seem  a  prolongation  from  Mount  Cette;  on  the 
beach  are  several  coastguard  stations. 

Rocky  banks,  with  from  4  to  6  fathoms  water  on  them,  extend 
2  miles  off  this  coast,  the  depths  shoaling  toward  the  shore.  The 
landing  place  of  Palavas  is  at  the  outlet  of  a  small  river  named  IavAj 

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THE   SOUTH   COAST   OF   FRANCE.  85 

which  flows  between  two  moles,  by  which  small  coasting  vessels  enter 
the  lakes ;  there  is  a  redoubt  at  the  mouth  of  the  river. 

Life-saving  station. — Rocket  apparatus  are  established  at  La 
Peyrades  and  Morin  custom  houses. 

Lifeboat. — A  lifeboat  is  stationed  at  Palavas,  and  the  station  is 
also  supplied  with  rocket  and  gun  life-saving  apparatus;  there  is 
also  a  rocket  apparatus  at  Grau  de  Perols. 

Lights — Grau  du  Palavas. — Two  fixed  red  range  lights  in  linej 
326"^,  each  visible  2  miles,  are  exhibited  at  the  east  mole,  44  yards 
apart.  "  The  front  and  rear  lights  are  exhibited  from  structures  12 
Hnd  14  feet  in  height,  respectively,  and  at  elevations  of  18  and  22 
feet." 

Gulf  of  Aig^es-Mortes. — From  Palavas  the  coast  curves  to  the 
eastward  and  southeast  for  9J  miles  to  the  Grau  du  Roi,  and  from 
thence  southward  3  miles  to  Espiguette  Point,  forming  a  bight  known 
as  the  Gulf  of  Aigues-Mortes.  The  shores  consist  entirely  of  a  low, 
narrow,  sandy  beach,  behind  ivhich  are  a  series  of  lakes,  and  nearly 
in  the  center  is  a  redoubt;  it  is  skirted  by  rocky  banks  of  4  and  5 
fathoms  water,  extending  1^  miles  from  the  shore.  The  town  of 
Montpellier  is  5^  miles  northward  of  Palavas.  A  canal  traverses  the 
whole  distance  from  Agde  at  about  i  mile  from  the  shore. 

The  Grau  du  Boi,  which  may  be  recognized  by  the  old  lighthouse 
and  numerous  houses,  is  the  entrance  to  the  canal  of  Grande  Roubine 
leading  to  the  town  of  Aigues-Mortes,  3  miles  inland  in  an  east-north- 
east direction.  The  entrance,  formed  between  two  moles,  which 
extend  about  200  yards  from  the  beach,  is  about  65  yards  wide,  witli 
a  depth  of  13  feet,  decreasing  to  11  feet  within  the  canal.  Vessels 
drawing  10  feet  can  only  enter  under  favorable  circumstances,  as  the 
sand  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Grau  is  constantly  accumulating. 

Aigues-MorteSy  a  town  with  a  population  of  about  4,000,  is 
situated  in  the  midst  of  salt  marshes  and  lagoons,  the  exhalations 
from  which  render  it  unhealthful.  It  is  half-deserted,  but  is  of  in- 
terest as  a  perfect  example  of  a  feudal  fortress  in  the  thirteenth  cen- 
tury. Aigues-Mortes  was  formerly  a  seapoil,  but  owing  to  the  retro- 
gression of  the  sea,  is  now  rather  more  than  3  miles  inland.  Salt  is 
the  principal  production,  and  the  population  are  chiefly  engaged  in 
fishing. 

Lights. — ^A  fixed  red  light,  33  feet  above  the  sea,  is  exhibited 
from  a  white  iron  turret  on  the  North  mole  head  of  the  Grau  du  Roi, 
visible  6  miles. 

A  fixed  white  light,  33  feet  above  the  sea,  is  exhibited  from  a 
white  iron  turret  on  the  head  of  the  South  mole,  and  is  visible  8 
miles.    (See  Light  list.) 

A  light  is  exhibited  from  the  middle  of  a  swing-bridge  580  yards 
within  the  mole  lights. 


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86  THE  SOUTH   COAST  OF   FRANCE. 

Lifeboat. — A  lifeboat  and  rocket  life-saving  apparatus  are  sta- 
tioned at  the  Grau. 

Anchorage. — The  anchorage  of  Aigues-Mortes  affords  shelter 
with  northerly  winds  as  far  round  as  6ast-southeast;  with  all  other 
winds  it  is  much  exposed.  Anchor  in  6  or  7  fathoms,  mud,  with  the 
Giau  lights  bearing  49°  and  Espiguette  Point  Light  139°,  2  miles 
from  the  shore. 

Espiguette  Point  is  a  round  low  sandy  point  projecting  to  the 
southwest,  and  conspicuous  by  its  light  tower.  At  ^  mile  from  it 
there  are  5  and  G  fathoms  water,  and  at  2  miles  from  8  to  10  fathoms. 
The  point  is  advancing  seaward  at  the  rate  of  16  yards  annually. 

Villa  Leenhardt  in  line  with  the  South  mole  light-turret  leads 
westward  of  the  shoals,  in  3|  fathoms  water. 

Light. — A  group  flashing  white  light,  visible  15  miles,  is  exhib- 
ited 88  feet  above  the  sea  on  Espiguette  Point  from  a  square  tower. 
(See  Light  List.) 

Semaphore. — An  electric  semaphore  is  erected  on  the  point. 

Life-saving  station. — A  gun  life-saving  apparatus  is  kept  at 
the  lighthouse. 

Grau  d'Orgon. — From  Espiguette  Point  a  sandy  coast  backed 
by  low,  marshy  land,  with  nimierous  small  lakes,  trends  round  to 
the  east-southeast  to  the  Grau  d'Orgon  or  mouth  of  the  Little 
Rhone,  a  distance  of  12  miles.  About  3|  miles  eastward  of  Espiguette 
Lighthouse  is  a  small  redoubt  tower,  and  on  the  western  point  of  the 
Grau  d'Orgon  is  a  beacon  and  the  ruins  of  a  battery,  a  little  within 
which  is  a  guard  or  customhouse;  the  wood  of  la  Pinede,  with  the 
tower  of  the  Four  Maries,  will  be  seen  3^  miles  to  the  westward  of  the 
Little  Rhone.  The  5-f athom  curve  of  sounding  is  nearly  1  mile  from 
the  shore,  with  a  fine  sandy  bottom,  and  there  are  from  8  to  13 
fathoms,  mud,  at  2  miles.  At  IJ  miles  eastward  of  the  Grau  d'Orgon 
is  the  small  village  of  Saintes  Maries  and  some  fishermen's  houses  on 
the  beach,  which  serve  to  assist  in  recognizing  this  very  low  cost. 

Life-saving  stations. — Gun  life-saving  apparatus  is  kept  at 
Grau  d'Orgon  and  Saintes  Maries. 

Gulf  of  Saintes  Maries. — At  8^  miles  to  the  southeast  of  the 
Grau  d'Orgon  is  Beauduc  or  Tignes  Point,  low,  rounded  and  pro- 
jecting westward;  a  beacon  colored  black  is  situated  on  its  extreme 
point,  which  is  steep-to.  The  point  is  advancing  westward  at  about 
the  same  rate  as  Espiguette  Point.  Passing  Beauduc  Point,  Faraman 
Light  should  be  kept  bearing  northward  of  77°.  Between  the  Grau 
d'Orgon  and  Beauduc,  a  low  sandy  beach  curving  to  the  eastward 
and  southward  forms  the  shores  of  the  Gulf  of  Saintes  Maries,  the 
land  in  the  vicinity  being  low  and  marshy.  At  the  head  of  the  gulf 
is  a  large  lake;  on  the  eastern  side  is  the  anchorage  of  Beauduc, 
sheltered  from  northerly  winds  round  by  east  to  southeast. 


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THE  SOUTH  COAST  OP  FBANOB.  87 

lights. — ^A  flashing  white  and  green  light  is  exhibited,  at  an 
elevation  of  57  feet  above  the  sea,  fnmi  a  lighthouse  constructed  of 
masonry  and  painted  white,  51  feet  high,  situated  at  la  Gacholle,  at 
the  head  of  the  Gulf  of  Saintes  Maries.  The  white  light  should  be 
seen  12  miles  and  the  green  light  10  miles.  (For  sectors  see  Light 
List  and  Chart.) 

A  group  flashing  red  light  is  exhibited,  at  an  elevation  of  84  feet 
above  the  sea,  from  a  lighthouse  constructed  of  masonry,  82  feet  high, 
with  detached  dwelling,  erected  on  the  sand  dimes  in  the  neighbor- 
hood of  Beaudoc  Point.    The  light  is  visible  16  miles. 

Beacon. — A  black  wooden  pyramidal  beacon,  surmounted  by  a 
metal  disc,  is  situated  on  the  western  extremity  of  the  point. 

Fog  signal. — A  fog  signal  is  established  at  this  lighthouse. 
(See  Light  List.) 

Anchorage  may  be  had  in  from  6  to  8  fathoms,  sand  and  mud, 
good  holding  ground,  2  miles  northward  of  Beauduc  Point  and  IJ 
miles  from  the  shore,  but  it  should  be  abandoned  with  southerly  and 
westerly  winds.  Small  vessels  anchor  closer  inshore,  where  there  is 
more  shelter  in  about  4  fathoms. 

During  strong  easterly  and  southeasterly  winds  the  weather  is 
very  thick,  and  the  coast  is  often  obscured;  the  constant  use  of  the 
lead  is  then  necessary.    . 

At  night,  from  the  eastward,  steer  westward  until  in  the  white 
sector  of  la  Gacholle  Light,  when  steer  toward  the  light;  when 
Faraman  Light  bears  about  110°,  steer  eastward,  and  anchor  with 
la  Gacholle  Light  bearing  14°,  on  the  line  dividing  the  white  and 
green  sectors,  in  about  6  fathoms  water. 

Vieux  Brhdne. — From  Beauduc  Point  the  low,  sandy,  and  dan- 
gerous shore  curves  to  the  southeast  and  eastward  to  the  mouth  of 
the  Vieux  Ehone,  a  distance  of  nearly  5  miles.  The  entrance  to  the 
Vieux  Ehone  is  shallow  and  only  available  for  small  coasting  vessels. 
A  customhouse  and  ruined  tower  are  situated  on  the  right  bank  at 
2  miles  from  the  entrance.  The  land  between  Beauduc  Point  and 
Vieux  Rhone  is  low  and  marshy,  forming  several  etangs  or  lakes. 

Faraman  Light. — A  group  flashing  white  light  is  exhibited,  at 
an  elevation  of  133  feet  above  high  water,  from  a  lighthouse  con- 
structed of  masonry  and  painted  white,  situated  about  1,300  yards  24° 
from  the  old  lighthouse  on  the  left  bank  of  the  Vieux  Ehone.  It 
should  be  visible  17  miles. 

Semaphore. — There  is  a  semaphore  station  1^  miles  74°  from 
the  old  lighthouse. 

Saintes  Maries. — A  radio  station  is  established  at  Saintes  Ma- 
ries; it  is  open  to  the  general  public  both  by  day  and  by  night,  the 
call  letters  being  F.  F.  S.    The  masts  at  the  station  are  good  marks. 


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88  THE  SOUTH  COAST  OF   FRANCE. 

Life-saving  stations. — A  gun  life-saving  apparatus  is  kept  at 
Vignoble  and  Pi^manson. 

Coast. — From  Vieux  Rhone  the  same  low  sandy  coast  backed  by 
marshy  land  continues  to  the  eastward  for  about  a  distance  of  10 
miles  to  the  mouth  of  the  southeast  or  main  branch  of  the  River 
Rhone,  and  from  Espiguette  Point  the  6-fathom  curve  is  from  less 
than  i  to  1  mile  from  the  beach ;  the  use  of  the  lead  is  essential  in 
approaching  these  low  shores,  which  are  annually  the  scene  of  many 
shipwrecks. 

The  water  in  the  approach  to  the  Grau  du  Roustan  has  shoaled, 
depths  of  3  and  5  feet  having  been  found  respectively  inside  and  out- 
side the  3-fathom  curve,  and  a  shoal  with  a  depth  of  2  fathoms  over 
it  is  situated  in  latitude  43°  20'  10''  N.,  longitude  4°  50'  0"  E.  Until  a 
survey  is  made  of  this  locality  vessels  should  keep  the  tower  on  Cape 
M^jean  open  southward  of  Cape  Couronne  Lighthouse. 

The  Briver  Brh6ne  rises  in  the  Pennine  Alps,  traverses  portions 
of  Switzerland  and  France,  and  after  a  course  of  nearly  600  miles, 
enters  the  sea  by  several  mouths.  At  the  town  of  Aries,  on  the  left 
bank,  about  25  miles  from  the  sea,  the  river  divides  into  two  branches, 
one  flowing  to  the  southeast,  the  other  pursuing  a  southwest  course, 
together  inclosing  the  alluvial  island  of  Carmargue.  The  southeast 
or  main  branch  is  again  divided,  a  short  distance  above  its  mouth, 
by  low  marshy  islets,  between  which  vessels  of  light  draft  enter 
the  river.  The  Rhone  is  full  of  sand  banks,  which,  owing  to  the 
strength  of  the  current,  are  continually  shifting,  and  vessels  drawing 
more  than  2  feet  can  not  navigate  with  safety.  Though  its  commer- 
cial utility  is  not  at  all  proportioned  to  its  length  and  volume,  the 
Rhone  is  a  noble  river,  and  its  scenery  is  very  striking.  The  current 
brings  down  a  whitish  sp^iTr»->T>t^  discoloring  the  sea  to  a  distance 
of  6  or  7  miles,  and  there  is  every  reason  to  suppose  that  there  has 
been  a  constant  though  slow  advance  of  the  delta  for  the  last  18  cen- 
turies. As  an  instance  of  this  the  tower  of  St.  Louis  was  built  in 
1737  at  1^  miles  from  the  sea ;  it  is  now  5  miles  from  it.  At  about  5 
mile  from  the  shore  the  fresh  water  of  the  river  has  been  known  to  be 
3  feet  deep,  and  vessels  have  obtained  fresh  water  from  it. 

Bar. — ^In  1887  the  5-fathom  curve  off  the  mouth  of  the  River 
Rhone  was  120  miles  from  St.  Louis  tower,  the  depths  decreasing 
suddenly  to  6  and  4  feet  over  the  banks  forming  the  bar ;  increasing 
gradually  within  the  banks,  where  there  are  depths  of  4J  to  5  fathoms 
3J  miles  from  St.  Louis. 

In  1898  the  shoals  at  the  mouth  of  the  Rhone  were  extending  sea- 
ward, especially  in  their  southeast  part,  the  3-fathom  edge  Iwing 
nearly  out  to  the  southern  limit  of  the  red  sector  of  light  shown 
from  Fort  Bouc  Lighthouse,  or  with  that  light  bearing  40''. 


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THE  SOUTH   COAST   OF   FRANCE.  89 

Vessels  rounding  the  shoals  to  enter  the  Gulf  of  Foz  should  not 
bring  Fort  Bouc  Light  to  bear  eastward  of  So""  until  the  lighthouse 
on  St.  Louis  Canal  South  Jetty  bears  298°;  this  beamig  is  the 
southern  limit  of  visibility  of  the  light. 

The  shoals  at  the  mouth  of  the  Rhone  have  also  extended  in  a 
northeast  direction,  and  to  avoid  depths  of  less  than  3  fathoms,  when 
passing  that  edge  of  the  shoals,  vessels  should  keep  the  light  at  the 
entrance  of  St.  Louis  Canal  in  sight. 

The  low  marshy  land  forming  the  banks  of  the  river  at  the  en- 
trance is  supported  on  the  north  side  of  a  dam  about  i  mile  in 
length,  projecting  in  a  111°  direction,  and  on  the  southern  side  by 
a  dam  twice  that  length,  and  then  embankments  to  St.  Louis. 

At  about  400  yards  33°  from  the  extreme  northern  dam  is  the  low 
sandy  islet  of  They  de  I'Annibal,  and  to  the  northwest  of  it,  for 
about  1  mile,  those  of  Pegoulier,  Tartane,  and  Mort,  the  two  latter 
being  connected  with  the  northern  embankment,  and  outside  the  dam 
the  low  islets  of  They  de  la  Balancelle  extend  about  east  by  south 
1  mile  89® ;  near  here,  at  2^  miles  from  St.  Louis,  is  a  pilot  flagstaff 
and  a  few  cottages. 
The  sea  breaks  heavily  on  the  bar  with  winds  Jrom  the  offing. 
Signal. — When  the  bar  is  impracticable  the  pilots  hoist  a  blue 
pendant  half-mast,  and  to  the  masthead  when  the  bar  is  safe. 

Caution. — As  the  sands  at  the  mouth  of  the  Rhone  often  shift, 
and  low,  sandy  islets  are  in  formation,  no  stranger  should  attempt 
to  enter  without  a  pilot. 

Discoloration  of  the  water. — On  approaching  the  mouth  of  the 
river  the  discoloration  of  the  water  will  serve  as  a  guide.  At  a 
moderate  distance  from  the  land  the  sea  is  whitish,  becoming  very 
dark  as  the  coast  is  neared,  and  yellowish  in  its  inmiediate  vicinity. 
These  streams  generally  trend  to  the  southward. 

Marks. — ^La  Tour  St.  Louis,  92  feet  high,  square,  and  sur- 
mounted by  a  stone  turret,  on  the  north  bank  of  the  river,  about  5 
miles  within  the  entrance;  a  large  crane  at  Port  St.  Louis;  and 
some  large  buildings  (flour  mills),  several  stories  high,  on  the 
northern  side  of  Canal  St.  Louis  and  a  little  eastward  of  the  port, 
are  conspicuous. 

Soundings. — At  5  miles  southward  of  the  mouths  of  the  Rhone 
there  are  about  50  fathoms  water,  mud  bottom;  at  3  miles,  40  to  45 
fathoms;  at  1^  miles,  28  to  30  fathoms;  inside  this  distance  the 
water  has  shoaled.  With  southerly  winds  the  currents  are  dano^erous 
and  set  toward  the  coast,  and  many  vessels  have  in  consequence 
been  wrecked. 

Caution. — Vessels  should  never  enter  the  discolored  water  of  the 
Rhone. 


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90  THE  SOUTH  COAST  OF   FRANCE. 

The  Gulf  of  Foz,  formed  between  the  mouths  of  the  Rhone  and 
Cape  Couronne,  is  from  4  to  6  miles  in  breadth  and  6  miles  deep, 
with  33  fathoms  water  in  the  middle  of  the  entrance,  and  6  fathoms 
at  1^  miles  from  the  beach  at -its  head.  The  small  town  of  Foz,  from 
which  the  gulf  takes  its  name,  stands  on  an  eminence,  on  the  shore 
of  a  lake,  SJ  miles  north-northwestward  of  Cape  Couronne.  Be- 
tween the  mouths  of  the  Rhone  and  the  town  of  Foz,  the  land  is 
exceedingly  low  and  marshy,  with  several  lakes  having  two  outlets 
to  the  sea.  The  head  of  the  gulf  should  not  be  approached  within  1 
mile ;  the  gulf  is  exposed  to  winds  from  the  southward. 

Anchorage  can  be  obtained  anywhere  at  the  head  of  the  gulf, 
over  i  mile  from  the  shore,  but  the  Plateau  de  Roche  du  Grand  Forte, 
about  2  miles  westward  of  the  square  tower  of  Bouc,  which  has  from 
8  to  10  fathoms  water,  should  be  avoided ;  the  plateau  is  now,  how- 
ever, covered  with  mud. 

The  best  anchorage  is  in  Anse  du  Repos  off  the  entrance  to 
St.  Louis  Canal,  in  5  fathoms,  mud,  with  the  southern  mole  light- 
house, bearing  250°  distant  about  1,400  yards;  here  vessels  are 
safe  as  the  holding  ground  is  good,  and  although  open  to  south- 
easterly winds  there  is  less  sea  than  in  other  parts  of  the  gulf;  small 
vessels  anchor  about  J  mile  northward  of  the  lighthouse.  Aigue 
Douce  anchorage  is  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  gulf  between  the  low 
an  white  Pointe  de  Beau  Massais  and  Cap  d'Aiguades,  or  d'Aigue 
Douce,  on  which  is  the  old  signal  station  ef  Bouc ;  here  vessels  anchor 
in  about  4J  fathoms,  sandy  mud  and  weed,  with  the  old  signal  sta- 
tion bearing  between  135°  and  158°,  avoiding  a  shoal  with  IJ 
fathoms  water,  about  600  yards  northwestward  of  Cap  d'Aiguades. 
This  anchorage  should  be  quitted  on  southwesterly  or  westerly 
winds  setting  in,  as  the  sea  then  becomes  very  heavy  and  it  may  not 
be  possible  to  get  under  way. 

There  is  anchorage  for  vessels  waiting  to  enter  the  canal  about 
100  to  150  yards  northward  of  the  outer  buoy. 

Pilotage. — There  are  a  nimiber  of  pilots  at  the  St.  Louis  Canal 
pilot  station;  they  pilot  vessels  from  the  sea  to  Port  St.  Louis  du 
Rhone,  by  the  canal  and  by  Le  Rhone,  and  also  direct  the  move- 
ment of  vessels  in  the  iner  basins  of  Port  St.  Louis. 

St.  Louis  Canaly  about  3  miles  northward  of  the  mouth  of  the 
river,  is  a  ship  canal  through  which  all  vessels  enter  and  leave  the 
Rhone ;  it  runs  through  salt  lakes  and  marshy  land  in  the  direction 
of  the  tower  of  St.  Louis,  and  is  3,718  yards  long,  08  feet  width  of 
floor,  207  feet  wide  at  surface,  and  has  a  depth  of  19^  feet.  At  St. 
Louis  it  connects  with  a  rectangular  basin  443  yards  by  330  yards, 
which  also  communicates  with  the  river  Rhone  by  means  of  a  lock, 
175  yards  long,  24  yards  wide,  and  24|  feet  deep ;  the  basin  will  re- 
ceive vessels  of  18  feet  draft.    The  banks  of  the  canal  are  protected 

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THE  SOUTH  COAST  OF  FBANCE.  91 

by  masonry  4^  feet  above  low-water  level.  The  entrance  is  between 
two  piers  forming  the  outer  port,  the  southern  extending  eastward 
1,640  yards;  the  northern  pier,  in  an  unfinished  state,  is  1,422  yards 
to  the  northeastward  of  it,  and  curving  in  the  direction  of  the  south 
pier  head;  between  the  two  a  depth  of  19^  feet  is  maintained. 

The  dredged  channel  of  19^  feet  is  along  the  south  pier  at  a  dis- 
tance of  22  yards,  keeping  the  tower  of  St.  Louis  on  with  the  middle 
of  the  canal.  There  is  a  daily  service  of  steamers  from  St.  Louis  to 
the  town  of  Aries,  about  20  miles  up  the  river. 

Buoys. — ^At  the  eastern  entrance  to  the  St.  Louis  Canal  in  the 
Gulf  of  Foz,  are  two  red  buoys,  which  are  left  to  starboard  when 
entering;  a  third  red  buoy  is  moored  farther  outward;  vessels  draw- 
ing 14f  feet  can  pass  it  on  either  side.  Vessels  which,  owing  to  an 
unfavorable  wind,  do  not  run  into  the  canal,  can  anchor  about  110 
to  165  yards  northward  of  this  buoy  in  2^  fathoms,  blue  clay. 

Trade. — ^The  chief  imports  are  coal,  grain,  oils,  and  phosphates, 
and  the  chief  exports  are  cement,  lime,  grain,  flour,  oils,  and  zinc. 

Communications. — ^There  is  a  daily  service  of  steamers  from 
St.  Louis  to  Aries,  a  town  about  20  miles  up  the  river. 

Iiife-saving  station. — A  whale  boat  is  maintained  in  Port  St. 
Louis,  and  will  be  towed  out  to  a  vessel  in  distress.  A  rocket  ap- 
paratus is  kept  at  the  customhouse. 

Pilots. — Vessels  requiring  a  pilot  for  Canal  St.  Louis  hoisl  at 
the  foremast  head,  under  the  pilot  flag,  their  national  flag,  house 
flag,  or  any  other  flag.  The  second  flag  is  the  special  signal  for 
calling  a  canal  pilot. 

Light. — A  fixed  white  light  is  exhibited,  at  an  elevation  of  43 
feet  above  the  sea,  from  a  brown  iron  turret  erected  on  the  outer 
end  of  the  southern  pier,  visible  in  clear  weather  from  a  distance  of 
11  miles.  The  light  is  obscured  in  the  direction  of  the  shoals  off  the 
river  Rhone;  the  light  therefore  should  be  kept  in  sight.  (For  ob- 
scured sector,  see  Light  List  and  Chart.) 

Cape  d'Aiguades,  2^  miles  southward  of  Foz,  projects  to  the  west- 
ward, and  has  a  shoal  of  IJ  fathoms  about  J  mile  northwestward  of  it. 

Port  BouCy  at  nearly  ^  mile  southeastward  of  Cape  d'Aiguades, 
is  formed  by  a  low  point  from  which  a  mole  curves  southward  and 
eastward  about  400  yards,  and  affords  convenient  shelter  for  small 
vessels  unable  to  reach  Marseille  during  contrary  winds;  it  is  situ- 
ated at  the  outlet  of  the  fitang  de  Berre,  an  extensive  lake  with  a 
depth  of  5  fathoms,  lying  3  miles  to  the  northeast  of  Port  Bouc. 
The  shore  between  Foz  and  Bouc  is  somewhat  higher  than  that  to 
the  westward,  and  is  rocky. 

The  southern  side  of  the  entrance  to  the  port  is  formed  by  an  islet, 
the  sandy  tongue  of  which  is  connected  to  the  shore  by  a  bridge.  On 
the  northwestern  point  of  the  islet  is  a  fort  and  the  Tower  of  Bouc, 

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92  THE   SOUTH   COAST   OF   FRANCE. 

the  latter,  being  a  white  square  tower,  may  be  seen  at  some  distance. 
The  entrance  to  the  port  is  200  yards  wide,  but  a  shoal  named  the 
Tasques,  on  which  the  sea  breaks  in  bad  weather,  extends  200  yards 
southward  from  the  elbow  of  the  mole,  with  12  and  18  feet  water  on 
it.  The  passage  between  the  tail  of  this  shoal  and  the  southern  light- 
house has  from  30  feet  at  the  entrance  to  22  feet,  150  yards  eastward 
of  the  mole  head;  farther  in  there  are  24, 19, 15, 12,  and  6  feet  water. 

Buoys. — Two  white  buoys  moored  in  26  and  23  feet  mark  the 
direction  of  the  entrance,  a  white  buoy  in  16  feet  marks  the  edge  of 
the  east  bank  within  the  port,  and  another  white  buoy  marks  the  west 
side  of  the  entrance  to  Basin  Aubran. 

The  village  of  Bouc  is  about  ^  mile  northward  of  the  mole  head, 
and  just  to  the  eastward  of  the  village  is  the  entrance  of  the  canal 
leading  to  Aries,  a  coal  wharf  and  the  Basin  Aubran,  820  feet  long 
and  360  feet  wide,  with  depths  from  14|  to  16  feet.  About  i  mile 
within  the  port  there  are  several  sand  banks  formed  into  salines  or 
salt  works,  with  narrow  channels  between  them  leading  to  the  town 
of  Martigues  at  the  entrance  to  Lake  Berre;  of  these  the  principal, 
through  which  small  vessels  pass,  is  the  Canal  Maritime  de  Martigues 
to  the  northward,  with  depths  of  16^  to  19^  feet. 

Dolphins.— Two  dolphins  are  established  northward  of  Pointe 
de  la  Leque  Jetty  Light. 

One  of  these  dolphins  is  located  601  yards  5°  and  the  other  612 
yards  11°  from  the  light. 

Beacons. — Two  mast  beacons  on  the  north  shore  kept  in  range,  or 
the  lighthouse  on  the  mole  in  range  with  a  black  beacon  on  the  inner 
side  of  the  round  point  of  the  mole,  lead  to  the  entrance  of  the  canal. 

The  town  of  Martigues  lies  about  3  miles  east  from  the  entrance  of 
the  canal ;  the  population  is  engaged  much  in  fishing  and  boat  build- 
ing. The  fitang  de  Berre  here  expands  into  an  extensive  sheet  of 
water,  being  about  10  miles  in  length  and  8  in  width.  There  are 
several  small  towns  round  the  northern  and  eastern  shores. 

Landing. — ^The  landing  place  is  indicated  by  a  flagstaff  at  the 
village  of  La  Leque  on  the  west  side  of  the  port,  but  there  is  scarcely 
enough  depth  of  water  for  a  vessel's  boat. 

Supplies  and  water  can  be  obtained  from  Martigues. 

Communication. — Both  the  towns  of  Bouc  and  Martigues  have 
railroad  communication  with  Lyon  and  Marseille. 

Tides. — A  rise  of  2  feet  above  the  ordinary  level  has  been  ob- 
served in  the  months  of  October,  November,  and  December,  and  a  fall 
of  li  feet  in  the  month  of  February. 

Lights. — A  fixed  white  unwatched  light,  visible  8  miles,  is  ex- 
hibited at  49  feet  above  the  sea  from  a  round  white  tower  on  the  head 
of  the  mole  forming  the  northern  side  of  the  entrance  to  Bone. 


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THE  SOUTH   COAST  OF  FRANCE.  93 

A  fixed  light  with  red  and  green  sectors  is  exhibited  from  a  square 
white  tower  with  round  turret  m  the  fort  on  the  southern  side  of  the 
entrance,  95  feet  above  the  sea.  The  white  and  red  sectors  will  be 
visible  15  miles,  and  the  green  14  miles.  (For  sectors  see  Light  List 
and  Chart.) 

Pilots. — If  the  weather  is  moderate,  pilots  will  be  found  off  the 
port. 

The  pilots  of  Marseille  perform  the  pilotage  service  at  Port  de 
Bouc,  and  a  pilot  boat  is  stationed  at  Bouc. 

LifeHsaving  station. — A  gun  life-saving  apparatus  is  estab- 
lished at  Bouc. 

Directions. — A  vessel's  position  will  be  known  at  a  distance  by 
Mount  Ste.  Victorie  (3,182  feet  high),  which  appears  isolated,  and 
bears  73°  nearly  30  miles  from  the  entrance  to  Bouc.  On  nearing 
the  land  the  town  of  Foz  will  be  seen  on  a  hill,  like  an  islet,  with 
moderate  high  undulating  land  eastward  of  it ;  then  the  large  white 
square  Tower  of  Bouc ;  and,  finally,  the  fort ;  at  night  the  two  lights. 
To  enter  the  port,  steer  in  with  Notre  Dame  de  Misericorde  Chapel 
on  a  hill,  351  feet  high,  about  3  miles  eastward  of  Bouc  Village,  just 
open  northward  of  Fort  de  Bouc  light-tower,  until  about  200  yards 
distant,  to  clear  les  Tasques;  then  pass  on  either  side  of  the  two 
white  buoys  in  the  entrance,  and  leave  the  inner  white  buoy  on  the 
starboard  hand,  when  turn  northward  into  the  port. 

For  Canal  de  Martigues,  when  in  the  port,  keep  the  rear  beacon  on 
the  shore  of  Bassin  Aubran  well  open  westward  of  the  front  beacon, 
until  Chauvet  old  mill  is  open  its  own  width  northward  of  the 
customhouse  eastward  of  Bassin  Aubran.  With  northeast  and  east- 
erly winds,  especially  in  February  and  May,  a  strong  current  sets 
out  of  the  port  from  £tang  de  Berre.  A  vessel  unablr  to  enter 
during  strong  offshore  winds  can  anchor  in  Aigue  Douce  anchorage. 

Cape  Couronne^  called  also  Riche  Point,  is  the  eastern  extremity  of 
the  Gulf  of  Foz.  The  cape  is  low,  and  projects  to  the  southward,  with 
a  reef  extending  100  yards  from  it.  Between  Bouc  and  the  cape  the 
land  is  undulating,  and  much  higher  than  that  to  the  northwest ;  sev- 
eral small  bays  on  the  coast  are  used  by  fishing  boats  in  fine  weather. 
Mount  Tabouret,  a  hill  485  feet  high,  rises  2^  miles  to  the  northeast- 
ward of  the  cape.  On  the  western  side  of  the  cape  are  the  two  bays 
of  Carro  and  Verdon,  separated  by  a  rocky  point;  in  Carro  is  the 
village  of  that  name ;  a  small  pier  is  situated  at  the  entrance ;  at  the 
head  of  Verdon  there  is  also  a  village,  and  both  bays  are  used  by 
coasting  vessels  during  offshore  winds. 

Lifeboat. — A  lifeboat  is  stationed  at  Carro. 

Carro — JAght. — A  fixed  white  light,  elevated  27  feet  above  the 
sea,  and  visible  8  miles  is  shown  from  a  white  iron  column,  18  feet 
in  height,  situated  at  the  end  of  the  pier.     (See  Light  List.) 

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94  THE  SOUTH  COAST  OF   FRANCE. 

Bagues  d^Amette  Shoals. — At  1  mile  westward  of  Cape  Cou- 
ronne,  and  about  ^  mile  from  the  coast,  are  the  Ragues  d'Amette, 
with  7  and  9  feet  water  on  them,  and  on  which  the  sea  nearly  always 
breaks.  About  f  mile  from  the  shore,  between  Bouc  and  Cape  Cou- 
ronne,  there  are  11,  16,  and  20  fathoms. 

Clearing  marks. — Port  de  Bouc  Mole  lighthouse  open  westward 
of  Fort  de  Bouc  leads  westward  of  Les  Ragues  d'Amette  and  de 
Carro,  and  Chateau  Gabriel,  on  a  hill  westward  of  Sausset,  in  bear- 
ing with  Cape  Couronne  Lighthouse,  range  79°,  leads  southward. 

The  shoal  banks  off  the  coast  between  Bouc  and  Cape  Couronne 
are  covered  by  the  green  sector  of  Tour  du  Fort  Light. 

Light. — A  flashing  red  light,  visible  12  miles,  is  exhibited  at  an 
elevation  of  55  feet  above  the  sea  from  a  square  white  tower  38  feet 
high,  erected  on  the  extremity  of  Cape  Couronne.  The  light  is  not 
visible  in  the  Gulf  of  Foz  when  bearing  to  the  southward  of  126°. 
(See  Light, List.) 

Semaphore. — A  semaphore,  white  house  and  tower,  is  in  use  i 
mile  northward  of  Cape  Couronne. 

Arag^on  Islet^  lying  1^  miles  eastward  of  the  cape  and  300 
yards  from  the  shore,  is  low,  and  has  about  1  fathom  water  between 
it  and  the  land.  Between  the  islet  and  the  cape  the  coast  forms  a 
small  bay  named  Port  St.  Croix,  which  is  only  convenient  for  coast- 
ing vessels  which,  during  winds  from  the  northward,  anchor  in  3J 
fathoms. 

Tiiniiy  fisheries  are  established  off  Aragnon  Islet. 

Measured  distance. — A  measured  base  in  two  sections  for  test- 
ing the  speed  of  vessels  extends  from  off  Cape  Couronne  in  an  easterly 
direction  to  northward  of  the  western  end  of  Ratoneau  Island;  its 
direction  is  defined  by  the  dome  of  Marseille  Cathedral  seen  between 
the  two  spires  of  the  Protestant  church  (St.  Vincent  de  Paul),  94° 
is  the  range  mark. 

The  western  limit  is  marked  by  the  alignment  of  the  semaphore 
with  the  lighthouse  on  Cape  Couronne.  The  eastern  limit  is  marked 
by  the  alignment  of  the  new  semaphore  of  Pomegues  with  a  triangu- 
lar pyramidal  beacon,  painted  in  black  and  white  horizontal  bands,  on 
the  western  part  of  Ratoneau  Island.  The  division  of  the  base  is 
marked  by  the  alignment  of  the  northeast  corner  of  the  chateau 
of  Carry  or  Chateau  Jourde  (a  large  house  with  red  roof,  the  high- 
est in  Carry  village)  with  a  beacon,  consisting  of  a  truncated  coni- 
cal turret,  painted  in  black  and  white  horizontal  bands  and  with  a 
round  white  topmark,  standing  on  the  western  entrance  point  of 
Port  Carry. 

The  length  of  the  western  (Cape  Couronne-('arry)  section  is 
2(),489  feet;  that  of  the  eastern  (Carry-Pomegues  Ratoneau)  section 
is  3a,381  feet,  and  the  total  length  of  the  base  is  04,870  feet. 

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THE  SOUTH   COAST  OF   FRANCE.  95 

The  coa43t  from  Cape  Couronne  trends  eastward  nearly  8  miles  to 
Cape  M6jean;  it  is  low  and  arid,  rising  gradually,  and  between 
Sausset  and  Port  de  Rouet  is  covered  with  pine  trees;  eastward  of 
Carry  it  is  a  line  of  broken  and  irregular  cliflfs,  which  attains  its 
greatest  height  at  Cape  Mejean.  Eastward  to  the  vicinity  of  Cape 
Mejean,  the  coast  is  bordered  with  rocks  which  extend  about  J  mile 
off  it ;  from  this  distance  the  bottom  is  weed  and  gray  sand  to  i  mile 
offshore ;  it  is  then  muddy  sand,  and  at  the  distance  of  about  1  mile 
the  depths  are  over  22  fathoms,  mud  bottom.  The  depths  rapidlj 
increase  toward  Cape  Mejean. 

lie  Arag^on^  IJ  miles  eastward  of  Cape  Couronne,  and  250  yards 
from  the  coast,  is  low  and  black;  the  passage  inside  it  should  not 
be  used  for  navigation.  A  patch  with  2  fathoms  water  lies  about 
200  yards  southwestward  of  the  islet,  and  there  is  a  depth  of  9 
fathoms  about  300  yards  southward  of  it.  Midway  between  the  islet 
and  Cape  Couronne  is  Port  de  Sainte  Croix,  a  little  bay  used  by. 
small  vessels  with  off-shore  w^inds.  Calanque  du  Petit  Nid  and  Anse 
de  Boumandariel,  two  small  bays,  are  separated  by  tie  Aragnon;  in 
the  latter  of  these  bays  small  vessels  obtain  shelter  with  north- 
westerly winds,  and  the  holding  ground  is  good. 

Port  de  Sausset,  IJ  miles  eastward  of  tie  Aragnon,  is  frequented 
by  fishing  boats,  which  shelter  imder  a  small  jetty.  There  are  a 
number  of  houses  and  villas  at  the  head  of  the  port,  and  Chateau 
Gabriel,  westward  of  it,  is  surmounted  by  a  bell  tower. 

Tunny  fishery. — Tunny  nets  are  sometimes  laid  out  off  lie 
Aragnon. 

Port  de  Carry,  2  miles  eastward  of  Sausset,  is  suitable  for  small 
vessels;  the  entrance  lies  between  the  cliffy  Pointe  du  Mouton,  on 
which  is  an  old  mill  (beacon),  and  which  is  bordered  by  low  rocks 
on  the  westward,  and  a  shoal,  on  which  is  a  red  masonry  beacon,  sur- 
mounted by  a  red  triangle  on  a  pillar,  12  feet  high,  named  L'Esteo, 
or  L'Ane,  on  the  east.  There  is  a  boat  harbor  inside  a  rocky  mole 
about  100  yards  long,  at  the  head  of  the  port. 

Anchorage. — There  is  anchorage  on  the  coast  between  Cape 
Couronne  and  Port  de  Carry,  about  i  mile  off-shore,  vessels  at  anchor 
being  ready  to  weigh  on  winds  setting  in  from  seaward.  The  most 
frequented  anchorage  is  about  J  mile  southward  of  the  entrance  to 
Port  de  Carry,  where  large  vessels  shelter  from  northwesterly  winds 
in  6  to  8  fathoms,  weed.  Do  not  anchor  on  Plaine  de  Carry,  a  rocky 
bank,  with  13  fathoms  least  water,  about  1  mile  southward  of  Port 
de  Carry. 

Pilots. — Port  de  Carry  is  a  station  for  Marseille  pilots. 

Cape  Mejean,  7^  miles  92°  from  Cape  Couronne,  is  500  feet 
high,  steep,  and  has  an  old  tower  on  it.  Between  Carry  and  Cape 
Mejean  are  Port  de  Eouet  and  Port  de  Gigmac,  used  by  fishing 

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96  THE   SOUTH   COAST  OF   FKANCE. 

or  small  vessels  with  off-shore  winds.  Carry  is  midway  between  the 
islet  of  Aragnon  and  the  cape,  and  there  are  various  small  coves 
along  this  part  of  the  coast.  The  low  coast,  backed  by  forests,  con- 
tinues from  Cape  Couronne  as  far  as  Carry,  when  it  becomes  higher; 
it  is  clear  of  danger  at  a  little  more  than  200  yards  distant. 

Tunny  fishery. — This  coast  is  frequented  at  times  by  tunny 
fish,  and  caution  is  necessary  to  avoid  the  nets  (madragues),  which 
are  moored  at  about  1  mile  from  the  shore. 

Carry  Bank. — ^A  bank  of  13  fathoms,  rock,  lies  nearly  1  mile 
southward  of  the  western  point  of  Port  Carry. 

Life-saving  station. — ^A  gun  life-saving  apparatus  is  estab- 
lished at  Carry  and  Mejean. 

Pilots. — ^The  port  of  Mejean  is  a  station  for  Marseille  pilots. 

Port  de  MSjean^  between  the  cape  and  Point  de  la  Loude,  which 
has  several  rocks  off  it,  is  300  yards  in  length,  with  depths  of  from 
2i  to  3^  fathoms,  but  it  is  sheltered  except  from  winds  between 
southwest  and  southeast,  which  raise  a  heavy  sea  and  make  the 
entrance  veiy  dangerous. 

L'Estaque  Scad. — From  Cape  Mejean,  the  western  extremity 
of  the  Bay  of  Marseille,  the  coast  trends  eastward  to  Niolon 
Point,  and  is  high,  steep,  and  clear  of  danger.  At  J  mile  from 
the  cape  is  the  islet  of  Arapegue,  close  to  the  land.  The  small 
Bay  of  Niolon,  westward  of  Niolon  Point,  is  of  no  importance.  From 
Niolon  Point  the  shore  continues  eastward  for  2 J  miles;  it  then 
curves  to  the  southward  and  forms  I'Estaque  Road;  it  is  high  and 
bold-to,  especially  as  far  as  the  point  and  battery  of  Corbiere,  which 
is  If  miles  from  Niolon  Point.  The  water  then  becomes  shallower, 
and  at  ^  mile  eastward  of  the  battery  there  are  7  fathoms,  mud  and 
weed,  and  4  fathoms  at  400  yards  from  the  shore.  L'Estaque  Road  is 
much  frequented,  though  open  to  the  southward  and  westward,  as 
the  highland  deadens  the  onshore  winds.  The  anchorage  is  600 
or  800  yards  to  the  southeastward  of  Corbiere  Battery,  with  the 
center  of  Ratoneau  Island  bearing  170°  30'  or  in  a  line  between 
Corbiere  Point  and  Marseille,  in  about  10  fathoms. 

Life-saving  station. — A  rocket  apparatus  is  stationed  at  Port 
de  I'Estaque. 

Saiimaty  Bay — ^Lightbuoy. — A  black  lightbuoy  showing  a  fixed 
red  light,  visible  5  miles,  is  moored  on  the  prolongation  of  the  dike  of 
the  Marseille-Rhone  Canal,  which  is  being  extended  toward  Marseille 
between  the  port  of  Estaque  and  Saumaty  Bay,  and  22  yards  from  its 
extremity. 

This  buoy  will  be  moved  from  time  to  time  as  the  work  advances, 
so  that  it  will  always  be  approximately  22  yards  in  advance  of  the 
enrockment. 


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THE  SOUTH  COAST  OF   FRANCE.  97 

Port  de  la  Lave — Canal  de  Marseille  au  Bh6ne. — ^About 
800  yards  eastward  of  Pointe  de  la  Corbiere  is  the  commencement 
of  the  breakwater,  which  shelters  Canal  de  Marseille  au  Rhone;  it 
extends,  from  200  to  400  yards  off-shore,  southeastward  to  Cape 
Janet,  and  there  are  three  entrances — one  off  Port  de  la  Lave,  one 
southward  of  Port  de  I'Estaque,  and  the  third  off  Pointe  de  Mourre- 
piane.    The  canal  is  to  be  from  150  to  200  feet  wide  and  8  feet  deep. 

Inside  the  breakwater  are  the  small  ports,  within  moles,  of  La 
Lave,  L'Estaque,  Fontaine  des  Tuiles  (Anse  Saumaty),  and  Mourre- 
piane.  Anse  Martin  lies  between  Pointe  de  Mourrepiane  and  Saut 
de  Marrot,  and  extensive  works  are  projected  in  it. 

Iiights — ^Port  de  la  Lave.— A  light  is  exhibited,  at  39  feet  above 
high  water,  from  a  black-metal  apparatus  on  a  masonry  base,  33 
feet  high,  on  the  eastern  end  of  the  breakwater  at  the  entrance  to 
the  port. 

Port  de  I'Estaque. — A  light  is  exhibited,  at  29  feet  above  high 
water,  from  a  black-metal  turret  on  a  stone  base,  25  feet  high,  on  the 
southeastern  end  of  the  breakwater  southward  of  Port  de  I'Estaque. 

Saut  de  Marrot. — A  light  is  exhibited,  at  108  feet  above  high 
water,  from  a  round  tower  with  a  dwelling,  19  feet  high,  on  the 
cliffs  of  Saut  de  Marrot. 

The  light  is  visible  16  miles.  (For  sectors  see  Light  List  and 
Chart.) 

Coast. — From  I'Estaque  the  shore  trends  to  the  southeast  to  the 
Point  and  Battery  of  Mourrepiane,  distant  about  f  mile ;  about  f  mile 
farther  to  the  southward  is  Saut  de  Marrot  and  ^  mile  farther  on  is 
Cape  Janet. 

Cape  Janet  is  a  yellowish  point  about  131  feet  high;  on  its 
summit  are  a  chapel  and  a  glass  factory  with  a  chimney,  partially 
obscured  by  trees;  about  800  yards  northeastward  is  a  large  seminary. 

life-saving  station. — A  mortar  life-saving  apparatus  is  estab- 
lished at  Mourrepiane. 

Cape  Pinede^  J  mile  southward  of  Cape  Janet,  has  on  it  a  bat- 
tery, the  shore  between  forming  a  bight,  with  rocks  above  water 
extending  600  yards  from  the  shore.  Both  capes  are  moderately 
high,  and  surrounded  by  reefs  which  extend  off  a  short  distance.  A 
Uttle  northward  of  Cape  Pinede  is  the  commencement  of  the  ex- 
tensive basins  forming  the  port  of  Marseille,  and  at  IJ  miles  south- 
ward is  the  roadstead  and  south  entrance  to  the  port.  From  Corbiere 
Point  round  to  Marseille  a  vessel  should  not  stand  into  less  than  6 
fathoms  water  a  short  ^  mile  from  the  shore. 

Marseille  (ancient  Massilia)  is  the  largest  emporium  and  most 
important  commercial  seaport  city  of  France ;  it  is  beautifully  situ- 
ated and  is  environed  by  lofty  precipitous  hills,  the  space  between 

68850—17 7 


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98  THE   SOUTH   COAST  OF  FKANCK. 

being  studded  with  villas  and  hamlets.  The  country  around  is,  how- 
ever, extremely  arid,  and  the  northwest  wind  (mistral)  is  blighting 
and  noxious  in  the  extreme.  The  city  is  built  round  the  port,  and  is 
divided  into  two  parts,  the  old  and  new  town ;  the  former,  occupy 
ing  the  site  of  the  ancient  Greek  city,  on  rising  ground  at  the  north 
side  of  the  harbor,  is  confined,  ill  built,  and  has  narrow  streets.  The 
latter  is  of  modem  style,  with  regular  streets  and  handsome  squares 
and  houses,  and  stands  on  the  south  and  east  sides  of  the  port.  Many 
of  the  streets  are  planted  with  trees,  especially  that  running  from  the 
Arc  de  Triomphe  to  the  hippodrome,  a  distance  of  above  3  miles,  in 
which  are  fountains,  statues,  and  an  obelisk;  but  the  favorite  public 
promenade  is  the  Rue  Cannebi&re,  a  fine  broad  street  at  right  angles 
to  the  former  and  leading  to  the  inner  part  of  the  harbor.  There 
are  numerous  handsome  public  buildings,  particularly  the  cathedral, 
Hotel  de  Ville,  and  palace;  also  public  libraries,  including  one  for 
seamen  (La  Conception  Hospital),  a  museum,  zoological  gardens, 
etc.    The  population  in  1911  was  554,934. 

Marseille  was  founded  by  the  Phocaeans  from  Asia  Minor  600  years 
B.  C,  and  long  retained  its  liberty  as  an  independent  Republic;  it 
was  united  to  the  Crown  of  France  in  1841  by  Louis  XL 

Trade. — The  chief  manufactures  are  soap,  sugar,  oil,  oilcake,  and 
glass,  and  there  are  lead-smelting,  steam-engineering,  and  sulphur 
works.  In  the  neighborhood  are  large  lignite  mines  and  stone 
quarries. 

The  chief  imports  were  cattle,  coal,  coflfee,  cotton,  fruit,  hides, 
metals,  oils,  oil  seeds  and  nuts,  sugar,  dried  vegetables,  wheat,  and 
wood. 

The  chief  exports  consisted  of  barley,  brandy,  bauxite,  cement,  coal, 
groundnuts,  hides,  potatoes,  oil,  soap,  sugar,  tiles,  wines,  and  liquors. 

Population. — According  to  the  census  of  1911,  the  population 
of  Marseille  exceeds  540,000. 

Harbor  regulations. — Steamers  entering  or  leaving  must  have 
a  lookout  man  stationed  on  the  foremast,  to  report  any  movements 
of  vessels  in  the  roads,  Avant  Port  Sud,  or  Jolietta  Basin.  The 
signal  for  a  tug  is  a  white  flag  at  the  yardarm. 

Vessels  carrying  mails  leaving  the  port  have  precedence  of  other 
vessels. 

By  day :  Every  steamer  must  announce  her  departure,  15  minutes 
before  casting  off,  by  a  long  blast  followed  by  two  short  blasts  of 
the  whistle;  at  the  same  time  she  will  hoist  the  mail  or  company's 
flap:. 

If  a  vessel  can  not  leave  at  her  fixed  time  she  will  lower  her  flag 
and  giA^e  one  blast  of  the  whistle. 

If  the  master  does  not  comply  with  this  order,  the  service  of  the 
port  will  hoist  at  the  yardarm  of  the  signal  mast  the  flag  of  the  next 

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THE   SOUTH  COAST  OP  FRANCE.  99 

vessel  to  leave;  then  after  the  second  vessel  has  left,  the  first  vessel 
must  leave,  within  15  minutes,  assisted,  if  necessary,  by  a  tug. 

At  night:  Every  vessel  entering  Bassin  de  la  Joliette  must  hoist, 
on  passing  Joliette  Light,  a  white  light  over  two  red  lights,  placed 
vertically  3  feet  apart,  and  at  least  20  feet  above  the  bridge;  these 
lights  must  be  lowered  as  soon  as  Passe  de  la  Major  is  cleared. 

Every  steamer  must  announce  her  departure,  15  minutes  before 
casting  oflf,  by  a  long  blast  followed  by  two  short  blasts  of  the 
whistle,  and  at  the  same  time  she  will  hoist  the  three  lights  which  are 
lioisted  on  passing  Joliette  Light. 

If  a  vessel  is  delayed  she  will  lower  the  lights  and  give  one  blast  of 
the  whistle. 

A  vessel  entering  or  leaving  by  day  or  night  must  keep  at  least 
400  yards  from  the  preceding  vessel,  so  as  to  have  the  vessel  under 
control,  should  the  leading  vessel  have  to  stop.  In  this  case  the  lead- 
mg  vessel  should  whistle  and  use  her  siren  continuously  until  danger 
of  collision  has  passed. 

The  rule  of  the  road  is  always  to  be  followed. 

Every  steamer  making  any  movement  whatever  in  Joliette  Basin 
must  take  one  or  more  tugs  if  the  service  of  the  port  so  order,  in 
view  of  a  steamer  entering  or  leaving. 

In  the  basins  and  I'Avant  ports  steamers  must  proceed  at  as  slow 
^  speed  as  the  weather  and  circumstances  require. 

A  vessel  must  not  pass  and  cross  ahead  of  another. 

The  swing  bridge  in  Traverse  de  FAbattoir  is  opened  by  day  or 
night  on  recjuest  by  a  vessel  desiring  to  go  througli;  vessels  from 
National  Basin  use  the  western  channel,  and  those  from  Maritime 
Basin,  the  eastern  channel. 

Explosives  and  petroleum. — Vessels  loaded  with  explosives  and 
petrol  are  berthed  in  Petrole  Basin,  in  the  northeastern  part  of 
Pinede  Basin.  The  total  weight  of  explosives  on  board  a  vessel 
entering  or  leaving  must  not  exceed  45  tons,  and  should  the  cargo 
include  dynamite,  melinite,  crystalite,  picric  acid,  or  analagous  ex- 
plosives, three  times  their  weight  is  counted  for  the  total  maximum. 
Chinese  crackers  and  fireworks  are  deemed  explosives,  and  vessels 
with  more  than  1  ton  on  board  are  berthed  in  Petrole  Basin;  vessels 
having  less  than  1  ton  on  board  will  be  provided  by  the  service  of 
the  port  with  a  special  watchman  during  their  stay  in  port. 

Vessels  arriving  wholly  or  partially  loaded  with  petrol  or  other 
inflammable  matter  must  use  Petrole  Basin,  and  also  vessels  em- 
barking more  than  2,200  gallons.  The  shipment  of  smaller  quantities 
may  be  authorized  by  the  service  of  the  port  in  other  places,  but 
while  it  is  being  performed  all  scupper  and  port  holes  are  to  be 
tightly  closed.  For  other  regulations  for  landing  and  embarking 
explosives  and  inflammable  matter,  see  Port  regulations. 

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100  THE   SOUTH  COAST  OF   FBANCE. 

The  Viexix  Port  (Old  Basin)  is  a  fine  natural  basin,  stretching 
to  the  eastward  into  the  center  of  the  city.  It  is  2,920  feet  long, 
982  feet  average  width,  with  an  area  of  65  acres,  and  a  depth  varying 
from  19  feet  8  inches  to  24  feet  8  inches  at  the  entrance,  so  that  it  is 
suitable  for  a  large  number  of  vessels  of  moderate  size.  This  port, 
which  has  an  entrance  of  about  230  feet  between  the  forts,  is  chiefly 
reserved  for  sailing  vessels  drawing  less  than  18  feet,  yachts,  and 
tugs.  It  is  surrounded  on  all  sides  by  spacious  quays,  and  the  en- 
trance is  defended  on  the  north  by  Fort  St.  Jean  and  on  the  south 
by  Fort  St.  Nicholas. 

On  the  south  side,  just  within  the  entrance,  is  a  careening  basin, 
and  at  the  east  extremity  of  the  south  quay  are  two  entrances  to  a 
canal  spanned  by  swing  bridges.  Here  small  craft  and  barges  are 
secured  for  dischar^ng. 

Vessels  make  fast  to  the  quays  to  load  and  discharge  cargo ;  those 
awaiting  their  turn  are  secured  in  tiers,  leaving  a  passage  in  the 
middle  from  the  entrance  to  the  Quay  la  Cannbiere. 

The  Old  Basin  is  to  be  improved  by  being  deepened  to  a  depth  of 
24  feet  7  inches,  with  26  feet  3  inches  at  the  entrance;  the  quays  are  to 
be  enlarged,  and  it  is  to  be  connected  with  the  Joliette  Basin  by  rail. 
A  red  beacon  20  feet  high,  surmounted  by  two  disks  and  a  flag,  is 
situated  close  to  the  outer  end  of  the  jetty  east  of  Pharo  Point  Light- 
house, on  the  south  side  of  entrance  to  the  Old  Basin. 

A  transporter  bridge,  164  feet  high,  has  been  constructed  at  the 
entrance  to  Port  Vieux. 

In  addition  to  the  Old  Port,  a  breakwater  extends  to  the  north- 
ward along  the  front  of  the  city,  which  when  completed  will  be  over 
3  miles  long,  forming  within  the  following  basins : 

The  Joliette  Basin^  entered  on  the  south  from  the  South  Outer 
Port,  between  piers  (the  traverse  de  la  Major)  about  230  feet  apart, 
is  1,623  feet  long,  has  an  average  width  of  1,287  feet,  with  an  area 
of  48  acres,  depth  at  entrance  26^  feet,  and  over  the  basin  of  from  15^ 
to  39^  feet  water.  This  basin  is  chiefly  appropriated  to  steamers 
and  is  connected  with  the  Old  Port  by  a  canal  running  behind  Fort 
St.  Jean  carrying  16  feet  depth  of  water,  which  is  also  adapted  for 
a  dry  dock. 

The  Lazaret  and  d^Arenc  basins,  the  next  northward,  and 
communicating  with  the  Joliette,  from  which  they  are  separated  by 
the  mole  or  traverse  de  la  Joliette  (on  which  is  the  chief  port  office), 
are  excavated  on  the  site  of  the  once  famous  Lazaret  and  have  together 
a  total  length  of  2,460  feet  and  from  755  to  1,578  feet  in  width,  with 
an  area  of  39  acres,  width  at  entrance  69  feet,  and  depth  over  sill  28 
feet ;  and  is  crossed  by  two  swing-bridges.  A  railroad  goods  depot, 
large  warehouses,  and  bonded  stores  line  the  quays. 
The  Lazaret  mole  extends  into  the  Lazaret  and  d'Arenc  basins. 

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THE  SOUTH  COAST  OF  FBANCE.  101 

The  Maritime  Basin,  1^00  feet  long,  1,716  feet  wide,  and  at 
'  entrance  164  feet,  depth  over  sill  39^  feet,  with  an  area  of  41  acres, 
is  next  north  of  d'Arenc  Basin,  separated  from  it  by  the  mole 
d'Arenc,  and  has  depths  over  it  of  from  19^  to  49  feet ;  it  commmiicates 
northward  with  the  National  Basin,  from  which  it  is  separated  by 
the  Traverse  de  I'Abattoir,  which  is  spanned  by  a  swing  bridge  on  a 
central  pier,  forming  two  passes,  98  feet  wide,  with  a  depth  of 
31  feet. 

The  National  Basin  is  3,035  feet  in  length,  width  1,685  feet, 
with  an  area  of  100  acres,  the  width  at  the  southern  entrances  being 
08  feet,  and  depth  on  sills  31  feet.  It  has  depths  over  it  of  from  10^ 
to  65  feet,  and  communicates  through  a  channel  91  feet  wide,  with  a 
depth  of  26J  feet,  with  an  inner  basin  to  the  eastward,  leading  to 
several  dry  docks,  capable  of  accommodating  the  largest  class  of 
vessels.  The  basins  are  surrounded  by  quays,  upon  some  of  which 
ore  ranges  of  handsome  warehouses  built  entirely  of  stone  and  iron, 
fitted  with  hydraulic  lifts,  and  adapted  for  the  storage  of  an  immense 
amount  of  merchandise.  The  National  Basin  communicates  north- 
ward with  the  Pin^e  Basin,  from  which  it  is  separated  by  the  mole 
or  Traverse  de  la  Pinfede,  width  at  this  entrance  being  343  feet,  and 
depth  in  channel  of  from  41|  to  52^  feet. 

The  PinSde  Basin  adjoins  National  Basin. 

The  greatest  depth  of  water  in  the  several  basins  will  be  found 
at  the  exterior  jetties  and  diminish  towards  the  east.  They  are  con- 
nected together  in  the  order  named  commencing  from  the  south- 
ward. The  widths  of  entrances  and  depths  over  sills  are  for  the 
southern  entrances. 

Madrague  Basin^  entered  from  Pinede  Basin,  through  the  Trav- 
erse de  la  Madrague,  occupies  the  position  of  the  former  Northern 
Outer  Port.  It  has  a  depth  of  36  feet  in  the  entrance  and  alongside 
the  quay,  and  an  entrance  on  the  northeastern  side  into  Canal  Basin, 
the  southern  approach  to  the  Marseille-Rhone  Canal. 

Canal. — ^A  canal  connecting  Madrague  Basin  with  Aries  on  the 
River  Rhone  is  in  course  of  construction. 

From  the  northern  part  of  that  basin  it  will  extend  in  a  direct  line 
to  Martin  Cove,  and  then  follow  the  coastline  to  Lave  Point  in 
L'Estaque  Road. 

This  canal  (which  will  put  Marseille  in  communication  with  the 
other  navigable  canals  in  the  south  of  France)  will  have  a  depth  of 
8  feet,  and  be  from  150  feet  to  200  feet  in  width. 

Lightbuoys. — A  red  lightbuoy,  exhibiting  a  fixed  green  light,  is 
moored  off  the  northwestern  end  of  the  works  in  progress  for  the 
extension  of  the  outer  wall  of  the  new  Mirabeau  Basin,  and  in  the 
direction  of  its  prolongation.  The  buoy  will  be  moved  to  the  north- 
ward as  the  work  progresses. 


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102  THE  SOUTH  COAST  OF   FRANCE. 

I 

The  northern  limit  of  the  obscured  arc  of  the  occulting  green  light 
shown  from  the  western  side  of  the  Passe  de  la  Madrague,  will  be 
altered  as  the  work  progresses,  so  that  it  will  mark  the  position  of 
the  above-mentioned  lightbuoy. 

Note. — This  light  is  to  be  moved  northwestward  and  reestablished 
at  the  bend  in  the  breakwater. 

A  black  lightbuoy  showing  a  fixed  red  light  is  moored  on  the 
northeastern  side  of  the  pass  northwestward  of  the  occulting  red 
light  on  the  Traverse  du  Cap  Janet. 

A  red  lightbuoy  is  moored  on  the  southwestern  side  of  the  pass 
opposite  the  above  buoy. 

These  two  buoys  mark  the  limits  of  the  Pass  of  Cap  Janet,  north- 
em  entrance  to  Madrague  Basin.  The  buoys  are  provisional,  de- 
pending on  the  works  in  progress. 

Batteries. — On  the  breakwater  abreast  of  the  Joliette  Basin  are 
two  batteries;  abreast  the  Maritime  Basin  are  two  others,  and  there 
is  another  at  the  northern  end  of  the  National  Basin. 

Buoys. — In  the  Old  Basin  are  three  white  mooring  buoys,  one 
off  the  customhouse  and  two  at  the  entrance  of  the  careening  basin. 
In  the  South  Outer  Port  is  a  white  mooring  buoy  in  4 J  fathoms,  300 
yards  southward  of  Joliette  light  tower;  this  buoy  should  be  left  on 
the  port  hand  on  entering  the  Old  Basin,  and  on  the  starboard  hand 
on  entering  Joliette  Basin.  Two  white  mooring  buoys  are  situated  100 
yards  and  200  yards,  respectively,  southward  of  the  eastern  molehead 
of  the  Traverse  de  la  Major;  these  buoys  should  be  left  on  the  star- 
board hand  when  entering  the  Joilette  Basin.  Off  the  rocks  at  the 
foot  of  St.  Jean  light  tower  is  a  black  buoy  with  topmark. 

Lights — Tete  de  Maure. — On  Point  Tete  de  Maure,  on  the 
southern  side  of  entrance  to  the  Old  Port  or  Basin,  and  about  300 
yards  westward  of  Fort  St.  Jean  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  en- 
trance, from  a  white  turret,  with  main  building,  at  an  elevation  of 
62  feet  above  the  sea,  is  exhibited  an  unwatched  fixed  white  electric 
light,  visible  13  miles. 

Pharo  Point. — From  a  white  cylindrical  masonry  tower  on  Pharo 
Point,  at  an  elevation  of  40  feet  above  the  sea,  is  exhibited  a  fixed 
green  electric  light,  visible  11  miles. 

Fort  St.  Jean. — At  the  foot  of  the  tower  of  Fort  St.  Jean,  on 
the  northern  side  of  entrance  to  the  Old  Port,  at  30  feet  above  the 
sea,  is  exhibited  from  a  white  circular  turret,  a  fixed  white  unwatched 
electric  light,  visible  10  miles. 

Beacon. — Roche  Mangevin,  lying  close  westward  of  Fort  St. 
Jean,  is  marked  by  a  black  cylindrical  masonry  beacon,  surmounted 
by  a  black  cylinder,  10  feet  high. 

Joliette  Basin. — On  the  southern  extremity  of  the  breakwater, 
at  the  entrance  to  the  Basin  de  la  Joilette,  is  a  white  round  tower, 


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THE  SOUTH  COAST  OF  FRANCE.  103 

with  main  building,  which  exhibits  at  73  feet  above  the  sea  a  fixed 
red  electric  light,  visible  14  miles.     (See  Light  List.) 

Moleheads— Lights. — On  each  of  the  Traverse  de  la  Major 
moleheads,  entering  Joliette  Basin,  are  iron  turrets,  18  feet  in 
height  and  painted  gray,  from  which  are  exhibited,  at  an  eleva- 
tion of  21  feet,  a  fixed  green  light  on  the  eastern  side  and  a  fixed  red 
light  on  the  western  side. 

A  fixed  red  light  is  shown  from  the  molehead  on  each  side  of  the 
Traverse  de  la  Pinede. 

Outer  breakwater — Light. — On  the  bend  of  the  outer  break- 
water, an  unwatched  occulting  green  light  is  exhibited  at  an  eleva- 
tion of  39  feet,  from  a  tower  of  masonry,  painted  red ;  this  light  is 
Wsible  5  miles. 

Note. — This  light  is  to  be  moved  in  1916,  northwestward  and  re- 
established at  the  bend  in  the  breakwater. 

Uadrague  Pass — Lights. — A  fixed  green  light  is  shown  from 
the  northeastern  corner  of  the  western  pier. 

A  fixed  red  light  is  shown  from  the  northwestern  corner  of  the 
eastern  pier. 

These  lights  are  each  exhibited,  at  an  elevation  of  23  feet,  from  a 
lantern  surmounting  a  reservoir,  painted  gray,  and  are  visible  3 
miles;  they  are  unwatched. 

Madrague — Light. — An  unwatched  occulting  red  light  elevated 
20  feet  above  the  water  and  visible  8  miles  is  erected  on  the  mole 
at  Cap  Janet,  the  Bassin  de  la  Madrague. 

The  light  is  exhibited  from  a  lantern  surmounting  an  iron  reser- 
voir 15  feet  high,  painted  black.     (See  Light  List.) 

Traverse  de  l^Abattoir. — A  light  is  shown  6  feet  from  each  end 
of  the  shore  piers  elevated  22  feet  above  the  sea,  and  a  light  7  feet 
from  the  edge  of  each  side  of  central  pier  elevated  26  feet  above  the 
sea.  The  heights  of  the  buildings  are  13  and  19  feet,  and  the  lights 
are  visible  from  distances  of  5  and  2  miles,  respectively.  The  four 
lights  are  so  placed  that  two  lights  are  visible  to  those  proceeding 
from  the  National  Basin  to  the  Maritime  Basin  and  passing  westward 
of  central  pier,  and  two  lights  are  seen  by  those  proceeding  in  the 
opposite  direction  and  passing  eastward  of  the  central  pier,  in  such 
a  manner  that  if  two  white  lights  are  seen  the  swing  bridge  is  closed ; 
when  a  white  and  red  light  are  seen  the  bridge  is  swinging;  and  when 
two  red  lights  are  seen  the  pass  is  clear. 

Buoy. — A  gas  buoy  showing  a  fixed  green  light  is  moored  oflf  the 
extremity  of  the  breakwater  under  construction  in  the  north  outer 
port. 

Supplies  and  coal. — The  water  supply  at  Marseille  is  abundant 
and  taken  by  pipes  to  the  quays,  or  supplied  from  steam  tank 
vessels.  -The  water  is  bad  for  drinking;  it  should  be  filtered  and 

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104  THE   SOUTH   COAST  OF   FRANCE. 

boiled.  All  requisite  provisions  and  requirements  for  shipping 
can  be  readily  obtained.  Powerful  tugs  are  to  be  found  off  the  port. 
There  is  every  facility  for  coaling  rapidly,  and  both  English,  Ger- 
man, and  native  coal  can  be  obtained,  shipped  ftom  a  wharf  500  feet 
long  with  a  depth  of  24  feet  alongside,  or  from  lighters  with  a 
capacity  of  from  100  to  250  tons.  The  coal  is  put  on  board  by 
baskets  aided  by  steam  cranes.  The  Government  keeps  a  stock  of 
87,000  tons  of  patent  fuel,  and  57,000  tons  of  coal  are  stocked  by 
private  firms.  French  coal  is  consigned  to  the  Maritime  Basin  and 
P^nglish  coal  to  the  National  Basin. 

About  57,000  tons  of  coal  are  kept  in  stock  by  private  firms. 

Docks. — See  Appendix  I. 

Bepairs. — Large  repairs  to  machinery  can  be  executed  by  the 
Compagnie  des  Forges  et  Chantiers  de  la  Mediterranee.  Engines  of 
8,500  horsepower-  have  been  made,  and  all  large  castings  for  the 
vessels  built  in  this  company's  yard  at  La  Seyne,  Toulon  are  executed 
at  Marseille ;  as  also  for  those  built  at  La  Ciotat  by  the  Compagnie 
des  Messageries  Maritimes. 

Pilots. — Pilotage  is  compulsory,  and  pilots  cruise  off  the  port  in 
boats,  which  carry  a  blue  flag  with  a  white  border  by  day,  and  ex- 
hibit a  light  every  five  minutes  during  the  night.  In  moderate 
weather  they  are  found  off  Planier  Island. 

The  pilotage  station  of  Marseille  has  46  pilots  and  12  assistants 
under  the  orders  of  a  chief  pilot.  Pilot  boats  are  stationed— one 
at  Port  de  Bouc,  two  at  Carry,  two  at  Cap  Caveaux,  two  near 
lie  de  Riou  or  lie  Maire,  and  several  at  the  entrance  to  the  port. 

Masters  of  vessels  having  any  complaint  to  make  regarding  the 
pilotage  must  do  so  to  the  chief  pilot  with  48  hours  of  entry,  after 
which  no  complaint  can  be  received. 

The  pilotage  offices  are  on  the  quay  at  the  entrance  to  Port  de  la 
Joliette  and  on  the  North  quay  of  Vieux  Port. 

Mooring. — Naval  vessels  moor  in  the  National  Basin  with  both 
anchors,  and  a  stern  line  to  a  mooring  buoy ;  anchor  marking  buoys 
should  be  unbent  before  letting  go.  Vessels  are  very  skillfully 
handled  by  the  pilots  with  the  aid  of  small  tugs,  which  belay  their 
two  lines  to  a  bitt  or  turntable  just  abaft  the  funnel,  about  in  the 
center  of  the  boat  instead  of  aft,  enabling  them  to  head  in  any  direc- 
tion even  with  a  heavy  pull  on  the  line. 

Communication. — Railroads  and  the  electric  telegraphs  connect 
Marseille  with  all  the  capitals  in  Europe.  French  steamers  run 
regularly  to  all  the  principal  ports  in  the  Mediterranean,  the 
Archipelago,  and  Black  Sea ;  to  Australia,  India,  China,  and  Japan ; 
the  West  Indies,  Central  America,  West  Coast  of  Africa,  Mauritius, 
and  Madagascar,  etc.,  and  the  Peninsular  and  Oriental  Company  and 
other  British  lines  to  London. 


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THE   SOUTH   COAST  OF  FRANCE,  105 

Danish,  Norwegian,  and  Swedish  lines  run  to  the  Baltic,  Scandi- 
na\nan,  and  German  ports;  Spanish,  Austrian,  and  Italian  lines  to 
the  Spanish-Mediterranean  and  Black  Sea  ports;  Dutch  lines  to  the 
Dutch  East  Indies;  an  Italian  line  to  Central  America  and  the 
Pacific ;  and  a  Japanese  line  to  Japan,  London,  and  Antwerp. 

The  Messageries  Maritime  guarantee  the  following  services:  Two 
sailings  per  month  for  Yokohama ;  one  sailing  per  month  for  Singa- 
pore, Saigon,  and  Haifong. 

One  sailing  per  month  for  Colombo,  Batavia,  Noumea,  Brisbane, 
and  Sydney. 

One  sailing  per  month  to  Jibouti,  Mombasa,  Zanzibar,  Mayotte, 
Reunion,  and  Mauritius;  one  sailing  per  month  to  Aden,  Jibouti, 
Seychelles,  Diego-Suarez,  Madagascar,  Reunion,  and  Mauritius. 

Consul. — The  United  States  is  represented  by  a  consul  general, 
consul,  and  vice  consul. 

Harbor  signals. — The  following  signals  for  regulating  the  entry 
to,  and  exit  from,  Bassin  de  la  Joliette  and  Vieux  Port,  are  made 
from  a  mast  on  the  western  side  of  Traverse  de  la  Major,  at  a  hori- 
zontal arm  terminated  by  a  disc,  with  black  balls  by  day,  and  with 
red  and  green  lights  at  night.  The  horizontal  arm  points  northwest 
and  southeast ;  the  balls  and  lights  are  placed  vertically,  7  feet  apart. 

No  signals  at  the  mast  by  day  or  night  indicate  that  vessels  are 
free  to  move. 

By  day,  the  arm  horizontal,  or  at  night,  three  red  lights  vertical, 
signifies  entrance  prohibited. 

By  day,  three  balls,  vertical,  or  at  night,  three  green  lights,  verti- 
cal, signifies  exit,  and  any  movement  inside  prohibited. 

By  day,  the  arm  horizontal  and  under  it  two  balls  vertical,  or  at 
night  a  green  light  between  two  red  lights,  vertical,  signifies  entrance 
or  exit  prohibited. 

Hospitals. — Seamen  are  received  in  all  the  hospitals  of  the  city, 
according  to  the  beds  disposable.  Officers  can  be  accommodated  in 
the  wards,  or  in  private  rooms  at  charges  per  day. 

Sailors'  home. — ^Maison  du  Marin,  104,  Boulevard  des  Dames, 
is  an  establishment  which  has  sleeping  accommodation  for  officers 
and  70  men.  An  office  is  attached  which  provides  berths  for  seamen 
free  of  charge. 

life-saving  stations. — A  lifeboat  is  stationed  in  the  port;  a 
lifeboOit  and  a  life-saving  gun  at  Pharo  battery;  rocket  apparatus 
in  Avant  Port  Nord  and  Bassin  de  la  Joliette ;  a  life-saving  gun  at 
St.  Henry  customhouse;  and  a  station  for  rendemg  aid  on  Plage 
du  Prophfete.    Four  steam  tugs  are  fitted  with  life-saving  guns. 

Telegraph  cables. — Four  French  cables  are  laid  from  Marseille 
to  Algiers,  one  to  Oran,  and  one  to  Bizerta;  a  British  cable  is  laid 


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106  THE   SOUTH  COAST  OF  FBANOE. 

between  Marseille  and  Barcelona,  and  two  between  Marseille  and 
Bona. 

Telegraph  cables — ^Buoys. — Two  cables,  to  Spain  and  Algeria, 
are  landed  on  the  beach  southward  of  Riviere  I'Huveaune,  and  are 
marked  by  two  buoys;  anchorage  is  prohibited  in  the  vicinity. 

Quarantine. — Vessels  ordered  to  be  placed  in  quarantine  will 
hoist  the  yellow  flag  and  as  soon  as  possible  proceed  to  Port  du  Frioul, 
Ratoneau  Island,  with  an  official  on  board. 

Health  officers  do  not  board  vessels;  to  obtain  pratique,  the  medi- 
cal officer  should  go  ashore  to  their  office. 

WindSy  barometer^  etc. — According  to  observations  made  at 
Marseille  for  a  period  of  15  years,  the  mean  annual  height  of  the 
barometer  is  30.01,  and  the  mean  annual  temperature  57.40  Fah.,  the 
Jowest  mean  monthly  temperatures,  December  and  January ^  is  44.7°, 
i\nd  the  highest,  July  and  August,  71.5°. 

Planier  Islet. — This  small  islet  is  low  and  level,  with  a  reef  ex- 
tending 400  yards  to  the  southwestward ;  300  yards  eastward  of  it  is 
a  rock  on  which  is  only  a  depth  of  4  feet.  It  lies  8  miles  224°  from 
the  entrance  to  Marseille. 

Light. — ^An  electric  flashing  white  light  is  exhibited,  at  207  feet 
above  the  sea,  from  a  round  white  tower  in  the  center  of  Planier 
Islet  (with  a  smaller  one  near  it). 

Fogsignal. — During  thick  or  foggy  weather  a  fog  siren  is 
sounded.     (See  Light  List.) 

Life-saving  station. — ^There  is  a  gun  life-saving  apparatus  es- 
tablished at  the  lighthouse. 

Lloyd^s  signals. — A  Lloyd's  signal  station  is  established  on 
Pomegues  Island. 

Time. — Greenwich  time  is  kept;  a  tick  by  telegraph  can  not 
be  obtained ;  a  time  siren  is  blown  several  times  a  day  but  not  accu- 
rate for  rating  chronometers;  the  radio  tick  from  the  Eiffel  Tower 
can  be  taken  any  day  and  is  very  satisfactory. 

Marseille  observatory  is  open  free  to  officers  for  the  purpose  of 
comparing  chronometers.  Les  Faculte  des  Sciences  and  some  private 
establishments  also  allow  comparisons  to  be  made. 

Le  Veyron. — At  1  mile  67°  from  the  light-tower  is  a  rocky  patch 
of  7  fathoms,  with  from  14  to  34  fathoms  water  round  it. 

Pomggues  Island. — At  4J  miles  36°  from  Planier  Islet  is  Cape 
Caveaux,  the  southern  extremity  of  the  island  of  Pomegues.  This 
island  extends  northeast  and  southwest,  and  is  IJ  miles  in  length 
and  400  yards  in  breadth ;  it  is  high,  rocky,  and  arid,  and  its  shores 
irregular,  with  several  projecting  points;  the  most  eastern,  named 
Doriou,  has  a  battery  on  it.  Port  de  Pomegues,  near  the  middle  of 
the  southeastern  side,  is  a  cove  open  to  the  eastward,  100  yards  wide, 
and  300  yards  deep,  with  3^  fathoms  of  water,  where  vessels  before 


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THE   SOUTH   COAST  OF  FRANCE.  107 

the  construction  of  Port  du  Frioul  used  to  perform  quarantine.  The 
island  is  generally  clear  of  danger,  but  on  the  northwestern  side 
there  are  one  or  two  scattered  rocks  not  far  from  the  shore.  Fort 
Pomegues,  282  feet  above  the  sea,  at  the  eastern  end  of  the  island,  is 
conspicuous. 

Signal  station. — There  is  a  semaphore,  a  white  house  and  tower, 
36  feet  high,  and  282  feet  above  high  water,  situated  500  yards  south- 
eastward from  the  beacon  on  Pointe  de  Carapegiie,  on  the  northwest 
coast  of  the  island.  It  is  a  Lloyd's  signal  station.  There  is  a  carriage 
load  between  the  signal  station  and  Port  du  Frioul. 

Beacon. — A  white  triangular  wall,  with  a  black  band,  on  Pointe 
de  Carapegue,  and  a  flagstaflf  on  the  southwestern  sunmiit,  256  feet 
high,  of  the  island,  about  400  yards  southward  of  it,  are  marks  for 
the  measured  distance,  page  — . 

Batoneau  Island^  northward  of  Pomegues,  extends  east  and 
west  IJ  miles;  its  shores  are  very  irregular,  fonning  several  bays 
and  coves  with  projecting  points.  On  Cape  de  Croix,  its  eastern 
extremity,  is  a  battery,  and  on  the  summit  of  the  island  is  the  con- 
spicuous fortress  of  Ratoneau.  On  the  northern  side  of  the  island 
are  the  bays  of  Morgiret,  Banc,  and  TEoube,  open  to  the  west  and 
northwest,  and  used  occasionally  by  fishing  boats;  there  are  also  two 
bays  at  the  eastern  end  of  the  island  open  to  the  southeastward,  but 
adapted  for  small  vessels.  Port  St.  Esteve,  the  western  of  the  two, 
has  a  large  quarantine  hospital  on  its  eastern  side.  A  sunken  rock 
lies  close  off  Brigantin  Point,  the  western  extremity  of  Ratoneau; 
Grand-Salaman  Islet  or  rock  lies  250  yards  22°  from  the  point,  and 
is  connected  to  the  shore  by  a  reef.  Another  rock,  Eglandes,  350 
yards  farther  eastward,  has  a  reef  extending  100  yards  to  the  north- 
westward from  it,  with  15  fathoms  close- to. 

Beacon. — ^There  is  a  beacon  on  the  western  part  of  Ratoneau 
Island. 

Tiboulen  Islet^  nearly  400  yards  westward  of  Ratoneau  Island, 
is  clear  of  danger  with  the  exception  of  a  rocky  patch  with  4| 
fathoms  water,  about  67  yards  from  its  eastern  side.  Between  this 
patch  and  the  rock  westward  of  Brigantin  Point  there  are  11  fathoms. 

Anchorage. — With  southerly  winds  temporary  anchorage  will  be 
found  in  from  17  to  19  fathoms  to  the  northwestward  of  Cape  de 
Croix,  with  Mourgon  Rock  on  with  the  cape,  and  the  entrance  to 
the  bay  of  I'Eoube  well  open. 

Port  du  Prionl. — Ratoneau  and  Pomegues  Islands  are  about  400 
yards  apart,  but  they  are  connected  by  a  breakwater,  forming  on  its 
eastern  side  Port  du  Frioul,  which  is  protected  by  another  break- 
water projecting  in  a  southwest  direction  from  Ratoneau  Island 
towards  Pomfegues,  leaving  an  entrance  about  150  yards  wide  to  the 
southeast.    The  area  thus  inclosed  is  about  700  yards  long  and  300 

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108  THE   SOUTH   COAST   OF   FKANCE. 

yards  wide,  with  depths  of  from  4J  to  7  fathoms,  sand  and  weeds. 
On  both  sides  of  the  port  are  barracks,  etc.,  moorings  are  laid  down 
for  naval  vessels,  and  here  vessels  perform  quarantine. 

Light. — ^A  fixed  white  light,  elevated  at  35  feet  above  the  sea,  is 
exhibited  from  a  circular  white  stone  turret  situated  at  the  extremity 
of  the  eastern  mole  of  Port  du  Frioul.  Visible  6  miles  between 
Ratoneau  and  Pomegues  Islands.    (See  Light  List.) 

Basse  St.  Est^ve^  Buoy. — A  shoal  having  only  1^  fathoms  water 
on  it  lies  133  yards  from  the  shore,  off  Port  St.  Esteve  nearly  600 
yards  61°  from  Port  du  Frioul  lighthouse;  it  is  marked  by  a  black 
buoy  surmoimted  by  a  cylinder,  moored  on  the  southern  side,  about 
70  yards  distant. 

ChUteau  dif  Islet. — This  small  low  islet,  covered  with  fortifi- 
cations, and  on  the  summit  of  which  is  a  large  circular  donjon,  lies 
a  little  more  than  i  mile  eastward  of  the  entrance  of  Port  du  Frioul, 
and  separated  from  the  southeast  shore  of  Ratoneau  by  a  channel 
450  yards  wide,  with  8  fathoms  water.  The  north  shore  of  the 
islet  is  bordered  by  shallow  water,  4  fathoms  being  found  at  about 
100  yards  from  the  shore ;  at  the  eastern  end  are  the  Mourgon  Rocks 
close-to. 

There  is  anchorage  in  7^  or  8  fathoms,  sand  and  weeds,  between  the 
islet  and  the  eastern  end  of  Ratoneau,  on  a  line  joining  the  hospital  of 
that  island  and  the  donjon  of  Chateau  d'If. 

There  is  landing  to  the  west  of  the  lighthouse,  either  on  the  north 
or  south  side,  according  to  the  direction  of  the  wind. 

Light. — ^An  occulting  white  light,  elevated  69  feet  above  the  sea, 
is  exhibited  from  a  white  lighthouse  situated  on  the  east  end  of 
Chateau  d'If  islet.    Visible  14  miles.    (See  Light  List.) 

Sourdaras  Shoal  and  Canoubier  Tower.— At  850  yards  70° 
from  the  Chateau  d'If  light  tower  is  the  southwest  end  of  a  rocky 
shoal  named  Sourdaras ;  it  is  about  250  yards  in  length,  and  lies  in  a 
northeast  and  southwest  direction,  with  1  fathom  water  on  the  center, 
which  is  marked  by  a  beacon  about  8  feet  high,  painted  in  black  and 
white  horizontal  stripes  and  surmounted  by  a  diamond.  On  the 
northeastern  end  of  the  shoal  is  the  round  tower  of  Canoubier,  49  feet 
high,  painted  in  red  and  white  horizontal  stripes.  Between  this  shoal 
and  Chateau  d'If  there  are  depths  of  from  7  to  18  fathoms,  sand  and 
weeds;  in  the  channel  between  it  and  Cape  de  Croix  from  9  to  17 
fathoms;  and  between  it  and  Endoume  Point  from  6  to  8  fathoms. 

Light. — ^A  fixed  white  unwatched  light  is  exhibited,  at  an  eleva- 
tion of  38  feet,  from  the  beacon  on  the  southwestern  extremity  of 
Sourdaras  Shoal,  and  is  visible  8  miles.     (See  Light  List.) 

Life-saving  station. — A  gim  life-saving  apparatus  is  estab- 
lished in  Malmousque  Bay  to  the  southeastward  of  Pendus  Rocks. 


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THE   SOUTH   COAST  OF  FRANCE.  109 

Endoiime  Point,  1,600  yards  southwestward  of  Pharo  Point 
Lighthouse  is  low,  projecting,  and  has  a  battery  on  it;  200  yards 
north-northeastward  from  it  are  the  Pendus  Kocks.  The  interme- 
diate coast  is  high  and  rugged  and  covered  with  numerous  buildings, 
especially  in  the  small  bay  of  Catalans  about  i  mile  southward  of 
Pharo  Point. 

Endoume  Islets. — On  the  southwestern  side  of  Endoume  Point 
are  two  islets  of  the  same  name ;  they  are  small,  low,  and  separated 
from  each  other  by  a  passage  100  yards  wide,  the  southern  being  the 
smaller,  with  a  battery  on  it.  The  channel  between  the  islets  and 
the  main  is  200  yards  wide,  with  2^  fathoms  water. 

Taratatan  Hocks,  lying  westward  of  Endoume  Islets,  are  three 
patches  of  5,  5^,  and  6  fathoms  water,  with  6  to  8  fathoms  between 
them  and  the  islets.  The  former  lies  nearly  800  yards  275°  from  the 
northern  islet,  and  the  latter  lies  300  yards  244°  from  the  former. 

Anchorages — ^Marseille  Beads. — The  anchorage  in  Marseille 
Roads  off  the  entrance  of  the  port  and  northwestward  of  the  tower 
of  St.  Jean  is  in  14  to  18  fathoms,  sand  and  weeds,  about  ^  mile  from 
the  southern  end  of  the  mole.  It  is  convenient  for  vessels  with 
easterly  winds,  but  northwesterly  winds,  which  are  the  most  preva- 
lent and  blow  strongest,  send  in  a  heavy  sea. 

Endoume  Boads,  to  the  southward  of  the  point  of  the  same 
name,  is  much  resorted  to  by  vessels  during  winds  from  the  north- 
west quarter  when  unable  to  enter  Marseille.  The  anchorage  is  in 
7  or  8  fathoms,  sand  and  weeds,  Endoume  Islet  battery  bearing  303°. 

Large  naval  vessels  anchor  to  the  south-south  westward  of  En- 
doume Islets,  off  the  low  shore  of  Mont  Kedon,  in  from  12  to  14 
fathoms,  sand  and  weeds.  The  anchorage  is  southwestward  of  a  line 
drawn  through  Ratoneau  hospital  and  the  donjon  of  Chateau  d'If. 

Buoys. — Five  swinging  buoys  at  which  vessels  can  adjust  their 
compasses  are  laid  down  in  the  roads. 

Caution. — Vessels  should  not  anchor  between  the  Chateau  d'If 
and  Endoume  Islets. 

Fogs. — In  the  Bay  of  Marseille  fogs  sometimes  prevail  which  ren- 
der navigation  very  diflScult ;  in  the  winter  they  are  accompanied  with 
snow,  but  in  the  summer  in  the  months  of  July,  August,  and  Septem- 
ber, they  are  more  frequent  with  light  winds  from  southeast.  The 
barometer  falls,  but  they  rarely  last  longer  than  24  hours,  when  the 
barometer  will  rise. 

Aspect. — ^In  clear  weather  the  position  of  Marseille  will  be  known 
from  a  distance  by  Mount  Ste.  Victoire,  near  Aix,  which  is  visible 
60  miles  or  40  miles  from  the  coast ;  the  Pilon  du  Roi,  2,329  feet  high, 
in  the  form  of  a  truncated  cone  with  a  slightly  rounded  summit,  situ- 
ated between  Aix  and  Marseille;  St.  Beaume,  3,766  feet,  and  Pilon 
St.  Clement  of  2,316  feet,  between  Marseille  and  Toulon.    The  latter 

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110  THE   SOUTH   COAST  QF  FKANCE. 

is  the  easternmost  and  is  an  excellent  mark  for  vessels  coming  from 
the  southeastward.  The  mountain  of  St.  Beaume,  as  also  that  of 
Coudon,  are  good  marks  for  Marseille  and  Toulon;  they  are  so  dif- 
ferent in  aspect  that  it  is  impossible  to  mistake  them.  St.  Beaume 
forms  a  peak  -on  the  eastward  with  a  remarkable  slope  on  the 
same  side,  while  Coudon  slopes  abruptly  on  the  east^  In  proportion 
as  Marseille  is  approached  the  high  land  of  St.  Cyr  or  the  Car- 
piagne,  elevated  2,119  feet  and  visible  60  miles,  will  be  seen ;  then  the 
chain  of  arid- mountains  which  extend  eastward  of  the  port,  and 
which  form  as  far  as  Ciotat  the  highest  cliflfs  of  the  coast  of  Provence. 

Directions. — At  about  30  miles  southward  of  Marseille,  in  clear 
weather,  the  mountains  in  the  vicinity  of  Toulon  will  be  seen.  Cape 
Sicie,  and  the  conical  mount  of  Six  Fours,  to  the  northward  of  the 
cape.  Farther  westward  near  Ciotat  is  Bee  de  I'Aigle,  remarkable 
for  its  particular  aspect ;  the  cliffs  of  Cape  Canaille,  1,224  feet  high, 
near  the  port  of  Cassis;  the  steep  precipices  of  Grande  Chandelle, 
1,476  feet,  and  Mount  Puget,  1,798  feet  high;  and  the  mountain  of 
Marseille- Veyre,  a  large  elevated  mass  with  barrel  slopes,  1,421  feet 
above  the  sea,  which  forms  the  southeastern  promontory  of  the  Bay 
of  Marseille.  There  are  several  islands  off  the  cliffs  at  the  base  of  the 
mountain,  but  ile  de  Kiou  is  the  only  one  visible  at  any  distance;  it  is 
630  feet  high,  rugged,  with  a  small  tower  on  it.  From  the  western 
extremity  of  Marseille- Veyre  the  coast  turns  suddenly  to  the  north, 
diminishing  in  height  and  presenting  a  kind  of  break,  which  indi- 
cates the  Bay  of  Marseille.  On  the  northern  side  of  the  bay  are  the 
high  reddish  cliffs  of  Mejean  Point,  which  gradually  descend  to  Cape 
Couronne.  On  arriving  near  the  entrance  of  the  bay,  Planier  Islet 
Lighthouse  should  be  seen,  then  the  group  of  islands  westward  of  the 
port  which  at  first  are  blended  with  the  land,  the  fort  of  Notre  Dame 
de  la  Garde  on  a  hill  south  of  the  city,  and  lastly  the  numerous 
buildings. 

Vessels  from  the  southward  having  passed  Planier  Lighthouse 
should  steer  for  Chateau  d'lf ,  and  after  passing  on  either  side  of  this 
island  at  the  distance  of  200  yards  bring  the  lighthouse  to  bear  213°, 
when  a  33°  course  will  lead  about  midway  between  Cape  de  Croix, 
the  east  end  of  Katoneau  Island,  and  Canoubier  Tower;  when  Joli- 
ette  lighthouse  on  the  southern  end  of  the  breakwater  bears  about 
75°,  steer  as  convenient  for  the  entrance  between  Joliette  on  the 
north,  and  Maure  and  Pharo  (green  light)  Lighthouse  on  the  south. 

At  night,  pass  no  less  than  IJ  miles  eastward  of  Ile  de  Planier 
Light,  and  steer  to  pass  eastward  of  lie  d'lf  Light ;  by  keeping  in  the 
small  white  sector  of  Saut  de  Marrot  Light  a  vessel  will  pass  through 
the  channel  between  Chateau  d'lf  and  Sourdaras  and  Canoubier 
Eocks.     Small  vessels  may  pass  about  300  yards  westward  of  En- 


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THE   SOUTH  COAST  OF  PRANCE.  Ill 

doume  Islets,  and  in  mid-channel  between  Endoume  Point  and  Canou- 
bier  Tower. 

Vessels  approaching  Marseille,  bound  for  the  North  Outer  port, 
should  make  Saut  de  Marrot  Light  and  steer  for  it,  keeping  within 
the  small  white  sector  as  it  is  approached,  until  the  lights  on  the 
traverse  de  la  Pinede  are  seen,  when  the  course  should  be  altered 
so  as  to  pass  midway  between  those  lights.  Almost  all  sailing  vessels 
take  tugs,  which  cruise,  when  the  weather  permits,  as  far  seaward 
as  the  vicinity  of  lie  de  Planier. 

Harbor  regulations. — Steamers  entering  or  leaving  must  have 
a  look-out  man  stationed  on  the  foremast,  to  report  any  movement  of 
vessels  in  the  roads,  Avant  Port  Sud  or  Bassin  de  la  Joliette.  The 
signals  for  a  tug  is  a  white  flag  at  the  yardarm. 

Mont  Bedon. — At  1  mile  southeastward  of  Endoume  Point  is 
Bocas  Blanc  Point,  with  a  battery  on  it;  the  shore  between  is  high 
and  rugged,  being  the  base  of  the  heights  on  which  there  is  the  fort 
of  Notre  Dame  de  la  Garde. 

About  2  miles  southward  of  the  latter  point,  is  the  battery  of 
Mont  Redon  on  a  projection  of  low  land  in  the  vicinity  of  which 
are  houses  and  plantations.  Mont  Redon  is  an  isolated  hill  on  the 
shore  J  mile  33°  from  the  battery.  The  intermediate  coast  forms  a 
bight  having  a  beach  1  mile  in  extent,  i  mile  off  wl\ich  there  is 
anchorage  with  easterly  winds  in  from  6  to  7  fathoms  sand. 

Marseille  Approach — ^Pairway  reserved  for  traffic  when 
submarine  vessels  are  exercising. — When  a  square  flag,  lower 
half  yellow,  upper  half  red,  is  hoisted  at  the  signal  stations  or  on  the 
vessel  escorting  submarine  vessels,  to  indicate  that  the  latter  are  ex- 
ercising submerged,  all  vessels  wishing  to  enter  or  leave  the  Port  of 
Marseille  are  earnestly  requested  to  make  use  of  the  fairways,  de- 
fined below,  in  which  submarine  vessels  are  prohibited  from  exer- 
cising submerged. 

These  fairways  are  as  follows : 

In  North  Road,  eastward  of  the  alignment  of  Maire  Island  summit 
and  Chateau  d'lf  summit. 

In  South  Road,  eastward  of  the  alignment  of  the  western  ex- 
tremity of  Riou  Island  seen  between  Cape  Croisette  and  Maire  Island. 

Cape  Croisette  is  low,  rugged,  and  projects  westward  from  the 

foot  of  the  high,  precipitous  and  barren  mountains  of  Marseille- 

.  Veyre,  1,421  feet  high,  on  which  is  a  tower.    The  coast  between  the 

battery  of  Mont  Redon  and  the  cape  is  clear  of  danger,  and  in  a 

small  cove  northward  of  the  cape  are  some  manufactories. 

Semaphore. — A  semaphore  is  established  about  1  mile  106^  from 
the  cape ;  it  is  elevated  377  feet  above  the  sea. 

Uaire  Island,  on  the  southern  side  of  the  cape  and  close  to  it, 
is  triangular  in  shape,  436  feet  high,  steep,  whitish,  with  some  vege- 

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112  THE  SOUTH   COAST  OF   FRANCE. 

tation  on  it,  and  of  remarkable  appearance ;  it  is  clear  of  danger,  and 
between  it  and  the  cape  is*  a  passage  for  boats. 

Two  small  rocks,  13  feet  high,  lie  close  to  the  southern  point. 

Tiboulen  Islet^  about  200  yards  northwestward  of  Maire  Island, 
is  also  clear  of  danger;  there  is  a  passage  between  the  two  for  small 
vessels. 

These  two  islands,  in  conjunction  with  Cape  Croisette,  form  two 
anchorages;  one  on  the  north,  sheltered  from  southerly  winds,  in  9  or 
10  fathoms  water;  the  other  on  the  south,  sheltered  from  northerly 
winds,  in  from  11  to  15  fathoms. 

From  Cape  Croisette  the  coast  trends  southeastward  to  the  battery 
of  Marseille- Veyre,  distant  1^  miles.    It  is  rugged  and  steep-to. 

Jaire  Island^  about  f  mile  southeastward  of  Maire  Island,  is 
moderately  high,  nearly  1  mile  in  length  northwestward  and  south- 
eastward, narrow,  with  irregular  shores. 

Ch6vres  Bank^  with  ^  fathoms  water,  extends  southward  from 
the  Veyre  battery,  between  which  and  Jaire  Island  there  are  from 
4  to  7  fathoms. 

Calseraig^e  Island^  lying  southeastward  of  Jaire  Island,  is 
nearly  of  the  same  form  but  smaller.  The  channel  which  separates 
them  is  J  mile  wide,  with  from  5  to  9  fathoms  water,  but  a  rocky 
shoal  (Miet  Reef),  with  7  feet  on  it,  lies  in  the  channel  400  yards 
southeastward  of  Jaire. 

Beacon. — Miet  Reef  is  marked  by  an  iron  beacon,  painted  red  and 
black,  in  horizontal  bands,  and  surmounted  by  a  red  spherical  top- 
mnrk,  the  top  of  which  is  20  feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea. 

Miet  Reef  is  situated  between  Calseraigne  and  Jaire  Islands. 

Biou  Island,  i  mile  southward  of  Calseraigne,  is  1^  miles  in 
length  in  a  west-northwestward  and  cast-southeastward  direction, 
about  I  mile  in  breadth,  steep,  high,  rugged,  and  has  two  remarkable 
peaks,  each  being  surmounted  by  a  tower;  the  eastern  peak  is  630 
feet  high.  A  short  distance  from  its  eastern  end  are  the  islets 
of  Grande  Congloue  and  Petite  Congloue;  the  channels  between 
them  and  Riou  carry  from  13  to  21  fathoms  water.  The  small  islet 
Moyade  lies  off  the  western  part  of  the  island,  with  a  deep  channel 
between  it  and  Riou;  and  about  300  yards  west-northwestward  of 
Moyade  is  a  rock  awash.  In  the  middle  of  the  passage  between  the 
islands  of  Riou  and  Calseraigne  there  is  Milieu  Reef,  with  only  IJ 
fathoms  water  on  it. 

Beacon. — An  iron  beacon,  painted  red  and  black  in  horizontal 
bands,  and  surmounted  by  a  red  sphere,  20  feet  high,  stands  on  ificueil 
de  Milieu. 

Les  Empereurs^  or  Farillons  de  Riou,  are  two  rocks  82  and  36 
feet  high,  off  the  southeastern  part  of  Riou,  from  which  the  outer 
and  higher  one  is  distant  about  500  yards;  the  bottom  is  foul  be- 
tween them  and  Riou. 

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THE   SOUTH   COAST  OP  FRANCE.  113 

Sormiou  and  Horgiou  Bays. — From  the  battery  of  Marseille- 
Veyre  the  coast  is  high  and  rugged,  and  trends  eastward,  with  a  bend 
to  the  north,  to  Bee  de  Sormiou  Point,  a  distance  of  2^  miles.  At 
1^  miles  beyond  the  point  is  Cape  Morgiou,  of  moderate  elevation, 
with  a  battery  on  it  and  high  land  above  it.  Between  the  two  points 
the  coast  falls  back  to  the  northwest,  forming  Sormiou  Bay,  3  mile 
deep  and  open  to  the  southeast,  affording  shelter  to  coasting  vessels 
with  offshore  winds.  At  the  head  of  the  bay  is  a  customhouse  and 
some  other  houses. 

At  1  mile  eastward  of  Cape  Morgiou  is  Cape  Davenson,  high  and 
rugged,  and  commanded  by  the  elevated  and  sharp-pointed  mountain 
of  Puget,  1,798  feet  high. 

Between  the  two  capes  the  coast  is  bold  and  forms  Morgiou  Bay, 
which  extends  to  the  northwestward,  and  affords  shelter  with  offshore 
winds. 

Port  Pin. — At  1  mile  to  the  southeastward  of  Cape  Davenson  is 
Castel-Vieil  Point,  bold  and  steep-to,  and  about  ^  mile  farther  on 
is  Cacao  Point,  low,  but  also  steep-to.  Between  these  two  points  are 
two  narrow  inlets  with  deep  water;  one  extends  to  the  northwest, 
the  other  to  the  northeastward.  The  latter,  named  Port  Pin,  is  con- 
venient for  small  vessels.  In  the  port  there  are  7  and  8  fathoms 
water. 

Port.MioUy  i  mile  northeastward  of  Cacao  Point,  is  a  narrow 
inlet  which  affords  better  shelter  than  elsewhere  on  this  part  of  the 
coast.  Its  entrance  is  open  to  the  southeastward  and  within  it  trends 
i  mile  to  the  northeastward,  with  16  and  18  feet  water  in  the  middle, 
while  there  are  9  and  11  fathoms  in  the  entrance;  it  is  sheltered  from 
all  winds  and  sea.  During  the  rainy  season  a  strong  current  runs 
out  of  the  inlet.  It  is  difficult  to  enter  under  sail,  and  for  this  reason 
is  not  much  frequented.  The  inlet  will  be  known  by  a  chapel  on  a 
hill  on  the  eastern  point  of  entrance  and  by  Cacao  Point,  which  is 
the  termination  of  a  yellowish  height. 

Three  mooring  buoys  have  been  placed  along  the  eastern  side  of 
the  peninsula  of  Cacao,  southward  of  the  entrance  to  Port  Miou; 
they  are  moored  from  77  to  109  yards  from  the  shore. 

Port  Cassis. — ^The  coast  between  Cacao  Point  and  Cape  Canaille 
forms  the  Bay  of  Cassis,  which  is  IJ  miles  wide  and  1  mile  deep. 
At  the  head  of  the  bay  and  1  mile  east-northeastward  of  the  entrance 
to  Port  Miou  is  Port  Cassis,  which,  though  small,  is  safe  and  admits 
vessels  of  13  feet  draft  that  moor  head  and  stern.  It  is  formed  by 
a  mole  projecting  318  yards  westward  from  the  eastern  shore,  by 
which  it  is  protected  from  southerly  winds,  the  entrance  between 
the  mole  head  and  western  shore  being  from  C5  to  70  yards  wide. 
The  town  is  at  the  eastern  end  of  the  port.  The  figs  and  pomegran- 
ates of  Cassis  are  held  in  much  estimation,  and  it  has  a  considerable 

68850—17 8 

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114  THE  SOUTH   COAST  OF   FKANCE. 

trade  in  excellent  muscatel  wine  produced  in  the  vicinity.  Shipbuild- 
ing is  carried  on,  also  coral  fishing.  The  port  is  easily  recognized  by 
the  town,  two  mills  on  the  heights  above  it,  a  lighthouse  on  the  shore 
opposite  the  mole  head,  a  lighthouse  on  the  mole,  and  a  castle  on  a 
steep  cliff  southward  of  the  town.  Caution  is  required  in  entering, 
as  a  current  sets  out  from  the  entrance  caused  by  a  large  spring  in 
the  rocks  under  the  lighthouse.  With  strong  winds  from  the  south- 
ward it  is  dangerous  to  enter,  in  consequence  of  the  heavy  sea  at  the 
entrance,  when  it  will  be  better  to  make  for  Port  Miou. 

Lights. — An  occulting  white  electric  light,  visible  14  miles,  is  ex- 
hibited 58  feet  above  the  sea  from  a  masonry  tower  46  feet  high, 
erected  on  the  mole. 

A  fixed  red  electric  light  visible  8  miles,  is  exhibited  39  feet  above 
the  sea  from  an  iron  column  with  iron  hut,  the  whole  33  feet  high, 
located  on  the  point  southward  of  the  old  Battery  of  Leques.  (See 
Light  List.) 

Cape  Canaille^  south-southeastward  of  Cassis,  is  slightly  project- 
ing and  rises  abruptly  to  lofty  precipies  1,224  feet  high.  The  inter- 
mediate coast,  skirted  close  in  by  rocks,  is  lower,  forming  two  points 
projecting  to  the  southwestward ;  that  near  Cassis  is  named  Chateau, 
and  the  other  Corton.  Reefs  extend  nearly  150  yards  from  both 
points,  and  on  each  side  of  the  latter  point  is  a  bay  with  a  sandy 
beach. 

Bee  de  I'Aigle. — From  Cape  Canaille  the  steep  high  rugged 
coast  curves  out  slightly  to  the  southeastward  to  Bee  de  I'Aigle,  dis- 
tant 3 J  miles.  This  headland  is  508  feet  high,  arid,  and  rugged,  with 
some  resemblance  to  the  beak  of  an  eagle,  from  which  it  derives  its 
name;  it  is  of  a  reddish  color  and  slopes  toward  Ciotat.  About  J 
mile  northwestward  of  the  Bee  there  is  a  chapel  on  the  high  land  over 
the  sea,  and  the  ruins  of  a  mill  to  the  eastward. 

Semaphore. — On  the  cape  3,281  yards  271°  from  Ciotat,  elevated 
1,063  feet  above  the  sea,  is  a  semaphore. 

Cassidaig^e  Beef. — Southward  of  Cassis  Bay  2  miles  from  the 
coast  and  216°  from  the  semaphore  is  a  rocky  shoal  named  Cassi- 
daigne.  It  is  300  yards  in  length  north-northwestward  and  south- 
southeastward,  with  its  northern  part  awash  at  low  water  and  13  feet 
on  its  southern  end.  Although  the  sea  nearly  always  breaks  on  it,  it 
is  very  dangerous  at  night  or  in  thick  weather,  being  steep-to  in  all 
directions.  From  its  northern  part  the  Bee  de  I'Aigle  is  in  line  with 
the  northern  end  of  Verte  Islet  bearing  72° ;  the  castle  of  Cassis  is  in 
line  with  the  white  road  over  the  town  of  the  same  name,  356°,  and 
the  island  of  Riou  bears  285°. 

Beacon. — A  beacon  tower  60  feet  high,  painted  black  and  red  in 
horizontal  stripes  is  erected  on  the  reef. 

Clearing  mark.— The  channel  between  the  shoal  and  the  land  is 
clear  of  danger,  having  a  depth  of  from  22  to  44  fathoms  in  it.    To 

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THE   SOUTH  COAST  OF  FRANCE.  115 

pass  southward  of  the  Cassidaigne,  keep  Planier  Light  well  open 
southward  of  les  Empereurs  Rocks  (off  the  southeastern  part  of  the 
island  of  Riou),  and  bearing  northward  of  287°. 

At  night,  He  de  Planier  Light  open  northward  of  Riou,  bearing 
278**,  or  Grand  Rouveau  Light  bearing  117®,  leads  northward  and 
Planier  Light  bearing  northward  of  287**,  or  Grand  Rouveau  Light 
eastward  of  106**,  leads  southward  of  the  shoal. 

Verte  Islet^  600  yards  eastward  of  Bee  de  I'Aigle,  is  moderately 
high,  irregular  in  shape,  and  nearly  700  yards  in  length,  north-north- 
westward and  south-southeastward;  on  its  southeastern  end  are  two 
small  forts.  It  is  bold-to  except  at  the  northeastern  end,  where  a 
shoal  with  4  fathoms  on  its  outer  part  extends  100  yards  off. 

Canonniers,  Les'. — The  channel  between  the  islet  and  main  has 
a  depth  of  from  7  to  18  fathoms,  but  is  obstructed  nearly  midway 
(250  yards  from  the  islet),  by  a  rocky  shoal  with  only  |  fathom 
water  on  it,  named  South  Canonnier. 

Beacon. — ^A  beacon,  19  feet  high,  colored  red  and  surmounted  by 
a  cone,  stands  on  the  northern  part  of  South  Canonnier. 

A  rock  with  3f  fathoms  on  it  exists  to  the  westward  South  Canon- 
nier, with  the  beacon  bearing  108**,  distant  55  yards.  There  is  a 
depth  of  11  fathoms  between  this  rock  and  South  Canonnier. 

The  North  Canonnier,  another  rocky  shoal,  with  13  feet  on  it,  lies 
250  yards  24°  from  the  beacon  and  150  yards  from  the  northern  end 
of  the  islet.  Between  these  shoals  and  Bee  de  I'Aigle  there  are  from 
11  to  18  fathoms  water. 

Ciotat  Bay,  situated  between  Verte  Islet  and  Fauconnifere  Point, 
is  If  miles  deep,  with  35  fathoms  water  at  the  entrance  decreasing 
gradually  in  depth  toward  the  shore.  About  f  mile  north-northeast- 
ward of  Bee  de  I'Aigle  is  the  extremity  of  a  mole,  between  which 
and  a  small  tongue  of  land  on  the  north,  terminated  by  another  mole 
projecting  southward,  is  the  entrance  to  the  small  port  of  Ciotat. 

Port  de  La  Ciotat  is  small ;  its  entrance  is  between  Mole  Neuf  and 
a  small  tongue  of  land  on  the  north,  terminated  by  Mole  Berouard 
which  projects  southward.  The  entrance  to  the  port  is  104  yards 
wide,  with  a  depth  of  20  feet,  is  sheltered  from  all  winds,  but  is  suit- 
able only  for  small  vessels,  the  depth  inside  being  2  and  3:J  fathoms; 
a  shoal  of  IJ  fathoms  lies  within  the  angle  of  the  south  mole.  A  pier 
projects  into  the  middle  of  the  harbor  from  the  southeastern  side. 
The  town  is  on  the  northern  side  of  the  port,  surrounded  by  an  ancient 
rampart;  the  houses  are  well  built,  and  the  streets  are  regular  and  well 
paved,  and  it  contains  a  population  of  about  10,000.  It  has  trade 
in  wines,  dried  fruits,  and  oil,  the  vicinity  being  interspersed  with 
vineyards,  olive  grounds,  and  plantations  of  oranges  and  figs.  Ship- 
building is  also  carried  on,  the  large  iron  steamers  belonging  to  the 
company  of  Les  Messagerie  Maritimes  are  constructed  here,  and  the 

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116  THE   SOUTH   COAST  OF   FRANCE. 

company  possesses  a  dry  dock  511  feet  long  over  all,  498  feet  on 
blocks,  70J  feet  wide  at  entrance,  and  21J  feet  water  over  the  sill  at 
low  water ;  there  is  also  a  patent  slip.  The  port  is  almost  exclusively 
used  by  the  steamers  of  this  company.  On  the  northern  side  of 
entrance  is  a  small  fort. 

Buoy. — A  white  buoy  is  moored  off  the  mole. 

Lights. — An  occulting  white  light,  elevated  42  feet  above  the  sea, 
and  visible  11  miles,  is  exhibited  from  a  white  circular  turret,  39 
feet  high,  on  Berouard  molehead,  northern  side  of  entrance  to  Ciotat. 

Also  from  a  circular  Mhite  turret  situated  on  the  head  of  Mole 
Neuf,  elevated  48  feet  above  the  sea,  is  exhibited  a  fixed  red  light, 
visible  6  miles.     (See  Light  List.) 

A  yellow  flag  indicates  there  is  a  heavy  sea  at  the  entrance. 

Life-saving  station. — A  mortar  and  gim  life-saving  apparatus 
is  established  at  Ciotat. 

Repairs. — At  Ciotat  all  repairs  can  be  executed  by  the  Compagnie 
des  Messageries  Maritimes,  for  which  purpose  there  is  every  appli- 
ance.   Laige  castings  for  the  engines  of  their  vessels  are  made  at 

Marseille. 

"  There  is  an  80-ton  floating  crane,  a  20-ton  electric  crane,  and  two 
5-ton  titan  cranes.  A  5-ton  crane  can  work  on  either  side  of  the 
patent  slip." 

Docks. — See  Appendix  I. 

Supplies. — Water  and  provisions  of  all  kinds  are  obtainable. 

Coal. — About  200  tons  are  kept  in  stock. 

Measured  distance. — There  is  a  measured  distance  of  8.753  miles 
southward  of  Baie  de  la  Ciotat  for  ascertaining  the  speed  of  steam- 
ers; the  running  mark  is  Tour  de  Port  Issol  and  Cride  Beacon  in 
range  89*^.  The  western  limit  is  the  alignment  of  La  Chapelle  de 
Sainte  Croix  and  La  Cassidaigne  Beacon,  359^.  The  eastern  limit  is 
the  alignment  of  Villa  Marie-Rose,  a  blue  house  with  a  red  roof,  and 
a  beacon  on  the  western  point  of  lie  de  Bandol,  1°.  The  square  tower 
of  Chaateau  Bizalion,  on  the  shore  northward  of  Ciotat,  and 
Canonnier  du  Sud  Beac(m,  in  range  about  2°,  divides  the  distance 
into  two  parts,  the  western  of  which  is  2.8  miles  in  length.  The 
depth  at  the  western  end  of  the  distance  is  about  100  fathoms,  and 
it  decreases  to  about  23  fathoms  at  the  eastern  end. 

Ciotat  BrOads. — There  is  anchorage  during  fine  weather  in  Ciotat 
Roads,  but  strong  winds  from  the  northwest  (mistrals)  over  the  high 
land  above  the  town  cause  heavy  squalls  and  eddies.  With  these 
winds  vessels  from  the  westward,  after  doubling  Verte  Islet,  should 
keep  in  the  steadv  breeze  and  stand  well  on  toward  the  head  of  the 
bay  and  then  tack.  Large  vessels  should  anchor  in  from  8  to  11 
fathoms,  mud  and  weeds,  about  700  yards  eastward  of  the  northern 
lighthouse;  small  vessels  nearer  in.  The  anchorage  is  limited  north- 
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THE   SOUTH   COAST  OF   FRANCE.  117 

ward  by  Le  Capucin  slightly  open  southward  of  the  square  tower  of 
the  Hotel  de  Ville,  the  southern  tower  in  the  town;  and  southward 
by  Mole  Neuf  lighthouse  in  range  with  Ciotat  semaphore.  At  night, 
anchor  with  Mole  B^rouard  Light  bearing  between  327^  and  260°. 

Do  not  anchor  southward  of  the  southern  limit,  or  more  than  600 
yards  offshore,  or  in  a  greater  depth  than  10  fathoms,  where  there 
is  less  shelter  from  the  wind,  and  anchors  are  liable  to  drag;  vessels 
disregarding  this  precaution  have  been  driven  to  sea. 

Cereste  Roadstead. — One  mile  east-northeastward  of  Ciotat  is 
Cape  Moulin,  of  moderate  elevation,  with  a  battery  and  two  wind- 
mills on  it;  the  intermediate  shore  is  low,  with  two  mills  on  a  point 
midway  and  is  bordered  by  shallow  water.  To  the  eastward  of  the 
cape  is  a  small  beach  with  some  sunken  rocks  off  it.  This  part  of 
Ciotat  Bay  is  called  Cereste  Roads,  and  affords  better  anchorage 
and  is  more  easily  gained  than  the  former.  Vessels  may  anchor  any- 
where southward  or  eastward  of  the  cape  in  from  6  to  8  fathoms 
water,  about  700  yards  from  the  shore.  Both  these  anchorages 
should  be  quitted  with  on-shore  winds. 

Liecques  Bay. — At  less  than  1^  miles  eastward  of  Cape  Moulin  is 
that  of  Lieuquai,  the  intermediate  coast  being  low.  About  J  mile 
farther  on  is  Cape  St.  Louis,  a  long  mile  beyond  which  is  Grenier 
Point  and  Battery ;  the  shore  between  the  point  and  cape  is  low  and 
forms  a  semicircular  bay  i  mile  deep  terminating  in  a  beach.  On 
the  north  shore  of  the  bay  is  the  town  of  Lecques,  and  about  the 
middle  is  a  windmill. 

Anchorage. — With  land  winds  vessels  may  anchor  in  the  bay  in 
from  5  to  6  fathoms  water,  with  Bee  de  I'Aigle  on  with  the  northern 
extremity  of  Verte  Island  and  Lesques  Chapel  in  range  with  the 
extremity  of  a  small  jetty;  there  is  also  anchorage  in  the  southern 
part  of  the  bay  in  5  to  8  fathoms  292°  from  the  old  windmill  of 
Tarante. 

Fauconnidre  Point. — On  the  northern  slope  of  hills  toward  thii 
low  land  of  the  bay  is  the  chapel  of  St.  Jean,  and  about  3  miles  east- 
ward of  Grenier  Point  is  Cadiere  old  telegraph,  elevated  1,073  feet. 
At  less  than  i  mile  southward  of  Grenier  Point  is  Fauconniere  Point, 
the  eastern  extremity  of  Ciotat  Bay;  it  is  high,  bold,  and  steep-to. 
Next  to  Fauconniere  Point  is  the  high  and  rugged  Cape  d'Alon  or 
Deffend  Point ;  the  coast  between  forms  a  slight  bay. 

Alon  Shoal. — About  ^  mile  eastward  of  Deffend  Point  is  a  small 
cove  open  to  the  south  named  Port  d'Alon,  and  about  300  yards  off 
its  mouith  and  about  1,200  yards  100°  eastward  from  the  point  is  Alon 
Shoal,  a  rocky  shoal  with  only  2  feet  water  on  it. 

Bousse  Islet. — About  1^  miles  112°  from  Deffend  Point  is  En- 
gravier  Point;  the  coast  between  is  high  and  rugged,  and  forma 
Moutte  Bay  i  mile  deep.    About  J  mile  southward  of  the  latter  point 

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118  THE   SOUTH   COAST  OF   FKANOE. 

is  a  small  rocky  islet  named  Bousse,  33  feet  high;  it  is  separated 
from  the  shore  by  a  channel  less  than  200  yards  wide,  with  1^  fathoms 
water  in  it. 

Bandol  Bay. — One  mile  eastward  of  Rousse  Islet  is  the  point 
and  castle  of  Bandol ;  the  point  projects  southward  and  is  of  moder- 
ate elevation,  forming  on  the  west  a  small  shallow  bay  used  only  by 
fishing  vessels.  On  the  eastern  side  of  the  point  is  Bandol  Bay,  about 
IJ  miles  deep  and  1  mile  wide,  with  from  12  to  16  fathoms  water  at 
the  entrance,  shoaling  gradually  to  the  beach,  there  being  5  fathoms 
at  about  700  yards  from  the  head  of  the  bay.  The  town  of  Bandol  is 
situated  a  short  distance  north-northeastward  from  the  point. 

A  short  distance  northward  of  Bandol  Point  a  mole  projects  to  the 
southeastward  about  200  yards,  and  then  turns  to  the  northeastward 
from  the  eastern  side  of  Point  du  Chateau  de  Bandol,  for  350 
yards,  affording  shelter  to  small  vessels  of  11  feet  draft  of  water. 

A  small  channel,  with  IJ  fathoms  water,  leads  to  the  loading  and 
discharging  quay,  but  in  consequence  of  the  port  silting  up,  vessels 
can  now  only  approach  the  quay  as  they  lighten  by  discharging. 

Bandol  Island,  400  yards  southward  of  Cape  Bandol,  is  nearly 
700  yards  long,  east  and  west,  and  skirted  by  rocks. 

Between  the  island  and  the  shore  the  channel  is  obstructed  by 
shallow  water  and  weeds. 

Fournigue  Rocks — Beacon. — To  the  eastward,  300  yards,  are 
the  Fournigue,  two  small  islets  or  rocks,  on  one  of  which  is  a  tower 
26  feet  high  colored  red  and  black  in  horizontal  bands,  with  spherical 
topmark;  the  depths  between  Bandol  and  Fournigue  are  1^  to  4i 
fathoms. 

Light. — A  fixed  red  light  is  exhibited,  at  an  elevation  of  29  feet 
above  the  sea,  from  a  white  iron  support  above  shed  at  the  extremity 
of  the  mole  at  Port  Bandol,  visible  3  miles.     (See  Light  List.) 

Buoys. — Four  red  conical  buoys  mark  the  northern  side  of  the 
port,  and  three  black  conical  buoys  the  southern  side.  Two  white 
mooring  buoys  are  moored  in  the  entrance. 

Life-saving  station. — A  mortar  life-saving  apparatus  is  estab- 
lished at  Bandol. 

Anchorage. — The  road  in  front  of  Bandol  Pier  affords  good 
shelter  from  the  northwest  quarter,  by  anchoring  to  the  northeast 
and  east-northeastward  of  the  Fournigue,  in  from  5  to  8  fathoms, 
sand  or  mud,  with  Cride  Point  beacon  in  range  with  the  lighthouse 
on  Grand  Rouveau. 

The  Marseille  and  Nice  railroad  skirts  the  head  of  the  bay,  and 
crosses  the  river  de  Aran  over  a  bridge  of  nine  arches,  which  is  a 
good  mark. 

Directions. — At  night,  from  the  westward  keep  Ciotat  lights 
open  southward  of  Pointe  du  Deffend,  about  298°,  until  Bandol  mole 

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THE  SOUTH  COAST  OF  FBANCE.  119 

light  is  open  eastward  of  lie  de  Bandol ;  then  steer  east-northeast- 
ward to  the  anchorage,  but  bring  the  mole  light  westward  of  0°  to 
pass  eastward  of  La  r'ournigue,  and  keep  Grand  Rouveau  Light  open 
westward  of  Pointe  de  la  Cride. 

To  enter  the  port,  pass  between  the  black  buoy  off  the  end  of  the 
mole  and  the  outer  red  buoy;  anchor  in  the  space  marked  by  the 
buoys. 

Cride  Point  is  low  and  projecting  to  the  west-southwestward, 
with  a  reef  extending  400  yards  in  the  same  direction. 

Beacon. — On  the  extremity  of  the  point  is  a  battery,  and  a  beacon 
tower  21  feet  high,  painted  in  black  and  white  horizontal  stripes, 
surmounted  by  a  diamond,  marks  the  extremity  of  the  reef  off  it. 

Port  IssoL — ^At  1  mile  eastward  of  Cride  Point  is  Port  Issol 
Point  with  a  tower  on  it;  a  reef  extends  300  yards  247°  from  the 
point.  On  the  western  side  of  the  point  is  a  small  bay  with  several 
rocky  shoals. 

Sanary  (formerly  St.  Nazaire)  Bay  lies  between  Cride  Point, 
on  the  north,  and  a  group  of  islands  of  which  He  des  Embiez  is  the 
largest,  on  the  south;  it  is  about  2  miles  wide  and  about  the  same 
deep,  affording  good  shelter  with  winds  from  northwest  (round  by 
north)  to  south  in  from  6  to  8  fathoms  water. 

Caution — Oyster  Bank. — At  i  mile  to  the  southward  of  Cride 
Point  is  a  vast  oyster  bank,  which  extends  to  the  eastward  nearly  1 
mile.  Vessels  should  avoid  anchoring  on  the  bank  by  keeping  the 
castle  on  He  des  Embiez  to  the  westward  of  180°. 

Port  de  Sanary. — The  small  port  of  de  Sanary  (St.  Nazaire)  is 
in  the  north  part  of  the  bay  about  ^  mile  from  Port  Issol  Point ;  it  is 
formed  by  a  small  mole  on  the  western  side  of  the  bay  projecting 
southeastward  from  an  elevation,  on  which  is  a  chapel  and  two  mills; 
the  entrance  to  the  port  lies  between  a  black  buoy  moored  off  tlie 
extremity  of  this  mole  and  a  red  buoy  marking  the  western  edge  of 
the  shoal  water  extending  off  the  eastern  shore;  it  is  27  yards  wide 
and  available  for  vessels  drawing  from  10  to  13  feet  water. 

Directions. — The  bell  in  the  belfry,  in  range  with  an  iron  rod 
placed  at  the  right  angle  of  the  terrace  of  a  white  house  with  two 
stories,  having  two  windows  on  the  south  side  fronting  the  quay, 
leads  through  this  entrance. 

Vessels  must  not  pass  eastward  of  this  line. 

A  jetty  projects  southwestward  from  the  eastern  shore,  the  j^pace 
inclosed  being  about  200  yards  in  length,  with  2  fathoms  water.  The 
town  of  Sanary  is  within  the  mole  and  jetty.  Vessels  moor  with 
anchor  ahead  and  stern  fast  to  mole. 

Light. — ^A  fixed  white  light,  elevated  25  feet  above  the  sea  and 
visible  5  miles,  is  exhibited  from  a  white  pole  over  a  wooden  house 
on  the  extremity  of  the  mole.    (See  Light  List.) 


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120  THE   SOUTH  COAST  OF   FRANCE. 

N£gre  Point,  southward  of  Sanary,  is  low  and  projecting  west- 
ward, and  on  it  is  a  ruined  guardhouse;  a  reef  extends  a  little  more 
than  100  yards  from  the  point.  The  intermediate  shore  is  low,  bend- 
ing eastward,  with  a  sandy  beach,  1  mile  from  which  on  the  rising 
ground  southward  of  it  is  the  village  of  Maron ;  it  is  bordered  by 
shallow  water.  The  OUioules  River  flows  into  the  sea  close  to  the 
southeastward  of  Sanary,  and  another  river  farther  south. 

Port  de  la  CouduriSre,  southeastward  of  N6gre  Point,  is  small 
and  inclosed  by  two  moles ;  the  entrance  is  about  60  yards  wide,  and 
the  southern  part  of  the  port  has  been  dredged  to  a  depth  of  16  feet. 

Light. — A  light  is  exhibited  from  a  metal  coliunn,  21  feet  in 
height,  on  the  head  of  the  large  mole. 

Semaphore. — At  IJ  miles  eastward  of  N6gre  Point  is  the  summit 
of  Mount  Six-Fours,  a  conical  mount  702  feet  high  with  a  tower  and 
semaphore  on  it ;  it  is  conspicuous  from  seaward. 

From  Negre  Point  the  shore  continues  southward  1.3  miles  to  the 
point  and  village  of  Brusc;  it  is  low  and  irregular  with  several 
small  bays  and  beaches.  At  i  mile  westward  of  Brusc  Point  is 
He  de  la  Tour-Fondue,  now  connected  with  and  forming  the  eastern 
extremity  of  He  de  Embiez. 

He  des  Embiez  is  of  a  triangular  form,  f  mile  long,  high  in  the 
center,  and  has  an  old  chateau  with  a  tower,  and  there  are  the  ruins 
of  a  soda  manufactory  on  it,  and  a  customhouse  on  the  island.  It  is 
about  400  yards  from  the  mainland,  and  in  the  southern  part  of  the 
space  between  is  a  small  low  islet  named  Ghiu,  nearly  united  by  rocks 
to  the  coast,  and  separated  from  Embiez  by  a  narrow  boat  channel. 
Cougousset  Point,  the  southern  extremity  of  Embiez,  is  rugged,  210 
feet  high  and  remarkable;  thence  the  west  coast  of  the  island  trends 
north,  forming  several  hills  and  points,  to  the  battery  of  St.  Pierre 
at  the  northern  end.  It  is  bordered  by  shallow  water,  rocks  and 
reefs. 

Life-saving  stations. — A  rocket  life-saving  apparatus  is  estab- 
lished on  Embiez  Island  and  at  the  lighthouse  on  Grand  Rouveau. 

Bouveau  Islands. — ^West-northwestward  of  Embiez  Castle,  and 
700  yards  from  Embiez  Island,  is  a  rugged  islet,  118  feet  high,  sur- 
rounded by  rocks  and  reefs  named  Grand  Rouveau  with  a  lighthouse 
on  it;  about  800  yards  67°  from  it  and  250  yards  from  St.  Pierre 
Point  is  Petit  Rouveau,  46  feet  high,  also  surrounded  by  rocks  and 
shallow  water  with  several  high  rocks  between  it  and  the  point. 

Sautaire  Pass. — To  the  southeast  of  Grand  Rouveau  are  two  low 
islets,  that  of  Cauvelle  (near  Embiez)  and  Clapassude.  These  two 
islets,  with  the  rocks  and  reefs  around  them,  also  choke  the  passage 
between  Grand  Rouveau  and  Embiez.  A  small  channel,  however, 
named  Sautaire  Pass,  about  67  yards  wide  with  2|  fathoms  water, 
exists  midway  between  the  shoals  of  Cauvelle  and  Clapassude  islets. 

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THE   SOUTH   COAST  OF   FRANCE.  121 

Sange  mark. — The  western  end  of  Petit  Rouveau,  in  range  with 
Chateau  Michel  on  the  slope  of  a  hill  a  little  over  ^  mile  northeast- 
ward of  Sanary,  leads  through  the  pass;  but  unless  in  a  vessel  of  light 
draft,  and  in  a  case  of  necessity,  no  stranger  should  attempt  the 
passage. 

Mag^ons  Islets. — These  two  small  islets,  which  are  nearly 
united,  lie  400  yards  westward  of  Grand  Rouveau,  and  are  sur- 
rounded by  rocks  at  from  150  to  400  yards  off;  they  are  separated 
from  Grand  Rouveau  by  a  channel  100  yards  wide  in  which  is  a 
depth  of  3J  fathoms  between  the  reefs  on  either  side. 

Castelle  BrOck  and  S6ches  des  Hagnons — Beacon. — At  300 
yards  southeastward  of  the  larger  Magnon  Islet  is  a  rocky  head  with 
1  foot  water,  named  Castelle;  and  nearly  400  yards  230°  from  the 
islet  is  a  rocky  patch  on  which  is  only  1  foot  water,  named  Seches  des 
Magnons,  on  the  southern  extremity  of  which  is  a  red  beacon  tower 
with  conical  top-mark,  26  feet  high.  As  shoal  water  extends  beyond 
this  tower,  vessels  should  not  approach  it  within  200  yards. 

At  200  yards  292°  from  the  tower  there  are  IJ  fathoms;  400  yards 
westward  is  a  patch  of  5 J  fathoms;  and  nearly  the  same  distance 
farther  out  another  patch  of  6  fathoms,  named  Basses  de  la  Mouli- 
nifere,  with  11  and  15  fathoms  around. 

In  bad  weather  the  sea  breaks  heavily  on  the  Basses  de  la  Mouli- 
niere. 

The  rocks  and  shoals  above  described  extend  2  miles  westward  from 
the  mainland,  and  form  the  southern  boundary  of  Sanary  Bay. 

lAglit. — A  group  occulting  white  light,  visible  18  miles,  at  an  ele- 
vation of  151  feet  above  the  sea,  is  exhibited  from  a  square  stone 
lighthouse,  situated  on  the  summit  of  Grand  Rouveau  Island.  (See 
Light  List.) 

Brusq  BoadBtead,  on  the  south  side  of  Sanary  (St.  Nazaire) 
Bay,  is  protected  by  He  des  Embiez  and  the  other  islets  before  de- 
scribed on  the  southwest,  and  by  the  mainland  on  the  east;  it  affords 
convenient  anchorage  for  all  classes  of  ve^ssels  in  from  5  to  8  fathoms 
water,  with  a  bottom  of  mud,  sand,  and  we^ds.  A  good  berth  for  a 
small  vessel  will  be  found  with  Riou  Island  just  open  of  the  north 
part  of  Petit  Rouveau,  in  5  or  6  fathoms,  but  as  Riou  Island  is 
9^0  miles  distant  and  not  always  to  be  seen,  the  northern  extremities  of 
He  des  Embiez  and  Grand  Rouveau  in  line,  and  the  summits  of  He  de 
la  Tour-Fondue  on  with  Cougousset  Point  summit,  the  highest  part  of 
He  des  Embiez,  indicate  a  good  anchorage  in  6  fathoms.  In  taking 
this  anchorage  the  islands  should  not  be  approached  too  closely, 
and  after  rounding  the  Seches  des  Magnons  a  berth  should  be  given  to 
the  Basse  Renette,  a  shoal  of  18  feet  water,  lying  350  yards  north- 
ward of  Grand  Rouveau ;  and  also  to  the  Casserlane,  a  shoal  of  2  feet, 
350  yards  northward  of  Petit  Rouveau  and  marked  by  a  red  beacon 

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122  THE   SOUTH   COAST  OF   FKANCE. 

tower,  with  conical  top  mark,  27  feet  high.  The  Grand  Canoguier,  a 
rocky  shoal  about  200  yards  in  extent,  with  4i  fathoms,  lies  north- 
ward of  the  usual  roadstead,  and  vessels  of  heavy  draft  or  those 
taking  an  outside  berth  should  avoid  anchoring  on  it. 

Small  vessels  ground  on  the  bank  between  the  islands  and  the  vil- 
lage of  Brusc,  where  the  bottom  is  soft  mud. 

Life-saving  station. — ^A  gun  life-saving  apparatus  is  estab- 
lished at  Brusc. 

Directions. — ^Making  for  Brusc  Roadstead  from  the  southward, 
the  Magnons  will  be  cleared  by  keeping  the  chapel  on  Gape  Sicie 
open  to  the  southward  of  Cougousset  Point,  the  southern  extremity 
of  He  des  Embiez,  and  to  pass  outside  the  Basses  de  la  Mouliniere 
the  railroad  viaduct  at  Bandol  (nine  arches)  should  be  kept  well 
open  to  the  west  of  the  beacon  at  Cride  Point  until  St.  Pierre  Point, 
the  northern  extremity  of  He  des  Embiez,  is  open  northward  of  Grand 
Rouveau. 

Basse  Renette  will  be  cleared  by  keeping  Magnons  Tower  open 
westward  of  the  islets  of  the  same  name  until  the  lighthouse  on  Grand 
Rouveau  bears  south-southwest  ward,  and  La  Casserlane,  by  keeping 
the  Magnons  Tower  open  westward  of  Grand  Rouveau  until  the  castle 
on  He  des  Embiez  is  open  eastward  of  Petit  Rouveau. 

Caution. — Madragues  or  tunny  fishing  nets  extend  off  above  ^ 
mile  from  the  island  of  Embiez  westward  of  the  anchorage,  and 
will  also  be  found  in  most  of  the  adjacent  bays;  caution  is  necessary 
when  entering. 

Cape  Sicily  southeastward  of  Cougousset  Point,  is  a  dark  bold 
prominent  headland,  1,181  feet  high,  terminating  in  two  small  peaks 
forming  a  saddle;  there  is  a  chapel  and  telegraph  station  (semaphore) 
on  it.  The  coast  between  the  point  and  cape  is  for  the  most  part  bold, 
skirted  here  and  there  by  rocks. 

At  300  yards  southeastward  of  the  southeastern  point  of  Cape  Sicie 
( Garde- Vieille  Point),  is  the  base  du  cap  Sicie,  a  rocky  shoal  of 
2|  fathoms  water,  with  12  fathoms  between  it  and  the  land. 

Signal  station. — There  is  a  semaphore,  with  a  white  house  and 
tower,  36  feet  high,  on  the  eastern  peak  of  Cape  Sicie,  1,119  feet 
above  high  water. 

Frdres  Islets^  800  yards  eastward  of  the  southeastern  extremity 
of  Cape  Sicie,  are  two  rocky  islets,  the  northern  cjne  65  feet  and  the 
southern  one  49  feet  high,  with  no  passage  between  them.  The  chan- 
nel between  the  islets  and  the  main  is  narrowed  by  a  shoal,  with 
3i  fathoms  on  it,  which  extends  200  yards  from  the  shore,  leaving 
a  narrow  passage  of  about  350  yards  wide  with  8  to  11  fathoms  water. 
The  islets  are  clear  of  danger. 

Blauqui6res  Bank. — About  10  miles  westward  of  Cape  Sicie  is 
Blauquieres  Bank,  on  which  are  from  52  to  150  fathoms  water,  with 

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THE  SOUTH   COAST  OP  FRANCE.  123 

a  bottom  of  sand,  gravel,  and  shells.  The  water  off  this  part  of  the 
coast  being  deep,  and  the  soundings  irregular,  the  mariner  is  re- 
ferred to  the  chart. 

Sablettes  Bay. — From  the  southeastern  extremity  of  Cape  Sici6 
the  coast  trends  to  the  northeastward  to  the  head  of  Sablettes  Bay ; 
a  low,  sandy,  narrow  neck  separates  the  bay  from  the  Lazaretto 
roadstead  of  Toulon  to  the  northeastward.  The  beach  is  rather  more 
than  i  mile  in  extent  east  and  west,  and  the  shore  is  bordered  all 
around  to  a  distance  of  nearly  400  yards  by  shallow  water.  The  bay 
affords  anchorage  with  northwest  winds  in  from  9  to  12  fathoms, 
sand ;  but  a  rocky  patch  with  4f  fathoms  on  it,  lying  700  yards  216*^ 
from  the  battery  of  St.  Elme,  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  bay,  should 
be  avoided. 

Beacons. — A  beacon  tower,  painted  in  black  and  white  horizontal 
bands,  is  erected  on  the  rocks  off  Marigot  Point. 

A  beacon  tower,  painted  black  and  white  in  horizontal  bands, 
stands  on  the  rocks  off  a  point,  with  a  battery  on  it,  on  the  western 
side  of  the  bay. 

Sablettes  Bay — ^Teleg^aph  Cable. — A  submarine  telegraph 
^nble  is  landed  at  the  head  of  this  bay,  the  position  being  marked  by 
two  beacons,  painted  white  and  blue  in  horizontal  bands  and  sur- 
mounted by  circular  white  top  marks;  these  beacons,  when  in  range 
bearing  24°,  indicate  the  direction  of  the  cable.  Anchorage  is  pro- 
hibited in  the  vicinity. 

Cape  Sepet.— At  1,300  yards  134°  from  St.  Elme  battery  is  the 
point  and  battery  of  Marigot,  with  a  reef  extending  200  yards  from 
it,  on  which  the  sea  breaks,  the  shore  between  being  rocky.  Rascas 
Point,  eastward  of  Marigot  Point,  should  not  be  approached  within 
300  yards;  the  intermediate  coast  forms  a  bend  to  the  northward 
with  cliffs  and  a  small  beach  at  the  head  of  the  bay.  At  200  yards 
eastward  of  Rascas  Point  is  Cape  Sepet,  the  termination  of  a  hill 
426  feet  high.  On  the  hill  is  a  semaphore  and  a  pyramidal  monu- 
ment erected  to  the  memory  of  Admiral  Latouche  Treville.  The  cape 
is  the  western  point  of  entrance  to  the  road  of  Toulon. 

Canier  Pointy  about  800  yards  northward  of  the  cape,  has  a  rocky 
ledge  projecting  about  100  yards  from  it,  marked  by  a  beacon  tower 
painted  in  black  and  white  horizontal  bands;  on  the  point  is  a 
battery, 

Galette  BrOck,  which  is  awash,  lies  about  ^  mile  northward  of 
the  cape  and  50  yards  from  the  shore. 

Anchorage. — Between  this  rock  and  Canier  Point,  off  the  small 
cove  of  Roseaux,  there  is  anchorage,  sheltered  from  the  liorthwest, 
in  from  5  to  10  fathoms,  sand  and  weeds,  about  200  yards  from  the 
shore.  It  is  frequentel  by  vessels  bound  to  Toulon  during  strong 
northwest  winds. 


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124  THE   SOUTH   COAST  OF   FKANCE. 

Cape  Sepet  Light. — A  group  flashing  white  light,  visible  23 
miles  is  exhibited  from  a  circular  white  lighthouse,  situated  on 
Rascas  Point  at  an  elevation  of  194  feet  above  the  sea. 

Shoal — Buoy. — A  shoal,  with  a  depth  of  2J  fathoms  over  it,  lies 
800  yards  215°  from  Cape  Sepet  Lighthouse.  It  is  marked  by  a  dis- 
coloration of  the  water.  A  black  conical  buoy  with  cylindrical  top- 
mark  is  moored  on  the  southeastern  side  of  the  shoal. 

Toulon  Bay. — At  3  miles  eastward  of  Cape  Sepet  is  Carquey- 
ranne  Point,  and  between  them  is  the  entrance  to  Toulon  Bay,  which 
extends  about  5  miles  in  a  northwest  direction ;  the  shores  approach 
each  other  at  about  half  that  distance  in,  and  again  opening  out  form 
an  inner  and  outer  bay,  the  outer  named  the  Great  Roadstead,  and  the 
inner  protected  by  a  breakwater  (Jetee  de  la  Grosse  Tour)  which 
extends  from  the  Grosse  Tour  nearly  across  to  the  opposite  shore  and 
including  the  Lazaretto  Roadstead,  Seyne  Bay,  and  Little  Roadstead. 
The  Great  Roadstead  comprises  Cros  St.  Georges  Creek  on  the  south 
and  Vignettes  Roadstead  on  the  north. 

Torpedo  range  buoys. — A  torpedo  range  is  marked  by  the  fol- 
lowing buoys : 

A  central  float,  painted  red  is  moored  560  yards  33°  30'  from  the 
light  on  the  Grande  Jetty. 

Two  casks,  painted  white  are  moored  on  the  bilge,  one  132  yards 
north ;  the  other  132  yards  south  of  the  central  float. 

Two  other  casks,  painted  white  for  the  mooring  of  a  raft,  are 
moored  65  yards  apart,  2,200  yards  70°  from  the  central  float,  the 
distance  being  measured  along  the  axis  of  the  zone  of  five. 

A  torpedo  range  marked  by  four  white  cylindrical  iron  barrel 
buoys  are  moored  in  Vignettes  Road,  in  connection  with  the  range 
for  the  regulation  of  torpedoes. 

The  buoys  are  moored  at  distances  of  100  and  165  yards  northward 
and  southward  of  the  firing  line  on  a  line  perpendicular  to  the  range 
and  8,800  yards  from  the  firing  float. 

Cros  St.  Georges  Creek. — From  Gralette  Rock  the  coast  trends 
to  the  northwest  and  westward  to  Cros  St.  Georges  Creek.  It  is 
J  mile  deep  with  9  and  10  fathoms  water  at  the  entrance,  but  sud- 
denly shoals  to  2  fathoms;  it  affords  anchorage  to  small  vessels  with 
southerly  winds,  and  part  sheltered  from  easterly  winds  by  the 
pier  constructed  a  short  distance  eastward  of  St.  Mandrier  Hospital, 
on  the  eastern  side  of  the  cheek,  and  where  there  is  a  small  camber 
with  12  feet  depth  of  water. 

A  wharf  and  factories  have  been  or  are  being  erected  on  the  west 
shore  of  the  bay.  A  jetty  extends  northward  100  yards  from 
Pointe  de  la  Vieille,  the  western  entrance  point  of  the  bay. 

Lazaretto  Bay  is  formed  by  Piastre  Point,  the  western  extremity 
of  Cros  St.  Georges  Creek,  and  the  point  and  fort  of  Balaguier 


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THE   SOUTH   COAST  OF   FRANCE.  125 

nearly  1,200  yards  337^  from  it.  The  shore  between  forms  to  the 
southwestward  a  deep  shallow  bight,  with  a  bottom  of  sand,  mud, 
and  weed,  terminating  in  the  beach  of  Sablettes,  the  low  isthmus 
connecting  the  peninsula  (of  which  Cape  Sepet  is  the  extremity)  to 
the  main.  On  a  line  between  Piastre  and  Balaguier  Points  there  are 
from  9  to  3 J  fathoms,  and  600  yards  within  3 J  fathoms.  The  lazaretto, 
from  which  the  bay  takes  its  name,  is  on  the  shore  about  400  yards 
west-southwestward  of  Piastre  Point,  with  a  camber  for  landing. 

Vessels  in  quarantine  anchor  here;  anchorage  is  prohibited  east- 
ward of  a  line  between  Piastre  Point  and  Tour  de  Balaguier. 

Swinging  buoys. — Seven  buoys  are  moored  westward  of  Piastre 
Point,  where  vessels  adjust  their  compasses;  this  part  of  the  bay  has 
been  dredged  to  a  depth  of  33  feet. 

Buoys. — A  white  buoy  is  moored  450  yards  north-northwestward 
of  Piastre  Point;  there  are  also  5  other  white  buoys  in  the  bay. 

Three  P.  F.  (point  fixed)  buoys  are  moored  off  Balaguier  Point. 

Buoys  marked  T  are  for  warping ;  those  marked  D.  P.  are  reserved 
for  the  director  of  the  port ;  P.  F.  on  buoys  mean  point  fixed. 

Lightbuoy — ^Wreck. — A  lightbuoy,  exhibiting  a  fixed  white 
light  is  moored  at  a  distance  of  450  yards  6^  from  the  outer  end 
of  the  pier  situated  about  300  yards  westward  from  Fort  Eguillette. 
It  marks  the  southern  limit  of  the  area  rendered  dangerous  by  the 
remains  of  the  battleship  LWcrte.  The  wreck,  with  upper  works 
above  water,  lies  820  yards  32°  from  the  extremity  of  the  same  wharf. 

Telegraph  cable  beacons. — Two  telegraph  beacons,  painted  in 
blue  and  white  horizontal  stripes  and  with  white  circular  topmarks, 
stand  near  Eguillette  Fort,  and  in  range  bearing  203^  indicate  the 
landing  place  of  a  telegraph  cable.  The  front  beacon  stands  on  the 
coast,  36  feet  above  the  sea,  and  is  59  feet  from  the  rear  beacon.  An- 
chorage is  prohibited  in  the  vicinity  of  the  cable. 

Egfuillette  Point. — About  700  yards  northward  of  Balaguier 
Point  is  Eguillette  Fort  and  Point,  with  rocks  extending  250  yards 
off  it. 

Buoy. — A  black  conical  buoy  lies  in  5^  fathoms  water,  about  300 
yards  101°  from  the  fort. 

La  Seyne  Bay  and  Little  Roadstead.— About  1,350  yards  81° 
from  Eguillette  Fort,  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  bay,  is  a  Fort 
Grosse  tour;  between  these  is  the  entrance  to  La  Seyne  Bay  and  the 
Little  Eoadstead.  Eguillette  Roadstead  is  to  the  northward  of 
Eguillette  Fort,  the  anchorage  being  about  \  mile  from  the  shore  in 
from  6  to  9  fathoms,  mud  and  weeds.  Fort  Xapoleon,  on  the  heights, 
about  269  feet  above  the  sea,  commands  Eguillette  Roadstead  and 
Lazaretto  Bay. 

From  Eguillette  Point  the  shore  bordered  by  shallow  water  trends 
westward  li  miles  to  the  commercial  basin  and  town  of  La  Seyne. 


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126  THE   SOUTH   COAST  OF   FKANCE. 

The  basin  is  250  yards  in  length,  more  than  100  yards  in  breadth, 
with  11  to  18  feet  water  in  it. 

The  channel  to  La  Seyne  has  a  depth  of  29^  feet,  and  there  is  the 
same  depth  alongside  the  west  quay  of  La  Seyne  Port. 

A  channel  19  to  24  feet  deep  through  the  shallow  bank  leads  to  the 
basin,  and  is  marked  by  buoys.  All  the  iiiner  part  of  La  Seyne  Bay 
is  a  shallow  flat.  Tugs  may  be  had.  The  principal  imports  are  wood 
and  iron.  Eastward  of  La  Seyne  Basin,  on  land  reclaimed  from  the 
sea,  are  extensive  shipbuilding  yards  with  slips  and  docks,  the  works 
of  the  Compagnie  des  Forges  et  Chantiers  de  la  Mediterranee,  oc- 
cupying a  water  frontage  of  i  mile,  where  some  of  the  finest  vessels  of 
the  French  navy  have  been  built,  also  battleships  and  torpedo  boats 
for  foreign  governments,  large  castings  being  done  at  the  company's 
works  at  Marseille. 

From  the  town  of  La  Seyne  the  shore  trends  north  and  then  east, 
forming  several  small  coves  to  the  artificial  harbors  of  Toulon,  which 
extend  round  the  Little  Roadstead  in  front  of  the  town  nearly  to 
Grosse  Tour,  on  the  eastern  point  of  the  entrance  to  the  inner  bay. 

Shoal — Buoys. — Dredged  material  from  Toulon  Road  has  been 
deposited  in  Seyne  Bay.  This  material  has  formed  a  shoal  in  the 
form  of  a  quadrilateral,  about  500  yards  long  and  90  yards  broad, 
near  the  edge  of  the  2-fathom  curve,  the  center  of  which  lies  1,150 
yards  55°  from  the  entrance  to  the  port  of  Seyne. 

This  shoal  is  marked  by  six  black  barrel  buoys. 

L'Ane  Bank — Beacon  and  buoys. — On  the  extreme  pitch  of 
the  point  projecting  southwestward  from  Toulon  is  Grosse  Tour,  on 
which  is  a  flagstaff;  it  is  surrounded  by  a  flat  of  shallow  water  ex- 
tending from  200  to  300  yards  from  the  shore,  on  which,  250  yards 
309°  from  the  center  of  the  tower,  is  Tasse  Beacon,  of  stone,  painted 
black,  and  surmounted  by  an  iron  staff  and  ball.  Outside  it,  in  8J 
fathoms,  is  a  mooring  buoy,  bearing  250  yards  from  Tasse  Beacon; 
and  a  conical  red  buoy  is  moored  about  150  yards  236°  from  Tasse 
Beacon.  The  west  side  of  I'Ane  Bank  is  further  marked  by  a 
conical  red  buoy,  in  4^  fathoms,  about  530  yards  221°  from  the 
center  of  Grosse  Tour.  The  bank  of  shoal  water  (less  than  5  fath- 
oms) extends  1,100  yards  in  a  south-southwestward  direction  from 
Grosse  Tour. 

About  300  yards  eastward  of  Grosse  Tour  is  Pipady  Point,  slightly 
projecting,  and  ^  mile  farther  eastward  is  Fort  St.  Louis,  with  a 
tower,  but  smaller  than  the  former,  on  a  point  nearly  isolated.  From 
this  fort  the  coast  is  higher  as  far  as  Cape  Brun,  a  distance  of  1.3 
miles.  Fort  la  Malgue,  one  of  the  principal  defenses  of  the  entrance 
to  Toulon,  stands  on  an  eminence  near  the  shore,  600  yards  east-north- 
eastward of  Fort  St.  Louis. 


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THE   SOUTH  COAST  OF  FRANCE.  127 

Toulon  Approach— Fairway  reserved  for  traffic  when  sub- 
marine vessels  are  exercising. — ^When  the  flag  with  a  yellow 
and  a  red  horizontal  stripe  is  hoisted  at  the  signal  stations  or  on  the 
vessel  escorting  submarine  vessels,  to  indicate  that  the  latter  are 
exercising  submerged,  aU  vessels  wishing  to  enter  or  leave  the  port  of 
Toulon  are  earnestly  requested  to  make  use  of  the  fairway,  defined 
below,  in  which  submarine  vessels  are  prohibited  from  exercising  sub- 
merged. 

This  fairway  is  limited  as  follows : 

On  the  north,  by  the  alignment  of  Val  Mer  and  the  lighthouse  on 
the  southern  extremity  of  Grande  Jetty. 

On  the  south,  by  the  alignment  of  the  biological  laboratory  near 
Val  Mer  with  St.  Mandrier  Jetty  Lighthouse. 

On  the  east,  by  a  line  joining  Canier  Tower  with  Cape  Brun. 

Toulon. — The  town  of  Toulon,  Telo  Martins  of  the  Eomans,  is  a 
first-class  naval  (second  only  to  Brest)  and  military  port.  It  is 
somewhat  of  an  oval  shape,  the  longer  side  facing  the  sea,  rises 
gradually  toward  the  north,  the  ramparts  extending  to  the  foot  of 
the  mountains  stretching  east  and  west,  which  are  arid,  bare,  and 
totally  destitute  of  vegetation.  Toulon  is  divided  into  the  old  and 
new  town ;  both  are  tolerably  well  built,  but  the  streets  of  the  former 
are  narrow  and  crowded,  and  all  the  squares  except  one  are  small 
and  irregular.  The  new  quarter,  in  which  are  most  of  the  naval  es- 
tablishments, is  much  superior  in  appearance.  The  principal  street, 
the  Rue  de  Lafayette,  which  intersects  the  town  in  its  whole  extent 
and  is  partially  planted  with  trees,  is  the  seat  of  the  market,  and  pre- 
sents a  scene  of  great  bustle  and  activity. 

The  town  hall,  the  old  cathedral,  three  other  churches,  the  court- 
liouse,  military  arsenal,  naval,  military,  civil,  and  foundling  hos- 
pitals, and  a  handsome  communal  college  are  the  chief  public  build- 
ings, but  the  streets  are  narrow  and  the  shops  inferior.  The  town  is 
strongly  fortified,  being  surrounded  by  a  double  rampart  and  a  large 
and  deep  ditch,  defended  on  the  east,  west,  and  north  by  hills  cov- 
red  with  redoubts.  Among  the  forts,  that  of  La  Malgue,  to  the 
southeastward  of  the  town,  over  Vignettes  Roadstead,  is  the  most 
remarkable,  not  only  for  its  extent  but  the  solidity  of  its  construction. 
The  suburbs  are  greatly  increasing. 

Hospitals. — The  military  hospital  at  St.  Mandrier  is  a  splendid 
building  and  has  2,000  beds.  There  are  a  civil  hospital  and  two 
naval  hospitals,  of  which  one  is  at  St.  Mandrier. 

The  population  in  1911  amounted  to  103,549,  exclusive  of  the  gar- 
rison and  a  large  body  of  seamen,  belonging  to  reserve  naval  vessels, 
who  live  on  shore. 

CommuJiications. — Toulon  is  on  the  line  of  railroad  between 
Marseille  and  Nice,  and  is  also  connected  by  railroad  with  Hyferes 


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128  THE   SOUTH   COAST  OF   FRANCE. 

and  St.  Raphael.  Toulon  is  a  port  of  call  for  the  Orient  Line 
steamers  going  to  Australia  and  back. 

There  is  a  boat  to  PorqueroUes  three  times  a  week,  the  passage  tak- 
ing about  2J  hours.  After  touching  at  PorqueroUes,  the  boat  goes  on 
to  Port  Cros,  and  returns  almost  immediately  to  PorqueroUes  and 
Toulon. 

Consul. — The  United  States  is  represented  by  a  consular  agent. 

Trade. — The  principal  imports  are  coal,  coffee,  iron  manufactures, 
timber,  wheat,  and  wine;  the  exports,  bauxite,  cork  waste,  and  scrap 
iron. 

Tugs. — There  are  a  few  tugs  available. 

Supplies — Coal. — About  25,000  tons  of  coal  are  imported  an- 
nually, but  no  stock  is  kept  in  private  hands.  Coal  can  be  obtained 
in  large  quantities  from  Marseille,  by  giving  three  days'  notice.  A 
large  stock  of  patent  fuel  is  maintained  by  the  French  Government, 
and  the  fuel  can  be  obtained  by  special  permission  from  Paris. 
Coaling  is  done  from  lighters.  Fresh  provisions  are  plentitful,  but 
24  hours'  notice  is  required  for  large  quantities  of  bread.  Good 
water,  which  should  be  filtered  for  drinking,  can  be  obtained  from 
standpipes  placed  near  the  quays,  or  taken  off  to  vessels  in  a  tank 
vessel;  water  is  generally  supplied  free  to  naval  vessels. 

Repairs  can  be  executed  by  the  Compagnie  des  Forges  et  Chan- 
tiers  de  la  Mediterranee,  at  La  Seyne. 

Basins  and  docks — ^Buoys. — A  pier  or  breakwater  is  constructed 
in  Toulon  Great  Road,  extending  from  the  coast  eastward  of  Grosse 
Tour  1,620  yards  in  a  south-southwestward  direction,  and  is  inter- 
sected at  a  distance  of  150  yards  from  the  shore  by  a  pass  about  150 
yards  in  width,  with  a  depth  of  9  feet.  This  channel  is  marked  on 
the  northern  side  by  a  white  buoy  in  3^  fathoms  217  yards  southwest 
of  Grosse  Tour.  The  eastern  approach  to  the  pass  is  marked  by  2  red 
buoys. 

A  pier  is  also  constructed  on  the  southern  side  of  the  roadstead 
eastward  of  St.  Mandrier  Hospital,  and  extends  365  yards  from  the 
shore  in  a  254°  direction.  A  white  buoy  is  moored  close  to  the  end 
of  this  pier. 

There  is  a  pier  extending  105  yards  from  Vieille  Point  in  a  33° 
direction  toward  the  southern  end  of  the  breakwater.  A  white  buoy 
is  moored  close  to  the  end  of  this  pier. 

Extensive  artificial  basins,  capable  of  containing  a  great  number 
of  vessels,  front  the  town:  they  are. named  Merchant  Port,  750  feet 
long,  510  feet  wide,  90  feet  width  at  entrance  and  22i  feet  depth 
over  sill  (between  Mourillon  and  the  old  town)  :  Old  Basin,  which  is 
1,625  feet  long,  from  390  to  1,100  feet  wide,  width  at  entrance  90  feet, 
and  29i  feet  depth  on  sill ;  and  Xew  Basin.  West  of  the  New  Basin 
are  Castigneau  and  Missiessy  Basins,  and  between  are  the  victualling 


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THE  SOUTH  COAST  OF  FRANCE.  129 

yard,  coal  depots,  arsenal,  and  dry  docks.  New,  Castigneau,  and  Mis- 
siesssy  Basins  are  reserved  for  vessels  of  the  French  Navy,  the  depths 
bemg  33  feet.  Missiessy  Basin  is  commanded  by  Fort  Malbousquet 
on  the  west,  at  the  foot  of  which  are  inclosed  timber  ponds.  The 
arsenal  of  Toulon  is  one  of  the  finest  in  Europe;  it  occupies  a  surface 
of  about  87  acres,  and  has  dry  docks  and  every  accommodation  for 
the  construction,  repair,  and  outfit  of  the  largest  naval  vessels. 

A  petroleum  basin  is  preparing  southward  of  the  arm  on  the 
western  side  of  Missiessy  Basin. 

Docks. — See  Appendix  I. 

New  Basin,  No.  1  dock  is  247  feet  in  length  over  all,  199  feet  on 
blocks,  59J  feet  wide  at  entrance,  and  has  a  depth  of  21^  feet  over 
sill.  No.  2  dock  is  245  feet  over  all,  189  feet  on  blocks,  59J  feet  wide 
at  entrance,  and  22^  feet  over  sill.  No.  3  dock  is  292^  feet  over  all, 
207^  feet  on  blocks,  71  feet  wide  at  entrance,  and  25J  feet  over  sill. 

Castigneau  Basin. — No.  1  dock  is  325  feet  in  length  over  all, 
250J  feet  on  blocks,  width  at  entrance  71^  feet,  and  25^  feet  depth 
over  sill.  No.  2  dock  is  385 J  feet  over  all,  312  feet  on  blocks,  and 
72^  feet  wide  at  entrance.  No.  3  dock  is  535  feet  over  all,  484  feet  on 
blocks,  and  72^  feet  wide  at  entrance.  The  two  latter  have  each 
27^  feet  depth  of  water  over  sills.  No.  3  dock  can  be  divided  into  two 
parts  by  an  intermediate  caisson. 

Missiessy  Basin. — Nos.  1  and  2  docks  are  each  427  feet  in  length 
over  aU,  375  feet  on  blocks,  91 1  feet  width  at  entrance,  and  32i  feet 
over  silla  No.  3  dock  is  528  feet  in  length  over  all,  91 1  feet  wide  at 
entrance,  and  32J  feet  over  sill.    A  fourth  dock  is  proposed. 

Extensive  building  slips  occupy  the  east  shore  of  the  Little  Koad- 
stead  fronting  the  suburb  of  Mourillon. 

Lights. — An  occulting  white  light,  elevated  54  feet  above  high 
water,  is  exhibited  from  a  white  iron  turret  on  building,  38  feet 
high,  on  St.  Mandrier  mole  head.    The  light  is  visible  13  milcvS. 

A  red  fixed  light  is  shown  by  the  guard  vessel.     (See  Light  List.) 

Grand  Jetty. — A  fixed  green  light,  elevated  44  feet  abo\'e  high 
water,  exhibited  from  a  cylindrical  white  turret  with  main  building, 
27  feet  high,  erected  on  Grosse  tour  mole  head.  The  light  is  visible 
11  miles.  This  light  is  obscured  through  an  arc  of  21°  covering  the 
whole  of  PAne  Bank.     (See  Light  List.) 

A  fixed  green  imwatched  light,  visible  4  miles,  is  exhibited  at  an 
elevation  of  25  feet  above  the  sea  from  a  white  turret,  22  feet  high, 
erected  on  the  southern  head  of  the  northern  portion  of  the  Grosse 
tour  jetty. 

A  white  fixed  light  southward  of  the  end  of  the  small  jetty  at 
Grosse  Tour  marks  two  sunken  caissons.  By  day  they  are  marked 
by  a  red  flag.     (See  Light  List) 

68850-17 9 


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130  THE  SOUTH   COAST  OF   FBANOE. 

Vieille  Pier. — ^A  fixed  red  unwatched  light,  elevated  45  feet  above 
high  water  and  visible  5  miles,  is  exhibited  from  a  cylindrical  white 
turret  on  main  building,  27  feet  high,  erected  on  Vielle  mole  head. 

Old  Basin. — ^A  fixed  red  light,  visible  2  miles,  at  an  elevation  of 
19  feet  above  the  sea,  is  exhibited  from  a  brown  iron  post  on  the  West 
Pier  Head  of  Old  Basin.  (See  Light  List) 

A  fixed  green  electric  light,  visible  1  mUe,  exhibited  on  the  eastern 
side  of  the  entrance  to  the  Old  Basin  (Chaine  Vieille). 

The  light  is  exhibited  at  the  same  height  as  the  red  light  on  the 
opposite  side  of  the  entrance  and  is  obscured  over  the  shoals  south- 
ward and  eastward  of  the  entrance.     (See  Light  List.) 

Merchant  Port. — ^A  fixed  red  light,  visible  2  miles,  at  an  eleva- 
tion of  12  feet  above  the  sea,  is  exhibited  from  a  brown  iron  post  on 
the  North  Pier  Head  of  Merchant  Port.     (See  Light  List.) 

La  Seyne  Basin. — ^A  small  fixed  green  light,  elevated  13  feet 
above  the  sea,  is  shown  from  a  post  on  the  extremity  of  the  West 
jetty  at  the  basin  at  La  Seyne,  visible  about  2  miles  in  clear  weather. 
(See  Light  List.) 

Time  ball. — A  black  ball,  2  feet  in  diameter,  is  hoisted  five  min- 
utes before  the  signal  at  the  signal  staff  of  the  Naval  Observatory, 
120  feet  above  the  sea  and  107  feet  above  the  ground ;  it  is  dropped 
6  feet  by  hand  at  22h.  Om.  Os.,  Greenwich  mean  time.  The  ball  is 
immediately  rehoisted  and  the  signal  repeated  at  22h.  2m.  Os.,  Green- 
wich mean  time. 

If  the  signals  are  incorrect,  the  ball  is  rehoisted  as  quickly  as  pos- 
sible after  the  second  signal,  and  kept  up  for  5  minutes  if  the  first 
signal  is  incorrect,  for  10  minutes  if  the  second  signal  is  incorrect, 
and  for  15  minutes  if  both  signals  are  incorrect.  These  are  not  to  be 
regarded  as  time  signals. 

A  red  and  white  triangular  flag  is  hoisted  on  a  small  yard  near 
the  ball  on  the  10th,  20th,  and  30th  or  31st  days  of  each  month  when 
observations  have  been  made  on  the  previous  evening.  If  hoisted  on 
other  days  it  signifies  that  the  apparatus  is  being  adjusted. 

Badio. — A  radio  station  has  been  established  at  Toulon  Naval 
School ;  call  letters  F.  U.  E.  This  is  a  naval  station,  but  is  open  in 
case  of  distress  only. 

Prohibited  anchorage. — Anchorage  is  prohibited  within  the 
following  boundaries : 

(a)  On  the  north,  a  line  drawn  from  the  tower  on  Balaguier  Point 
in  a  90°  direction  for  a  distance  of  1,920  yards. 

(6)  On  the  east,  a  line  drawn  in  a  147°  direction  for  a  distance 
of  1,550  yards  from  the  eastern  extremity  of  limit  (a). 

(c)  On  the  south,  a  line  drawn  from  the  northern  (clijBFy)  ex- 
tremity of  Piastre  Point  in  a  96**  direction  to  the  southern  extremity 
of  limit  (6), 


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THE  SOUTH  COAST  OP  FEANCE.  131 

(d)  On  the  west,  a  line  drawn  from  Piastre  Point  to  the  southern 
angle  of  Balaguier  Fort 

Idttle  Boadstead— Lights  established  to  mark  harbor 
works. — ^Two  fixed  red  lights  are  shown  from  pile  structures,  each 
with  board  painted  in  red  and  white  checkers  as  topmark,  situated, 
respectively,  at  420  yards  230°  and  320  yards  228°  from  the  light  on 
the  western  side  of  the  entrance  to  Old  Basin. 

Anchorages. — ^Although  there  is  anchorage  under  different  cir- 
cumstances in  the  several  roads  of  the  bay  of  Toulon,  that  most 
resorted  to  is  the  Little  Roadstead,  off  the  town,  where  there  are 
depths  of  6  fathoms,  mud,  sheltered  from  all  winds. 

The  Little  Roadstead  has  been  dredged  to  a  depth  of  6  fathoms 
as  far  westward  as  the  buoys  opposite  Milhaud ;  it  is  not  proposed  to 
go  any  farther. 

Vessels  entering  through  the  northern  opening  in  the  breakwater 
(in  which  there  is  only  a  depth  of  9  feet)  should  steer  for  the  buoy 
marking  EguiUette  Shoal,  or  the  fort,  on  the  point,  and  not  stand  to 
the  northward  into  the  Little  Roadstead  until  well  clear  of  the  shoal 
water  which  extends  westward  of  Grosse  Tour. 

The  Fr^res  Islets  just  shut  in  with  Fort  Balaguier  (the  islets  are 
seen  over  the  low  beach  of  Sablettes)  clears  Tasse  Beacon  and  the 
flat  which  extends  nearly  300  yards  from  the  shore  northwestward  of 
the  Grosse  Tour. 

Vessels  entering  the  anchorage  off  St.  Mandrier  (Cros  St.  Georges 
Creek)  must  moor  southward  of  the  line  between  the  outer  extremity 
of  the  pier  off  Vieille  Point  and  the  inner  extremity  of  the  pier  of  St. 
Mandrier,  the  latter  bearing  about  95°. 

Vessels  wishing  to  moor  in  Lazaretto  Roadstead  must  keep  west- 
ward of  the  line  between  Piastre  Point  and  Balaguier  Fort. 

Naval  vessels  should  not  enter  Petite  Rade  until  an  official  has  been 
sent  from  the  station  of  Jet^e  de  St.  Mandrier  to  point  out  the 
anchorage. 

Merchant  vessels  have  no  right  to  use  the  mooring  buoys. 

Vessels  seeking  shelter  anchor  in  Rade  de  I'figuillette. 

Vessels  about  to  enter,  or  on  leaving.  Port  de  la  Rode,  may  anchor, 
at  a  less  distance  than  the  vessel's  length,  from  the  point  of  the  bas- 
tion between  the  port  and  Darse  Vieille. 

Anchor  in  Anse  du  Creux  St.  Georges  southward  of  the  line  from 
Piastre  Point  through  the  outer  end  of  the  Jet^e  de  la  Vieille. 

Anchor  in  Bale  du  Lazaret  southwestward  of  the  line  between 
Piastre  Point  and  Balaguier  Fort. 

Vessels  proceeding  to  the  Little  Roadstead,  and  not  intending  to 
anchor  in  either  La  Seyne  Bay  or  Merchant  Port,  must  moor  in 
EguiUette  Roadstead,  keeping  north  and  west  of  the  buoy  marking 
the  shoal  of  that  name. 


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132  THE  SOUTH  COAST  OF  FBANCB. 

Hooring  buoys. — ^The  number  of  mooring  buoys  for  naval  ves- 
sels in  the  Inner  Roadstead  is  23 ;  they  are  niunbered  from  0  upward. 
There  are  also  7  buoys  for  the  adjustment  of  compasses  and  several 
others  for  the  use  of  tugs,  etc. 

A  mooring  buoy,  showing  a  red  light  at  night,  is  moored  218  yards 
21®  from  the  red  light  at  the  entrance  to  the  Old  Basin. 

Great  Bead. — Vignettes  Road,  between  Grosse  Tour  and  Cape 
Brun,  affords  shelter  with  good  holding  ground  from  all  but  southerly 
winds.  The  shore  is  all  along  bordered  by  a  bank,  250  yards  off; 
southward  of  the  southeast  angle  of  Fort  la  Malgue  is  a  shoal  with 
IJ  fathoms  water. 

A  good  berth  will  be  found,  in  9  or  10  fathoms  water,  southward  of 
of  Fort  la  Malgue  with  Pipady  Point  in  range  with  Mount  Six- 
Fours,  and  Tour  Mourillon  of  seven  stories  and  conspicuous,  bearing 
about  326°. 

Mooring  buoys. — ^Three  mooring  buoys  have  been  placed  in  the 
Great  Road  in  the  following  respective  positions:  A  mooring  buoy 
1,450  yards  89°  from  Grosse  Tour  Pier  Light.  A  mooring  buoy, 
painted  white  and  marked  IB,  2,490  yards  43°  from  St.  Mandrier 
Jetty  Light,  A  mooring  buoy,  painted  white  and  marked  2B, 
established  2,250  yards  34°  from  the  above  light.  Two  white 
cask  buoys  for  torpedo  practice  are  moored  in  Vignettes  Roadstead, 
920  yards  232°,  and  950  yards  228°,  respectively,  from  the  flagstaff 
on  Cape  Brun  Fort, 

Cape  Brun,  56  feet  high,  is  dark,  bold,  projects  southward,  and 
has  a  fort  and  battery  on  it;  Capes  Brun  and  Sepet  form  the  en- 
trance to  the  Great  Roadstead,  which  is  bounded  on  the  west  by  the 
Jet^e  de  la  Grosse  Tour. 

From  Cape  Brun  the  coast  eastward  forms  two  small  shallow  coves 
(Mejean  and  Magot),  the  latter  being  studded  with  rocks;  at  the  dis- 
tance of  1  mile  is  St.  Marguerite  Point  (not  so  high  as  the  cape)  and 
fort.  The  coast  between  the  cape  and  point  is  bold  and  steep-to, 
except  in  the  bays. 

Carqueiranne  Point  is  a  steep  reddish  rock,  with  trees  on  its 
summit;  it  is  commanded  by  high  land  named  Le  Col  N^gre,  984  feet 
above  the  sea.  The  coast  between  the  two  points  forms  a  bay,  and 
is  bordered  at  the  distance  of  nearly  200  yards  by  a  shallow  bank 
and  rocks. 

Directions. — Coming  from  the  southward  the  heights  on  the 
coast  around  Toulon  form  somewhat  the  appearance  of  an  archi- 
pelago. The  principal  points  distinguished  are  Cape  Sicifi,  le  Col 
N^gre,  over  Carqueyranne  Point,  the  bare  red  peaks  of  Mount  Faron 
immediately  northward  of  Toulon  (elevated  1,709  feet),  the  penin- 
sula of  Giens,  which  terminates  to  the  southwestward  in  high  cliffs 
at  Escampobariou  Point,  and  finally  Cape  Sepet  and  the  lighthouse 

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THE  SOUTH  COAST  OP  FEANCE.  133 

on  Rascas  Point,  but  do  not  mistake  Cape  Sici6  for  Cape  Sepet,  the 
latter  shows  up  as  comparatively  low  land,  while  the  former  is  high, 
and  is  apt  to  be  taken  for  the  point  of  land  about  10  miles  to  the 
westward.  The  currents  in  the  offing  generally  set  to  the  southwest- 
ward,  and  near  the  coast  to  the  westward,  more  particularly  with 
southeast  and  easterly  winds;  vessels  should  therefore  keep  to  wind- 
ward of  Toulon,  as  in  the  event  of  a  calm  or  a  heavy  sea  it  may  be 
difficult  for  a  sailing  vessel  to  reach  the  port,  if  to  leeward  of  Cape 
Sepet.  On  entering  Toulon  Bay  give  either  shore  a  prudent  berth 
and  steer  for  the  southern  extremity  of  the  breakwater  de  la  Grosse 
Tour,  then  having  passed  the  pier  of  St.  Mandrier  at  a  convenient 
distance,  a  mid-channel  course  between  the  end  of  breakwater  and 
pier  at  Vieille  Point,  the  depth  being  15  fathoms. 

By  night  the  lights  will  be  a  sufficient  guide. 

At  1,000  yards  196°  of  Grosse  Tour  and  700  yards  345°  from  the 
southern  extremity  of  the  breakwater  is  a  shoal  of  soft  mud  and 
weed,  on  which  is  a  depth  of  4|  fathoms;  it  is  not  dangerous  to 
vessels  of  moderate  draft. 

From  the  entrance  steer  to  pass  westward  of  the  extremity  of  I'Ane 
bank  or  with  Fort  Eguillette  a  little  on  the  port  bow,  until  les  Freres, 
seen  over  the  low  sandy  neck  les  Sablettes,  are  shut  in  with  Fort 
Balaguier;  this  latter  mark  leads  to  the  eastward  of  the  black  buoy 
off  Eugillette  Point,  and  into  the  Little  Roadstead  clear  of  Tasse 
Shoal,  and  a  vessel  by  standing  on  for  the  middle  of  the  town  may 
anchor  as  convenient,  or  proceed  into  any  of  the  artificial  harbors. 
Naval  vessels  usually  take  up  moorings  off  the  arsenal,  which  are  at- 
tached to  large  white  buoys  and  readily  seen. 

Pilots  are  not  compulsory  at  Toulon;  the  usual  signal  will 
promptly  obtain  one,  vessels  being  boarded  in  the  Great  Road. 

Winds. — The  prevailing  winds  and  those  which  blow  with  the 
greatest  violence  on  this  coast  are  from  northwest  to  west,  and  ves- 
sels are  often  unable  to  carry  sail.  With  these  winds,  vessels  should 
at  once  take  advantage  of  any  convenient  anchorage. 

Barometer,  etc. — The  mean  annual  height  of  the  barometer,  as 
derived  from  nine  years'  observations,  is  29.99;  the  mean  monthly 
height  in  March,  April,  and  May  (the  lowest)  is  29.93;  in  September 
(the  highest)  30.02.  The  mean  annual  temperature  is  59.6°;  the 
mean  monthly  temperature  in  January  (the  lowest)  is  45.5° ;  in  July 
(the  highest)  74.3°.  The  average  annual  rainfall  is  27.83  inches ;  rain 
falls  on  78  days  in  the  year.  The  climate  is  said  to  be  dry  and  brac- 
ing, though  exposed  to  the  mistral. 

Escampobariou  Point  is  high,  rugged,  bold,  and  steep-to,  and 
forms  the  southwestern  extremity  of  the  peninsula  of  Giens.  The 
point  should  not  be  approached  too  closely,  as  near  it  there  are  often 
violent  squalls  off  the  land,  calms,  eddy  currents,  and  a  confused  sea. 

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134  THE   SOUTH   COAST  OF   FRANCE. 

Semaphore. — ^There  is  a  semaphore  on  the  summit  of  the  point 
420  feet  above  the  sea. 

The  Ghilf  of  Oiens,  between  Carqueyranne  and  Escampobariou 
Points  is  3  miles  deep,  in  the  form  of  a  semicircle,  and  open  to  the 
west;  it  terminates  in  a  low,  narrow  beach,  which  separates  the  sea 
from  the  ^tang  de  Giens  and  the  salt  works  of  Pesquiers,  which, 
with  the  beach  in  the  bay  of  Hy^res,  unites  the  peninsula  to  the  main. 
There  is  a  chapel  on  the  north  side  of  the  gulf.  Shallow  water  ex- 
tends nearly  1  mile  from  the  beach. 

Peninsula  and  road  of  Oiens. — ^The  peninsula  of  Giens  ex- 
tending east  and  west  3^  miles,  is  connected  to  the  main  by  a 
sandy  isthmus  2^  miles  in  length,  in  the  middle  of  which  is  the  lake 
above  mentioned. 

The  peninsula  is  high  and  uneven,  with  a  castle  on  its  summit  and 
other  buildings  in  ruins;  several  islets  and  rocks  lie  off  the  north- 
western end.  The  roadstead  of  Giens,  on  the  northwestern  side  of 
the  peninsula,  affords  shelter  from  all  but  westerly  and  southwest 
winds,  in  6  fathoms,  sand  and  weeds.  It  is  somewhat  protected  from 
the  latter  winds  by  the  islets  and  rocks  which  lie  close  off  the  north- 
western end  of  the  peninsula ;  and  vessels  anchoring  in  the  roadstead 
should  pass  outside  these  islets.  Of  the  various  points  which  form 
the  southern  coast  of  the  peninsula  the  two  most  remarkable  are 
Moi  ts  and  Terre-Rouge.  Both  are  foul,  and  between  them  is  Niel 
Bay,  in  which  is  a  small  jetty,  and  over  which  is  the  castle.  The  coast 
is  skirted  by  rocks  and  reefs.  Terre-Rouge  Point,  the  eastern  ex- 
tremity of  the  bay,  is  2J  miles  from  Escampobariou  Point. 

Salettes — ^Light. — At  Port  Salettes,  on  the  northern  side  of  the 
Gulf  of  Giens,  a  fixed  red  light  is  shown,  at  an  elevation  of  24  feet, 
from  a  metal  column  18  feet  in  height,  situated  on  the  head  of  the 
jetty. 

Telegraph  beacons. — Three  beacons,  forming  two  alignments 
indicating  a  sector  within  which  telegraph  cables  are  landed,  are 
erected  on  the  southern  side  of  the  Giens  peninsula.  The  first  align- 
ment, to  the  left  of  which  anchorage  is  prohibited,  is  formed  by  two 
beacons  painted  in  blue  and  white  horizontal  bands;  the  front  beacon, 
with  white  rectangular  topmark,  33  feet  high,  is  near  the  sea,  and  the 
rear  beacon  with  white  disc  topmark  is  situated  52  feet  290°  from 
the  front  beacon. 

The  second  alignment,  eastward  of  which  anchorage  is  prohibited, 
is  of  a  front  beacon,  surmoimted  by  a  white  triangle,  and  the  rear 
beacon  of  the  first  alignment,  situated  77  feet  343*^  from  the  front 
beacon. 

Fourmigues  Bocks,  lying  1^  miles  303°  from  Escampobariou 
Point,  are  two  black  rocks,  21  and  46  feet  high,  of  which  the  southern 
is  the  largest.    There  are  10  fathoms  water  close  to  the  southward 

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THE  SOUTH  COAST  OF  FEANCE.  135 

of  them  and  23  fathoms  between  them  and  the  islets  off  the  north- 
west face  of  the  peninsula. 

Bibaud  Islands. — ^About  i  mile  to  the  southwest  of  Terre-Bouge 
point  is  Great  Bibaud  Island,  165  feet  high,  of  a  triangular  form, 
and  about  700  yards  in  extent  northwest  and  southeast;  its  south- 
west side  is  bold  and  clear  of  danger,  but  off  its  southern  extremity 
is  a  rocky  patch  of  5  feet  water.  Between  the  island  and  Terre- 
Rouge  Point  is  Little  Bibaud  Island,  59  feet  high,  northward  of 
which  is  Bibaudon  Islet,  19  feet  high,  with  reefs,  which  form  be- 
tween them  and  those  extending  from  the  point,  a  narrow  channel 
in  which  is  a  depth  of  13  feet  about,  midway.  The  channel  between 
the  reefs  skirting  the  northern  side  of  Great  and  Little  Bibaud 
Islands  is  about  200  yards  wide,  with  16  to  19  feet  water,  and  is 
used  by  small  coasting  vessels  boimd  to  Hy^res  Boad.  The  deepest 
water  is  on  the  side  of  Little  Bibaud. 

liiglit. — ^An  occulting  white  light,  elevated  112  feet  above  the  sea 
and  visible  16  miles,  is  exhibited  from  a  white  square  turret  with 
main  building,  39  feet  high,  situated  on  Great  Bibaud  Island. 

Buoys. — ^Two  mooring  buoys,  painted  white,  are  moored  in  a  157*^ 
direction  from  the  small  islet  off  Cape  Esterel,  distant  700  yards, 
and  two  similar  buoys  in  the  southern  part  of  Hy^res  Boad  at  about 
1  mile  northward  of  the  northern  extremity  of  Porquerolles  Island. 

Cape  Esterel  and  Fradeau  Boadstead. — Cape  Esterel,  form- 
ing the  eastern  extriemity  of  Giens  Peninsula,  is  low,  and  nearly 
united  to  it  is  an  islet  of  the  same  name,  26  feet  high,  but  there  is 
no  passage  between.  On  a  narrow  projecting  point,  about  i  mile 
eastward  of  Terre-Bouge  Point,  is  Fort  Pradeau,  which  defends  the 
roadstead  of  the  same  name.  The  roadstead  is  between  the  fort  and 
cape,  and  with  off-shore  winds  affords  anchorage  in  6  or  7  fathoms, 
sand  and  weeds;  the  fort  bearing  about  275^  and  the  cape  44^  30^. 

Hydres  Boad. — ^About  7^  miles  64°  from  Cape  Esterel  is  the 
islet  and  fort  of  Br^gangon.  The  land  between  forms  a  large  bight, 
named  the  bay  or  roadstead  of  Hyferes,  3^  miles,  deep,  extending 
to  the  northwestward,  and  containing  several  anchorages. 

The  western  shore  of  the  bay  is  formed  by  the  low  sandy  isthmus 
previously  mentioned  as  joining  the  peninsula  of  Giens  to  the  main- 
land. Low,  flat  land  also  forms  the  northern  shore,  but  the  eastern 
is  hilly.  At  about  4|  miles  northward  of  Cape  Esterel  is  the  small 
Gapeau  Biver,  3  miles  283°  from  the  entrance  to  which  is  the  town  of 
Hyferes. 

The  town  of  Hydres,  situated  on  the  southern  slope  of  a  hill 
crowned  by  ruins,  commands  beautiful  and  extensive  views,  but  its 
streets  are  steep,  narrow,  crooked,  dark,  and  badly  paved;  on  the 
outskirts,  however,  are  several  hotels  and  many  pretty  villas.  On 
its  highest  part  are  the  ruins  of  an  ancient  fortress,  from  which 

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136  THE   SOUTH  COAST  OF   FBANCB. 

descend  on  either  side  the  traces  of  a  line  of  thick  walls  which  for- 
merly surrounded  the  whole  town.  It  is  said  that  Hyftres  was  for- 
merly a  seaport ;  at  present  the  plain  between  it  and  the  sea  is  covered 
with  orange  plantations,  vineyards,  and  olive  grounds.  The  town, 
contained  in  1913  a  population  of  about  21,339;  has  manufactures  of 
orange-flower  water  and  other  perfumes,  brandy,  oil,  silk  twist,  and  a 
trade  in  olives,  fruit,  salt,  and  wine.  Under  the  name  of  Arcae  it  was 
one  of  the  colonies  anciently  established  by  the  Greeks  on  the  shores 
of  the  Mediterranean ;  the  Romans  called  it  Hieros. 

The  mildness  and  drvness  of  the  air  cause  it  to  be  much  frequented 
by  invalids  in  winter. 

At  3i  miles  eastward  from  the  mouth  of  the  Gapeau  is  Argentiere 
Point,  the  commencement  of  the  high  land  on  the  eastern  shore  of 
Hyferes  Bay.  From  the  point  the  coast  trends  about  southeastward, 
forming  several  points  and  bays,  as  far  as  the  islet  and  fort  of 
Bregangon.  This  latter  part  of  the  coast  has  one  or  two  islets  near 
it  and  several  rocky  patches  about  J  mile  off. 

Port  Brfiganson. — The  islet  of  Bregangon  is  circular,  rocky,  and 
steep  on  all  sides,  and  is  connected  to  the  shore  by  a  bridge.  A  fort 
occupies  nearly  the  whole  of  the  island. 

Anchorages. — ^Hyferes  Bay  is  most  exposed  to  southeast  and 
southwest  winds,  which  send  a  heavy  sea  through  the  Great  and 
Little  Passes  and  offshore  winds  are  at  times  very  violent;  there  are, 
however,  several  good  anchorages  for  vessels  of  all  classes. 

Badine  Boad,  about  1  mile  to  the  northeastward  of  Cape  Esterel, 
affords  exceUent  shelter  from  all  westerly  winds,  in  6^  or  7  fathoms, 
sand  and  mud.  The  anchorage  takes  its  name  from  Badine  Point, 
which  is  about  J  mile  northwestward  of  the  cape. 

Between  this  anchorage  and  the  shore  there  is  a  bank  which  extends 
about  1  mile  to  the  northward  of  Badine  Point,  with  depths  of  from 
3i  to  4f  fathoms. 

Life-saving  station. — ^A  mortar  life-saving  apparatus  is  estab- 
lished at  Pasquiers. 

Torpedo  range. — ^There  is  a  torpedo  range  in  Rade  de  la  Badine, 
and  it  is  marked  thus:  A  mooring  buoy  lies  about  i  mile  north- 
eastward of  Cap  de  I'Esterel,  with  four  buoys  placed  250  yards 
northeastward,  southeastward,  southwestward,  and  northwestward 
of  it.  Four  pairs  of  buoys  lie  1,100  yards,  1  mile,  2.2  miles,  and  3.8 
miles  northward  of  the  mooring  buoy. 

Beacons. — ^Two  wall  beacons,  painted  half  white  and  half  red, 
are  situated  on  the  shore  near  La  Plage  railroad  station,  and  a  simi- 
lar beacon  at  the  entrance  to  Ruisseau  le  Roubaud,  on  Le  Ceinturon 
Beach,  about  1  mile  northeastward;  there  is  also  a  black  square 
painted  on  the  railroad  bridge  over  the  stream.     They  mark  a 


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THE  SOUTH  COAST  OF  FKANCE,  137 

measured  base  for  ascertaining  the  speed  of  torpedo  vessels;  each 
end  is  also  marked  by  a  white  buoy. 

Salines  Anchorage,  so  named  from  the  salines  which  are  a  little 
north  of  the  mouth  of  the  Gapeau  River,  is  with  northeasterly  winds 
the  best  in  the  Bay  of  Hyferes.  A  berth  will  be  found  southward 
of  the  buildings  on  the  beach  and  eastward  of  the  mouth  of  the  river, 
in  6  or  7  fathoms,  mud,  with  the  outer  Seraignet  Islet  in  range  with 
the  eastern  coast  of  PorqueroUes  Island  and  Blanche  Point  and 
Br^gan^on  fort  in  range;  moor  southwest  and  northeast.  The 
head  of  the  bay  is  surrounded  by  a  low  beach  and  marshy  land. 

Between  the  Gapeau  River  and  Fort  Bregan^on  on  the  parallel  of 
the  latter,  or  about  H  miles  from  the  shore,  is  the  anchorage  for 
large  vessels  in  from  9  to  11  fathoms,  mud  and  weeds;  or  anywhere 
between  the  meridians  of  the  Salines  and  Argentiere  Point.  Mer- 
chant vessels  anchor  about  1  mile  southward  of  the  point.  To  the 
northward  of  Gapeau  redoubt  (northeast  of  the  entrance  to  the  river) 
will  be  seen  heaps  of  salt  in  the  form  of  pyramids,  some  white  and 
others  of  a  ruddy  color. 

There  is  also  anchorage  sheltered  from  northeast  winds,  in  8  or 
9  fathoms,  about  700  yards  to  the  northwestward  of  Fort  Br^gangon. 

Port  Pothnau. — This  small  port  is  formed  by  two  jetties;  there 
are  11  feet  of  water  at  the  entrance,  with  less  water  inside;  it  is  prin- 
cipally used  for  torpedo  craft.  The  landing  place  is  at  the  piers  near 
the  salt  works,  where  there  is  a  battery. 

liight. — A  fixed  green  light  is  exhibited,  at  an  elevation  of  2«3  feet 
above  the  sea,  from  a  post  on  the  end  of  the  east  pier  at  Salines 
d'Hyeres,  or  Port  Pothuau.    Visible  3  miles.    (See  Light  List.) 

Mooring  buoys. — Several  mooring  buoys  lying  southward  of 
Port  Pothuau  are  reserved  for  naval  vessels. 

Communication. — There  is  a  branch  line  of  railroad  from  Tou- 
lon, Marseille,  and  Nice. 

Supplies. — ^Water  may  be  obtained  from  the  river.  The  French 
Government  has  a  small  platform  and  cistern  where  their  vessels 
can  obtain  water  at  all  times  when  the  river  is  dry. 

Cape  Benat. — From  the  islet  of  Bregangon  the  coast  is  moder- 
ately high,  sinuous,  and  trends  east-southeastward  to  Blanche  Point, 
at  i  mile  northeastward  of  which  is  Cape  Benat.  The  cape  is  formed 
by  two  low  points  surrounded  by  rocks  projecting  to  the  eastward 
and  southeast. 

Semaphore. — Over  the  cape  is  Mount  Fourches  with  a  sema- 
phore on  it  604  feet  above  the  sea,  and  close  to  the  cape  is  Cristaux 
Islet,  39  feet  high. 

Light. — ^A  flashing  red  light  is  exhibited,  at  an  elevation  of  198 
feet  above  the  sea,  from  a  white  masonry  tower  41  feet  high  near  the 


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138  THE   SOUTH  COAST  OF   FBANCB. 

battery  on  Blanche  Point.    The  light  is  visible  seaward  20  miles. 
(See  Light  List.) 

Measured  distance. — ^A  distance  of  6.71  miles,  for  testing  the 
speed  of  large  vessels,  is  measured  on  a  line  joining  Great  Ribaud 
Lighthouse  and  Cape  Lardier  on  a  68®  and  248®  bearing. 

The  east  end  is  marked  by  a  line  drawn  from  a  white  beacon  on 
Cristaux  Island  to  a  black  and  white  mark,  surmoimted  by  a  small 
beacon,  on  the  small  point  situated  southward  of  Esquillette  Point. 

The  west  end  is  at  a  point  where  an  iron  beacon,  surmounted  by  a 
black  ball,  situated  on  Petit  Seraignet,  is  in  range  with  a  similar 
beacon  on  le  Gros  Mur  Point. 

Batterie  des  Maures. — An  artificial  islet,  20  feet  high  and 
steep-to,  surrounded  by  depths  of  5  fathoms,  and  known  as  Batterie 
des  Maures,  has  been  constructed  of  a  block  of  concrete,  90  feet  long 
and  40  feet  broad,  and  is  used  in  connection  with  a  torpedo  range. 

It  is  situated  in  a  position  from  which  the  southern  extremity  of 
Cape  L6aube  bears  123®,  600  yards. 

Lights. — A  fixed  white  light,  elevated  41  feet  and  visible  4  miles, 
is  exhibited  from  Batterie  des  Maures. 

A  fixed  red  light,  elevated  13  feet,  is  exhibited  from  the  outer  end 
of  a  pier,  situated  on  the  northern  shore  of  the  bay,  at  a  distance  of 
1^  miles  292®  from  Batterie  des  Maures,  and  visible  2  miles. 
-  Buoys. — ^Range  buoys,  placed  in  pairs,  are  situated  at  distances 
of  220,  640,  1,080,  1,620  yards;  1.1,  1.6,  and  2.2  miles,  respectively, 
266®  45'  from  Batterie  des  Maures. 

The  buoys  in  each  pair  are  100  yards  apart. 

Kooring  buoy. — A  central  mooring  buoy  is  established  in  a  posi- 
tion 188®  from  Fort  Br^gangon,  distant  1.17  miles ;  four  other  moor- 
ing buoys  are  situated  at  a  distance  of  320  yards  44®  80',  184®  30', 
324®  30',  and  314®  30',  respectively,  from  the  central  buoy. 

Prohibited  anchorage. — ^When  torpedo  practice  is  in  progress 
a  red  flag  will  be  hoisted  at  Batterie  des  Maures  and  on  the  western 
target. buoy,  or  on  a  boat  anchored  in  the  direction  of  the  firing. 
During  the  practice  it  is  forbidden  to  stop,  fish,  or  navigate  within 
the  space  defined  by  the  undermentioned  limits. 

(a)  On  the  north,  by  a  line  drawn  from  L6aube  Islet,  in  a  267® 
direction,  to  a  black  beacon  on  the  western  shore  of  the  bay. 

(b)  On  the  south,  by  a  line  drawn  from  the  northern  Estagnol 
Islet,  in  a  270®  direction,  to  a  red  and  white  beacon  on  the  western 
shore  of  the  bay. 

(c)  On  the  west,  by  a  line  drawn  in  a  172®  direction  from  the 
southernmost  house  in  the  village  westward  of  Le  Bastidon  to  the 
Rochers  des  M^es,  Porquerolles  Island. 


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THE  SOUTH  COAST  OF  FBANCE.  139 

(d)  On  the  east,  by  a  line  drawn  from  the  chimney  situated  about 
1  mile  northward  of  Bormettes,  in  a  141*^  direction,  through  Batterie 
des  Maures. 

Trippe  Point — ^Telegraph. — A  submarine  cable  is  landed  in  the 
cove  eastward  of  this  point,  the  position  being  marked  by  two 
beacons,  painted  blue  and  white  in  horizontal  bands,  with  white  cir- 
cular topmarks.  These  beacons,  when  in  range,  bearing  about  0*^ 
(north),  lead  eastward  of  the  line  of  cable. 

Cape  B6nat — Telegraph  beacons. — Two  alignments  of  beacons 
indicating  a  sector  within  which  telegraph  cables  are  landed  have 
been  established  at  Cape  B^nat  (Bale  de  la  Trippe).  The  first  align- 
ment, 320°,  to  the  left  of  which  it  is  forbidden  to  anchor,  is  formed 
by  two  beacons  painted  in  blue  and  white  horizontal  bands ;  the  front 
beacon,  with  white  rectangular  topmark,  26  feet  high,  stands  on  the 
beach ;  the  rear  beacon,  with  white  round  topmark,  is  situated  about 
30  feet  320°  from  the  front  beacon. 

The  second  alignment,  14°,  to  the  right  of  which  anchorage  is 
prohibited,  is  formed  by  the  rear  beacon  of  the  first  alignment,  and  a 
front  beacon,  with  white  triangular  topmark,  situated  194°,  36  feet 
from  the  rear  beacon. 

Hydres  Islands — Gun-practice  areas;  signals,  etc. 

Ghin-practice  areas. — Gun  practice  by  naval  vessels  in  the  vi- 
cinity of  the  Hyferes  Islands  will  be  carried  out  within  two  areas,  the 
limits  of  which  are  described  below : 

1.  Western  area: 

(a)  On  the  north,  by  the  coast  comprised  between  Port  Pothuav 
and  Cape  B6nat. 

(i)  On  the  east,  by  the  meridian  of  Cape-Bfinat. 

(c)  On  the  west,  north  of  PorqueroUes,  by  a  line  joining  Cape 
d'Arme  Lighthouse  with  Port  Pothuav  Lighthouse;  south  of  Por- 
queroUes, by  the  meridian  of  6°  10'  E. 
.     (d)  On  the  south,  by  the  parallel  of  42°  55'  N. 

2.  Eastern  area: 

(a)  On  the  north,  by  the  coast  comprised  between  Cape  N^gret  and 
Cape  Camaret. 

(6)  On  the  east,  by  the  meridian  of  Cape  Camaret. 

(c)  On  the  west,  by  the  meridian  of  Cape  N^gret. 

(d)  On  the  south,  by  the  parallel  of  Titan  Lighthouse. 
Sig^nalSy  etc. — By  day. — Gun  practice  with  shell,  in  either  of  the 

above-mentioned  areas,  will  be  indicated,  by  day,  by  a  red  square  flag 
hoisted  at  the  masthead  of  the  Commercial  signal  mast  at  Porque- 
roUes, Giens,  Titan,  and  Cape  Benat  signal  stations.  The  flag  will 
be  hoisted  half  an  hour  before  the  commencement  of  the  practice,  and 
will  remain  flying  until  its  conclusion.  This  flag  is  also  hoisted  on 
Cape  des  Medes. 


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140  THE  SOUTH   COAST  OF   FBANCE. 

Vessels  should  avoid  passing  through  either  of  the  areas  defined 
above  whil6  gun  practice  is  in  progress  and  in  every  case  must  obey 
the  orders  received  from  the  gunboats  patrolling  the  danger  zone. 

By  night. — No  signal  is  made,  by  night,  from  the  signal  stations  to 
indicate  that  gun  practice  is  in  progress,  but  the  vessels  firing  will 
each  carry,  in  addition  to  the  usual  navigational  lights,  a  red  light  at 
the  masthead. 

The  targets  will  not  be  marked  by  any  light,  and  they  may  be 
anchored,  drifting,  or  in  tow ;  in  the  last  case  the  tug  will  carry  the 
regulation  navigational  lights;  the  tow  rope  may  be  over  1  mile  in 
length. 

Should  a  vessel,  not  noticing  the  searchlights  of  the  naval  vessels, 
inadvertently  enter  either  of  the  above-mentioned  areas  while  firing . 
is  in  progress,  she  should  pass  at  least  3  miles  astern  of  the  tug  tow- 
ing the  targets. 

The  last  vessel  firing  will  signal  the  conclusion  of  the  practice  by 
the  discharge  of  four  red  rockets  singly  at  intervals  of  20  seconds, 
followed  2  minutes  later  by  a  sheaf  of  white  rockets. 

When  gun  practice  is  being  carried  out  from  Levant  Island,.the  red 
flag  will  be  hoisted  at  the  signal  stations  mentioned  above. 

The  HySres  Islands  are  six  in  number,  including  Great  and 
Little  Kibaud,  already  mentioned;  eastward  of  these  are  Porque- 
rolles,  Bagau,  Port-Cros,  and  Levant.  They  extend  nearly  east  and 
west  in  front  of  Bay  of  Hyferes  and  to  some  extent  shelter  it  from 
the  southward. 

PorqueroUes  Island^  4  miles  in  length,  east  and  west,  and  about 
1  mile  in  breadth,  is  of  an  irregular  form  and  503  feet  high,  rugged 
and  bold  on  the  south  and  east;  it  is  almost  entirely  covered  with 
woods  of  pine  and  oak.  It  is  IJ  miles  from  the  peninsula  of  Giens, 
and  between  the  islets  off  its  western  end  and  Great  Ribaud  Island  is 
the  Petite  or  Little  Pass,  about  |  mile  wide,  with  from  11  to  20 
fathoms  water.  Grand  Langoustier  Point,  the  westei'n  extremity  of 
the  island,  is  low,  with  a  fort  on  it;  a  chain  of  islets  and  reefs  extends 
about  J  mile  northward  of  the  point,  on  the  extremity  of  which  is  a 
red  and  white  horizontal  striped  beacon  surmounted  by  a  topmark 
consisting  of  two  reversed  cones,  28  feet  high.  A  fort  is  situated  on 
the  next  rock  toward  the  shore.  In  steering  through  the  Little  Pass 
keep  in  mid-channel ;  if  working  through  give  a  berth  to  the  dangers 
on  either  side. 

Soads. — The  roads  in  the  island  are  all  military  roads  and  in 
good  condition.    The  water  supply  of  the  island  is  bad. 

The  basse  Langoustier^  a  ^oal  of  5|  fathoms,  and  on  which 
the  sea  breaks  with  winds  from  the  offing,  lies  500  yards  272°  from 
Langoustier  Point. 


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THE  SOUTH  COAST  OF  FKANCB.  141 

Semaphore. — ^There  is  a  semaphore  on  the  summit  of  Porque- 
roUes  Island. 

Badio. — An  experimental  radio  station  has  also  been  established, 
open  only  in  cases  of  distress.  The  call  letters  for  the  radio  station 
are  F  F  P. 

Light. — ^A  group  flashing  white  light  is  exhibited  262  feet  above 
the  sea  from  a  square  white  tower  on  the  high  land  ^  mile  eastward 
of  Cape  d'Arme,  southern  side  of  Porquerolles.  The  light  is  visible 
28  miles.     (For  limits  of  visibility  see  Light  List  and  chart.) 

Ores  and  Petit  Seraignet  Islets. — About  2^  miles  eastward  of 
the  lighthouse  is  the  islet  of  Gros  Seraignet,  only  a  short  distance 
from  the  coa^,  the  passage  between  being  only  fit  for  boats.  One- 
quarter  mile  southeastward  of  Gros  Seraignet  is  Petit  Seraignet. 
The  two  islets  are  high  and  bold,  with  rocks  around  them,  and  in 
the  middle  of  the  channel  between  them  there  are  5^  fathoms  water. 
Vessels  should  pass  a  prudent  distance  outside  them. 

Bochers  des  Hddes. — From  Gros  Seraignet  Islet  the  coast  of 
Porquerolles,  which  is  high,  rugged,  and  bold,  trends  to  the  north- 
ward to  Cape  de  MMes,  the  northern  extremity  of  the  island.  About 
200  yards  northward  of  the  cape  are  three  high  rocks  of  the  same 
name,  with  a  reef  extending  from  them ;  the  channels  between  are 
us^d  by  fishing  boats. 

Beacons. — Two  black  beacons,  each  surmounted  by  a  sphere, 
stand,  one  on  Petit  Sarranier,  and  the  other  on  Pointe  le  Gros 
Mourre,  on  the  coast  IJ  miles  to  the  northward;  the  beacons  marked 
ftn  old  measured  distance. 

Anchorage. — ^The  north  coast  of  Porquerolles  is  lower  than  the 
south,  and  forms  two  rather  deep  bays  with  beaches,  separated  by  le 
Quin  Point.  East  of  le  Quin  Point  is  Fort  Alicastre,  and  at  the 
head  of  the  west  bay  is  a  castle  and  village.  Both  bays  are  fre- 
quented by  coasters  for  shelter  from  southerly  winds;  but  the, larger 
and  most  convenient  is  the  western,  anchoring  northward  of  the 
castle,  about  600  yards  from  the  shore  in  4  fathoms  water.  Large 
vessels  anchor  in  &J  or  7  fathoms,  sand  and  mud,  with  the  castle  about 
185°  and  the  Mddes  Rocks  in  range  with  Cape  B^nat. 

Light. — ^A  fixed  red  light,  elevated  20  feet  above  the  sea,  is  exhib- 
ited from  a  pole  over  a  shed  on  the  pier  end  in  Porquerolles  Road. 
Visible  3  miles.     (See  Light  List.) 

Buoys — ^Wreck. — ^A  white  mooring  buoy  lies  about  200  yards 
northward  of  the  northern  Rocher  des  Mfedes,  Two  white  buoys  lie 
about  1  mile  north-northwestward  of  the  northern  Rocher  des  Mfedes, 
and  about  200  yards  southward  of  them  is  a  wreck. 


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142  THE  SOUTH  COAST  OF  FBANCE. 

Caution. — Gun-firing,  see  page  37. 

A  white  buoy  is  moored  about  100  yards  northward  of  Bon 
Kenaud  Point  and  another  white  buoy  i  mile  westward  of  Le  Quin 
Point. 

Idfe-saving  station. — ^A  gun  life-saving  apparatus  is  estab- 
lished at  PorqueroUes. 

Bagau  Island. — ^About  4^  miles  185"^  from  Cape  B6nat,  on  the 
main,  is  the  northern  end  of  Bagau  Island.  This  island  is  J  mile 
in  length  north  and  south,  i  mile  in  breadth,  167  feet  high,  and  is 
4|  miles  84°  degrees  from  the  southeastern  point  of  PorqueroUes. 
There  are  fortifications  on  the  island. 

Oxande  Passe. — Between  the  two  is  the  Grande  or  Great  Pass  of 
the  Hy^res  Islands.  In  the  middle  of  the  passage  there  are  from 
25  to  45  fathoms  water  and  close  to  Bagau  8  to  10  fathoms.  A  small 
rocky  bank  of  11  fathoms,  sfeche  du  Milieu,  lies  IJ  miles  106®  from 
Petit  Seraignet.  The  channel  being  broad  and  clear,  with  the  ex- 
ception of  the  Seraignet  Islets  near  PorqueroUes,  there  is  no  diffi- 
culty in  its  navigation  by  night  or  day. 

Great  Pass — ^Target-mooring  buoys. — ^Target-mooring  buoys 
are  moored  in  the  following  positions  in  the  Great  Pass:  At  dis- 
tances of  2,050,  2,250,  2,800,  and  3,020  yards  94^,  respectively,  from 
Gal&re  Point,  PorqueroUes  Island. 

Port  Cros  Island  lies  J  mile  to  the  southeastward  of  the  south- 
em  end  of  Bagua  Island.  Malalongue  Point  is  the  western  extremity 
of  Port  Cros  Island.  This  island,  the  highest  of  the  Hyferes,  is 
about  2i  miles  in  length  east  and  west,  1.3  miles  in  breadth,  rugged 
and  of  irregular  form,  its  highest  part  being  to  the  southeastward, 
where  it  is  678  feet  above  the  sea.  The  northern  point  is  named 
Gal6re  and  the  eastern  Port-Man;  the  latter  has  two  little  islets 
off  it,  which  nearly  join.  At  400  yards  off  the  southern  side  is 
Gabini^re  Islet,  rugged  and  206  feet  high,  with  12  fathoms  between 
it  and  Port  Cros. 

Port  Cros  Cove,  on  the  northwestern  side  of  the  island,  is  about 
400  yards  wide  at  the  mouth  and  the  same  deep,  having  a  viUage 
and  an  old  fortified  castle  on  its  northeastern  shore.  Above  the 
viUage  are  the  two  forts  Estissac  and  Eminence,  the  latter  433  feet 
high.  The  anchorage  off  the  cove  is  in  from  9  to  14  fathoms,  sand 
nnd  mud.  In  entering  with  easterly  winds  vessels  should  be  pre- 
pared for  squaUs  and  eddies  from  off  the  land. 

The  soundings  decrease  graduaUy  to  the  head  of  the  cove,  where 
there  is  a  bank  of  soft  mud,  on  which  a  vessel  can  ground  without 
danger.  Water  can  be  had  from  weUs  dug  on  the  beach,  but  there 
are  no  other  resources. 

Anchorage. — ^The  anchorage  of  Port  Cros  affords  exceUent  shel- 
ter, excepting  with  winds  from  the  northeast  or  southwest,  and  is 
accessible  to  large  vessels.    It  is  formed  by  the  eastern  sLde  of  Bagau 

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THE  SOUTH  COAST  OF  FRANCE.  143 

Jdand  and  the  western  side  of  Port  Cros,  The  northeast  entrance  is 
1,400  yards  wide;  the  southwestern  entrance  is  somewhat  less  than 
400  yards,  being  narrowed  by  rocks  off  the  points  on  either  side. 
This  latter  channel  can  be  taken  with  favorable  winds  by  keeping 
in  mid-channel,  where  there  are  11  fathoms  water. 

Telegraph  cable  beacons. — A  submarine  cable  is  landed  in 
the  cove  southward  of  Bascas  Rock,  the  position  being  marked  by 
two  beacons,  painted  blue  and  white  in  horizontal  bands,  with  cir- 
cular white  topmarks. 

These  beacons,  when  in  range  bearing  150°,  indicate  the  direction 
of  the  cable.    Anchorage  near  this  line  is  prohibited. 

Port  Man^  at  the  northeastern  end  of  the  island,  is  larger  than 
the  above  cove,  being  500  yards  wid^  at  the  entrance  and  800  yards 
deep,  with  14  fathoms  water  at  the  entrance,  shoaling  to  2  fathoms 
near  the  beach  at  its  head.  It  shelters  from  the  northwest  round 
south  to  southeast,  but  it  is  difficult  for  a  sailing  vessel  to  enter  with 
southerly  winds,  in  consequence  of  squalls  from  off  the  high  land; 
with  northwest  winds  it  is  easy  of  access,  as  the  coast  is  clear  and 
bold.  The  anchorage  is  in  3  or  4  fathoms.  On  the  northeast  islet,  on 
the  eastern  side  of  the  entrance,  is  a  fort  in  ruins;  there  are  no  in- 
habitants or  any  resources. 

Between  the  northern  extremity  of  the  island.  Galore  Point,  and 
the  east  point  of  entrance  to  Port  Cros,  Moulin  Point,  the  coast  is 
bold  and  clear.  Bascas  Islet,  low  and  black,  is  connected  to  the  coast 
by  a  reef,  forming  a  small  calangue  (bay)  open  to  the  westward. 

Levant  Island. — ^A  little  more  than  i  mile  eastward  of  Port  Cros 
Island  is  the  western  end  of  Levant  Island.  The  island  is  4^  miles  in 
length  50^  and  230^,  about  f  mile  in  breadth,  457  feet  high,  and 
irregular  in  form ;  its  southwestern  point  is  named  Maupertuis,  and 
the  northeastern  Calerousse.  The  island  was  formerly  used  as  a  peni- 
tentiary for  boys. 

Passe  des  Grottes. — Northward  of  Maupertuis  Point  is  Bousse 
Point,  the  intermediate  coast  being  high  and  bold,  and  with  the  oppo- 
site shore  of  Port  Cros  forms  the  Passe  des  Grottes.  The  passage  is 
obstructed  by  a  rocky  shoal,  awash,  named  Chenal  Bank;  its  shoalest 
part  (la  Dame  Bock)  is  marked  by  a  black  stone  beacon,  28  feet 
high,  surmounted  by  a  cylinder.  The  shoal  lies  900  yards  south- 
ward of  the  fort  of  Port  Man  and  300  yards  from  the  coast  of  Port 
Cros;  it  is  steep-to.  Vessels  taking  this  channel,  which  should  only 
be  done  with  a  fair  wind,  should  keep  toward  the  coast  of  Levant 
Island,  which  is  bold  and  clear  of  danger. 

From  Bousse  Point  the  land  trends  eastward  and  northeastward 
to  Castelas  Point;  the  intermediate  coast  forms  a  bay,  which  is  only 
convenient  for  small  vessels  with  off-shore  winds,  anchoring  very 
near  the  land  in  from  6  to  8  fathoms  water.  The  whole  of  the  north- 
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144  THE  SOUTH  COAST  OF  FEANCB. 

western  side  of  the  island  is  bold  and  clear  of  danger,  except  a  reef 
extending  from  the  central  point  of  the  bay. 

At  800  yards  southward  of  Calerousse  Point  is  a  lighthouse,  and  to 
the  south  westward  is  Eeste  Point ;  thence  the  coast  trends  westward 
and  southwestward,  forming  a  bay,  as  far  as  le  Grand  Cap.  At  the 
head  of  the  bay,  about  i  mile  westward  of  Eeste  Point,  is  a  small 
cove  named  Titan,  used  by  fishing  boats.  A  tower  stands  on  the 
eastern  point  of  entrance,  and  about  i  mile  southward  is  a  bank, 
S6che  du  Titan,  with  7  fathoms  water  on  it  Westward  of  le  Grand 
Cap  is  Maupertuis  Point,  with  a  shoal  of  4  fathoms  close  to  it.  The 
intermediate  coast  is  high  and  bold,  with  a  deep  indentation  to  the 
northward  in  the  center. 

Titan  Light. — ^A  flashing  white  light  is  exhibited,  at  229  feet 
above  the  sea,  from  a  circular  white  stone  tower,  with  main  building 
having  a  square  tower,  all  white,  23  feet  high,  on  the  eastern  point 
of  Levant  Island.    The  light  is  visible  21  miles.     (See  Light  List.) 

Semaphore. — At  440  yards  315°  from  the  lighthouse,  elevated 
364  feet  above  the  sea,  is  a  semaphore  station. 

Esquillade  Bock  and  Beacon. — One  mile  ea^ward  of  the  light- 
house is  an  islet  or  rock  named  Esquillade,  upon  which  is  a  beacon 
tower  28  feet  high  painted  in  red  and  black  horizontal  stripes  and 
surmounted  by  a  sphere ;  and  about  200  yards  westward  of  the  tower 
is  a  shoal  with  i  fathom  water  on  it ;  between  the  two  is  a  depth  of 
11  fathoms.  At  200  yards  eastward  of  the  lighthouse  is  another 
rock,  from  which  a  reef  extends  a  short  distance  to  the  northeast 
Between  this  rock  and  the  shore  there  are  12  fathoms,  and  between  it 
and  Esquillade  25  fathoms. 

With  the  exception  of  the  dangers  above  mentioned  the  island  of 
Levant  is  steep-to;  at  less  than  1  mile  from  its  northern  coast  there 
are  100  fathoms  water,  and  the  same  about  2  miles  from  its  southern 
coast. 

Caution. — The  island  of  Levant  on  the  south,  and  Cape  B^nat  on 
the  north,  form  the  principal  passage  from  the  eastward  to  the  bay  of 
Hy&res,  which  is  about  5  miles  wide.  The  Hyferes  Islands  break  the 
sea  from  the  southward,  but  in  the  several  channels  between  them, 
there  are  strong  currents  caused  by  the  prevailing  winds;  it  is  neces- 
sary, therefore,  to  be  cautious  when  navigating  through  them,  or  in 
their  vicinity. 

Lavandou  is  a  pleasantly  situated  resort,  with  a  population  of 
about  900 ;  there  is  a  profusion  of  lavender  on  the  hills  near  it. 

Light. — The  fixed  white  light  at  Lavandou  is  shown  from  a  post 
situated  44  yards  from  the  end  of  the  pier.    (See  Light  List) 

Communication. — ^Le  Lavandou  is  on  the  Joulon,  Hyftres,  and 
St.  Raphael  Bailroad,  which  runs  for  considerable  distance  along  the 
coast 

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THE  SOUTH  COAST  OP  FRANCE.  145 

iSsquillette  Pointy  on  the  mainland  |  mile  northward  of  Cape 
B6nat,  is  low  and  projects  eastward ;  a  ledge  of  rocks,  of  which  some 
are  covered  and  others  above  water,  extends  nearly  400  yards  from 
the  point. 

Bormes  Bead. — ^From  Esquillette  Point  the  coast  trends  north- 
ward to  the  village  of  Lavandou,  thence  eastward  to  Nervio  Point 
and  forms  two  bays  with  sandy  beaches.  The  anchorage  off  these 
bays  is  named  Bormes  Boad,  from  the  town  of  that  name  on  rising 
ground  1^  miles  inland.  Bormes  is  rendered  conspicuous  by  its 
churches  and  mills;  a  popidation  of  about  2,000. 

Light. — ^A  small  fixed  white  light  is  shown  at  Lavandou,  from 
the  end  of  the  pier. 

Should  this  light  not  be  exhibited  owing  to  bad  weather  a  fixed  red 
Hght  will  be  shown  from  the  beach  westward  of  Lavandou.  (See 
Light  List.) 

Iilf  e-saving  station. — ^There  is  a  life-saving  station  at  Lavandou. 

Mark. — ^There  is  a  white  mark  on  Pointe  du  Nard  Viou,  used  in 
connection  with  a  measured  mile. 

Gouron  Bank. — One  mile  southward  of  Nervio  Point  is  the 
center  of  a  rocky  bank  about  600  yards  in  extent  north  and  south,  on 
which  are  from  6  to  9  fathoms  water.  Elsewhere  the  bottom  is  sand, 
shells  and  patches  of  weeds,  with  from  5  to  6  fathoms  at  400  yards 
from  the  shore. 

Fourmigue  Islet,  If  miles  61''  from  Cape  B6nat,  and  about  2^ 
miles  146^  from  the  village  of  Lavandou,  is  a  round-pointed  islet 
13  feet  high  and  only  150  feet  across,  surrounded  by  sunken  rod^. 
Between  it  and  Esquillette  Point,  a  distance  of  1^  miles,  there  are 
from  16  to  23  fathoms. 

Beacon. — ^A  beacon,  used  in  connection  with  a  measured  distance, 
stands  on  the  rock. 

Anchorage. — Bormes  Road  is  exposed  to  southeast  winds,  and 
the  holding  ground  is  indifferent;  the  better  anchorage  is  off  the 
coast  between  Lavandou  and  Nervio  Point,  about  600  yards  from 
the  shore  in  9  or  10  fathoms,  sand  and  mud. 

To  the  northeastward  of  Lavandou  is  a  small  bay  with  a  beach 
about  i  mile  wide,  where  coasting  vessels  anchor  with  offshore  winds 
in  8  or  9  fathoms,  sand.  An  Lslet  and  some  rocks  lie  off  the  southern 
point  at  about  400  yards  from  the  shore. 

Cape  N6gret. — ^The  cape  is  high,  black,  projecting  to  the  south, 
and  steep  on  the  east  side;  the  coast  to  the  westward  is  high,  form- 
ing small  bays  with  beaches.  Layet  Point,  the  next  westward  of 
Cape  N^gret,  is  foul,  and  in  the  bay  westward  of  the  point  rocks 
extend  nearly  400  yards  from  the  shore.  The  cape  is  bold  and  clear 
of  danger. 

68850—17 ^10 

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146  THE  SOUTH  COAST  OF  FBANOE. 

Coast. — From  Cape  Nfigret  to  Cape  Cavalaire  the  coast  forms  the 
foot  of  a  chain  of  steep  hills,  remarkable  for  the  dark  color  given  to 
them  by  the  pines  by  which  they  are  covered;  they  present  a  succes- 
sion of  points  of  red  color,  which  can  be  approached  at  a  distance  of 
i  mile.  The  only  dangers  are  a  reef  which  extends  400  yards  south- 
ward from  Datier  Point  and  Malpague  Rock,  134°  30'  from  a  ruined 
tower  of  the  same  name,  and  300  yards  from  the  coast;  it  is  steep-to. 
There  is  no  anchorage  along  this  part. 

Cape  Cavalaire  is  of  a  dark  color,  moderately  high  at  its  south 
part,  and  low  to  the  northeast;  on  it  is  an  old  windmill  tower  and 
the  ruins  of  a  guard  house.  The  cape  is  skirted  with  rocks,  but  they 
are  near  the  land. 

Cavalaire  Bay — ^Anchorage. — ^To  the  northeastward  of  the 
cape  is  Cavalaire  Bay  with  a  narrow  beach  off  which  there  is 
anchorage  sheltered  from  westerly  winds.  There  is  anchorage  along 
the  whole  length  of  the  beach  for  nearly  2  miles,  but  that  generally 
used  is  to  the  northeastward  of  the  tower  in  about  8  fathoms,  with 
Titan  lighthouse  open  of  the  northeastern  point  of  Cavalaire  (the 
]>oint  with  the  old  mill  on  it).  A  jetty  327  feet  long,  with  a  breadth 
of  31  feet,  has  been  built  in  a  2°  direction  from  the  rocks  awash  under 
the  town  on  Cape  Cavalaire ;  there  is  a  depth  of  13f  feet  at  its  ex- 
tremity. The  beach  at  the  anchorage  is  backed  by  a  mass  of  elevated 
land,  of  a  dark  color,  from  its  being  planted  with  pine  trees.  Several 
small  streams  run  into  the  bay,  and  the  coast  is  skirted  by  rocks.  At  2 
miles  303°  from  the  anchorage  the  mountains  are  1,719  feet  above  the 
sea,  and  form  part  of  a  chain  extending  westward  and  sloping  to  the 
sea. 

Life-saving  station. — A  rocket  apparatus  is  stationed  at  Cava- 
laire customhouse,  where  there  is  also  an  establishment  for  afford- 
ing aid  to  shipwrecked  mariners. 

Cape  Lardier^  the  eastern  extremity  of  Cavalaire  Bay,  is  276  feet 
high,  rugged  and  white,  projecting  to  the  southward,  and  is  skirted 
with  rocks,  one  of  which  is  remarkable  from  its  size  and  shape. 
About  100  yards  southward  of  the  rock  is  a  shoal  with  i  fathom  water 
on  it;  and  300  yards  202°  from  the  cape  is  a  patch  of  5^  fathoms. 
A  sunken  rock  of  small  extent,  with  a  least  depth  of  19  feet,  lies  with 
Cape  Lardier  bearing  297°  distant  1,200  yards. 

Life-saving  station. — There  is  a  life-saving  station  at  Cape 
Lardier. 

Cape  TaiUaty  200  feet  high,  with  a  whitish  base,  is  the  extremity 
of  a  small  steep  rugged  peninsula  and  close  off  it  is  a  small  islet.  The 
peninsula  is  connected  to  the  main  by  a  sandy  isthmus,  and  the  shore 
between  the  two  capes  forms  a  bay,  which  is  skirted  here  and  there 
by  rocks. 

Rocks  extend  from  200  to  600  yards  33°  from  Cape  Taillat. 


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THE  SOUTH  COAST  OP  FRANCE.  147 

Measured  distances. — Distances  for  ascertaining  the  speed  of 
steamers  have  been  measured  and  marked,  thus:  The  running 
marks  are,  on  the  west,  the  beacon  on  the  west  summit  of  lie  Por- 
querolles  in  line  with  the  white  watch-house  on  Batterie  des  MMes, 
and,  on  the  east,  the  beacon  on  the  summit  of  Cape  Taillat  in  range 
with  the  white  wall  on  the  southern  fall  of  Cape  Lardier,  64**  and 
244°.  The  western  limit  is  La  Tour  du  Chateau  Koy  in  range  with 
the  beacon  on  a  rock  between  lie  Br^ganQon  and  the  land. 

The  eastern  limit  is  the  white  wall,  on  the  side  of  the  moimtain 
westward  of  Baie  de  Cavalaire,  in  line  with  the  white  wall  on  Cape 
Cavalaire. 

The  length  of  the  distance  is  21,498  yards. 

The  distance  between  the  western  limit  and  a  line  from  Pointe  du 
Nard  Viou  through  the  beacon  on  Rocher  de  la  Fourmigue  is 
7,115  yards. 

The  distance  between  the  western  limit  and  a  line  from  the  beacon 
in  a  field  on  the  north  shore  of  Baie  de  Cavali&re  through  the  beacon 
on  Cape  Negret  is  11,670  yards. 

Cape  Camarat  slopes  gently  from  a  hill  360  feet  high  covered 
with  vegetation,  terminating  in  a  low  point  of  reddish  color.  The 
coast  from  Cape  Taillat  forms  a  bight,  and  nearly  midway  is  the 
Escudelier  Rock  about  16  feet  above  the  sea  and  almost  joining  the 
land.  One-third  mile  eastward  of  the  rock  is  the  Cassin  Shoal  with 
5  feet  water  on  it.  Close  to  the  cape  is  Portes  Rock,  39  feet  high, 
and  others  extend  off  nearly  J  mile,  the  outer  (Fouras  Rock)  being 
16  feet  above  water,  Mount  Paillas,  elevated  1,083  feet,  with  an  old 
tower  on  its  smnmit,  lies  3J  miles  290°  from  the  cape. 

Currents. — The  currents  of  the  coast  between  Cape  Camarat  and 
Cape  d'Antibes  are  very  variable  and  appear  to  depend  on  the  wind ; 
they  are  generally  weak,  with  a  rate  of  less  than  1  knot. 

Anchorage. — There  is  anchorage  with  northwest  winds,  which 
are  at  times  heavy  squalls,  between  Cape  Taillat  and  Escudelier  Rock 
(named  Bon-Pore),  in  10  to  12  fathoms,  sand  and  mud,  and  to  the 
south  westward  of  the  cape,  off  a  sandy  beach;  the  former  is  pref- 
erable. It  is,  however,  necessary  to  be  cautious,  to  prevent  being  sur- 
prised here  with  winds  from  seaward. 

Water  may  be  obtained  near  the  customhouse. 

Light. — A  group  flashing  white  light  is  exhibited,  at  429  feet 
above  the  sea,  from  a  white  square  lighthouse,  situated  on  Cape 
Camarat.    The  light  is  visible  28  miles. 

Semaphore. — The  semaphore  is  situated  32  yards  134°  from 
the  lighthouse.    (See  Light  List.) 

Iilf e-saving  station. — There  is  a  life-saving  station  at  Camarat. 

Pampelanne  Bay. — From  Cape  Camarat  the  coast  trends  to  the 
northward,  curving  slightly  westward,  and  forming  the  bay  of  Pam- 

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148  THE  SOUTH  COAST  OF  FRANOB. 

pelanne,  with  a  beach  2  miles  in  extent,  off  which  there  is  anchorage 
with  westerly  winds.  Near  the  southern  end  of  the  beach  is  Bonne 
Terrasse  Point,  56  feet  high,  with  a  coastguard  house  on  it;  the 
northern  end  terminates  near  Pinet  Point. 

Anchorage. — ^The  anchorage  generally  used  is  1,000  or  1,200 
yards  to  the  northeastward  of  the  former  point,  in  10  or  11  fathoms, 
fine  sand  with  patches  of  weed,  and  good  holding  ground.  It  is  pref- 
erable to  the  anchorage  of  Bon-porte,  as  in  the  event  of  winds  from 
seaward  there  is  more  room  to  clear  the  land ;  Vessels  should  always 
be  ready  to  leave. 

Water  may  be  obtained  from  a  little  covered  spring  near  the 
customhouse,  but  it  is  sometimes  dry  in  summer. 

Beacon. — A  truncated  cone-shaped  beacon  made  of  lathwork 
stands  on  Cape  Taillat. 

Cape  St.  Tropez. — At  the  northern  end  of  Pampelanne  Beach 
the  coast  rises  in  wooded  hills  of  moderate  elevation  and  terminates 
in  cliffs  as  far  as  Capon  Point,  when  it  descends  to  a  small  sandy 
beach,  and  rises  again  at  Cape  St.  Tropez,  the  eastern  extremity  of 
a  peninsula  forming  the  southern  side  of  the  Gulf  of  St.  Tropez. 

Basses  de  la  Moutte — ^Beacon. — Close  off  the  cape  is  a  small  low 
islet  covered  with  vegetation  named  La  Moutte,  and  1,200  yards  53® 
from  it  is  a  beacon  tower,  25  feet  high,  colored  black,  surmounted 
by  a  cylinder. 

A  rock  with  2  fathoms  on  it  has  been  found  180  yards  52°  from 
this  tower. 

From  la  Moutte  Islet  shallow  water  extends  nearly  1  mile  56°  and 
is  the  principal  danger  on  the  southern  side  of  the  entrance  to  the 
Gidf  of  St.  Tropez.  The  lighthouse  on  Cape  Camarat,  bearing  west- 
ward 213°  and  about  6°  open  of  the  Teste  de  Can  Rocks,  leads  east- 
ward of  this  danger. 

Teste  de  Can,  a  group  of  rocks  nearly  1,400  yards  southward  of 
la  Moutte  Islet  are  nearly  the  same  distance  from  the  shore;  there 
is  no  passage  between  them  and  the  shore  unless  by  those  locally 
acquainted. 

There  are  other  off-lying  rocky  shoals  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Teste 
de  Can  on  which  the  sea  breaks  with  easterly  gales.  The  outer- 
most is  le  Verhuge,  with  8  fathoms  water  on  it,  nearly  If  miles  95° 
from  the  Teste  de  Can. 

Nearly  |  mile  241°  of  le  Verhuge  is  another  shoal  of  5^  fathoms, 
and  303°  of  the  latter  is  a  patch  of  4jt  fathoms. 

Clearing  mark. — To  avoid  these  shoals,  keep  Titan  Lighthouse 
on  Levant  Island  open  of  Cape  Taillat  and  the  Portes  Rock  at  the 
foot  of  Cape  Camarat  imtil  the  mountain  of  St.  Pierre  is  open  north- 
ward of  Rabiou  Point. 


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THE  SOUTH  COAST  OP  PBANOE.  149 

Ay  Bock,  distant  nearly  f  mile  303°  from  La  Moutte,  and  about 
700  yards  from  the  shore,  is  awash. 

Babiou  Shoal,  i  mile  326**  from  Ay  Bock,  and  about  800  yards 
33°  from  Babiou  Point,  has  2  fathoms  water  on  it.  To  avoid  it  keep 
la  Moutte  Islet  open  eastward  of  Ay  Bock  until  the  town  of  St. 
Tropez  appears  northward  of  the  land  on  which  the  citadel  stands. 

Beacon. — A  black  stone  tower,  38  feet  high,  surmoimted  by  a 
cylinder,  is  erected  on  the  shoal. 

Caution. — Vessels  roimding  Cape  St.  Tropez  with  strong  winds 
from  the  eastward  should  give  it  a  berth  of  about  3  miles. 

Gxilf  of  St.  Tropez. — ^This  gulf  is  4  miles  deep  in  a  we^sterly 
direction  and  somewhat  more  than  2  miles  wide  at  its  entrance,  which 
is  formed  by  Eabiou  and  Sardini^res  Points.  The  gulf  is  1  mile 
wide  at  its  head,  and  there  the  land  is  low  and  marshy,  fronted  by 
a  sandy  beach.  The  northern  shore  is  backed  by  the  lofty  range  of 
Mount  St.  Pierre, 'which  slopes  down  to  the  town  of  St.  Maxime; 
a  river  enters  the  sea  at  the  foot  of  the  range  a  short  distance  west- 
ward of  the  town. 

At  900  yards  westward  of  Eabiou  Point  is  the  battery  and  point  of 
St  Pierre;  thence  the  shore  trends  southward  a  long  ^  mile  and 
forms  the  Bay  of  Canoubife. 

Port  St.  Tropez.— The  small  port  of  St.  Tropez  is  about  44  yards 
wide  at  entrance  and  formed  by  two  moles  inclosing  an  area  of  about 
250  by  200  yards,  with  12  to  16  feet  water.  The  North  Mole  is  350 
yards  long,  with  from  15  to  19  feet  of  water  near  its  head ;  the  West 
Mole  is  low  and  covered  with  a  building  yard.  The  port  will  not 
receive  vessels  of  more  than  13  feet  draft  of  water. 

The  town,  which  occupies  the  site  of  ancient  Heraclea,  faces  the 
head  of  the  gulf  and  contains  a  population  of  about  3,500,  who  are 
chiefly  engaged  in  tunny  and  other  fisheries.  In  addition  to  the 
citadel  the  port  is  defended  by  two  large  towers,  one  at  the  north 
end  of  the  town,  the  other  on  the  West  Mole.  In  steering  for  this 
port  or  the  anchorage  of  Moulins,  give  the  shore  of  the  citadel  and 
north  part  of  the  town  a  berth  of  about  300  yards. 

Lights. — A  fixed  red  light  is  exhibited,  at  an  elevation  of  51  feet 
above  the  sea,  from  a  white  masonry  tower  49  feet  in  height  on  the 
extremity  of  the  North  Mole  of  St.  Tropez.  The  light  is  visible 
6  miles. 

A  fixed  green  light  is  exhibited  from  an  iron  standard  at  the 
extremity  of  the  wharf  that  has  been  constructed  at  the  entrance  of 
the  port  of  St.  Tropez.  It  is  elevated  22  feet  above  high  water  and 
21  feet  above  the  wharf,  visible  2  miles.     (See  Light  List.) 

Buoys. — ^There  are  two  red  mooring  buoys  in  the  entrance  to  the 
port. 


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150  THE  SOUTH  COAST  OF   FRANCE. 

Supplies. — ^All  necessary  supplies  can  be  procured  at  St.  Tropez. 

Communication. — ^There  is  a  branch  line  to  Cogolin  which  con- 
nects at  La  Fous  with  Toulon,  Hy^res,  and  St.  Baphael  Bailroad. 

CoaL — ^About  200  tons  of  coal  are  kept  in  stock  for  local  con- 
sumption. 

life-saving  station. — ^There  is  a  life-saving  station  in  Canou- 
bi6s  Bay. 

Port  St.  Maxime. — ^The  small  port  of  St.  Maxime,  on  the  north- 
ern side  of  the  gulf,  admits  vessels  of  about  9  feet  draft.  It  is 
protected  from  the  southeast  by  a  small  mole,  and,  being  better 
sheltered  from  the  northwest  than  St.  Tropez,  is  more  frequented  by 
coasting  vessels,  as  they  are  able  to  weather  Cape  St.  Tropez  when 
bound  to  Toulon  or  Marseille  with  northeast  or  easterly  winds. 
There  are  some  mills  near  St.  Maxime  and  a  semaphore  on  a  hill  over 
it.  Bocks  and  shoal  water  extend  nearly  i  mile  100**  from  the  east- 
em  point  of  the  entrance  to  St  Maxime. 

Light. — A  fixed  green  light  is  exhibited  from  a  support  on  a  cir- 
cular white  tower,  35  feet  above  the  sea,  on  the  extremity  of  the  jetty 
at  Port  St.  Maxime.   The  light  is  visible  5  miles.    (See  Light  List.) 

Pilots. — ^There  are  no  regular  pilots,  but  the  fishermen  in  the 
gulf  are  ready  to  oflfer  their  services. 

Anchorages. — ^In  Canoubi^  Bay  there  is  anchorage  in  from  4  to 
7  fathoms,  mud  and  weeds,  400  or  600  yards  to  the  northeastward  of 
the  customhouse;  in  the  rest  of  the  bay  the  mud  is  so  soft  that 
anchors  are  likely  to  drag  with  strong  winds.  At  the  entrance  of  the 
bay  there  is  a  rocky  shoal  with  3 J  fathoms  water  on  it;  to  avoid  it 
keep  about  400  yards  from  the  western  shore  of  the  bay,  above  which 
are  four  old  windmill  towers.  A  madrague  (timny  nets)  is  moored 
off  the  bay. 

The  anchorage  of  Moulins,  about  i  mile  westward  of  the  port  of 
St.  Tropez,  is  in  from  8  to  9  fathoms,  soft  mud. 

At  the  head  of  "the  gulf  in  the  southern  comer,  and  about  1}  miles 
from  St.  Tropez,  there  is  anchorage  in  from  6  to  7  fathoms  somewhat 
protected  from  easterly  winds  by  Bertaud  Point  and  the  shallow 
water  off  it;  the  remains  of  two  old  mills  are  on  the  point,  and  about 
200  yards  to  the  southwest  is  a  building  called  the  chateau  Bertaud. 

Sardinidres  Pointy  the  northern  point  of  entrance  to  the  Gulf  of 
St  Tropez,  is  surrounded  with  rocky  shoals  which  extend  eastward 
1,300  yards,  having  no  passage  between  them  and  the  coast.  The 
outermost  rocks,  named  Les  Sardineaux,  and  s^he  k  PHuile,  are 
above  water,  about  700  yards  apart,  northeastward  and  southwest- 
ward  of  each  other;  most  of  the  others  are  covered. 

Beacons. — ^A  red  masonry  tower,  surmounted  by  a  cone,  36  feet 
high,  stands  on  Stehe  h,  l^uUe,  and  a  red  masonry  tower,  surmoimted 
by  a  cone,  26  feet  high,  stands  on  Les  Sardinaux ;  the  former  beacon 

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THE  SOUTH  COAST  OF  FBANOE.  151 

affords  shelter  for  four  people.  There  is  deep  water  close  southward 
of  S^che  k  I'Huile  Beacon,  but  shoal  water  extends  300  yards  north- 
eastward of  Lies  Sardinaux  Beacon. 

Signal  station. — ^A  semaphore,  a  white  house  and  tower,  86  feet 
high,  and  441  feet  above  high  water,  stands  on  a  hill  about  1  mile 
westward  of  Pointe  des  Sardinaux. 

Currents. — ^The  current  sets  out  of  the  gulf  after  easterly  winds, 
and  into  it  after  northwesterly  winds,  at  a  rate  rarely  above  1  knot. 

Gxilf  of  Fr6jus. — From  Sardini&res  Point  the  coast  trends  to  the 
northward  and  eastward  to  Alexandre  (Issambres)  Point,  which 
is  low  and  skirted  with  rocks;  there  is  a  coast-guard  house  on  it,  and 
the  land  over  the  point  is  high ;  the  coast  then  takes  a  north-north- 
east direction  to  the  point,  battery,  and  customhouse  of  St.  Egou, 
which  forms  the  western  extremity  of  the  Gulf  of  Frejus.  From  it  a 
low,  sandy  beach  with  the  outlet  of  the  small  river  Argens  continues 
in  the  same  direction  to  the  head  of  the  gulf,  and  near  the  town  of  St. 
Raphael,  whence  the  coast,  which  is  high,  trends  south-southeast  to 
Lion  Point,  the  eastern  extremity  of  the  gulf.  One  mile  inland  from 
the  head  of  the  gulf  is  the  town  of  Frejus,  and  on  the  western  side 
of  it  is  Mount  Roquebrune,  which  is  steep  on  the  western  side,  with 
a  flat  summit;  while  to  the  ea^ward  is  Mount  Esterelle  (which  forms 
three  peaks) ;  and  Capes  Drammond  and  Roux.  The  town  of  Frejus 
(ancient  Forum  Juilii)  has  a  cathedral  and  palace,  and  a  population 
of  3,135. 

Idf e-saving  station. — ^There  is  a  life-saving  station  on  Alexan- 
dre Point. 

Landmarks. — ^A  large  church  near  the  pier  of  St.  Raphael  and 
the  following  objects  are  conspicuous  when  approaching  Fr6jus  Gulf.  * 
The  Villa  Mimosas,  a  large  white  house  i  mile  to  the  southeastward 
of  the  pier;  a  house  situated  on  the  left  bank  of  the  Argens  River, 
about  J  mile  from  the  shore,  and  the  college  of  the  Maristes  at 
Balaury  Point,  1^  miles  eastward  of  Lion  Point. 

Port  St.  Raphael,  at  the  head  of  the  Gulf  of  Fr6jus,  is  formed 
by  two  moles,  one  of  which  is  236  yards  long  and  the  other  14. 

At  200  yards  213°  from  the  extremity  of  the  OuterMole  is  a  rock 
with  only  9  feet  of  water  over  it. 

There  is  a  depth  of  13  feet  in  the  port,  and  along  the  inside  of 
the  outer  part  of  the  outer  mole  is  a  trench  22  yards  wide,  with  18 
feet  water.  Fresh  northwesterly  winds  cause  a  choppy  sea  in  the 
port,  and  southerly  and  southwesterly  winds  much  surf. 

Trade.— The  trade  of  St.  Raphael  1$  very  small,  the  principal 
exports  being  bauxite;  other  articles  of  export  are  iron  ore,  timber, 
and  cork  waste.    Small  quantities  of  cork  and  coal  are  imported. 

Buoys. — ^Two  white  buoys  have  been  moored  in  the  Rade  de 
St.  Raphael  northwestward  of  Lion  de  Mer  and  south-south  westward 

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152  THE  SOUTH  COAST  OF  FBANOE. 

of  the  port.  Two  black  buoys  are  moored  in  the  Bade  de  St.  Raphael, 
southward  of  St.  Eaphael  Light,  for  the  use  of  the  Naval  Aviation 
Service. 

Light. — A  group  occulting  white  light,  elevated  30  f eeflabove  the 
sea,  and  visible  10  miles,  is  exhibited  from  a  white  iron  cylindrical 
tower,  26  feet  in  height,  on  the  end  of  the  outer  mole  at  St.  Raphael. 
In  southeriy  gales  it  may  be  impossible  to  exhibit  this  light.  (See 
Light  List.)     • 

St.  Saphael  town  is  a  winter  resort  and  bathing  place,  with  a 
population  of  about  4,250.  The  new  church,  with  a  large  dome,  is 
very  conspicuous  from  seaward.  Here  the  railroad  lines  from  Mar- 
seilles, Hy^res,  etc.,  to  Ventimiglia,  and  from  Hy&res  to  St.  Raphael 
meet,  and  the  former  line  continues  eastward  along  the  coast. 

Anchorage. — ^The  road  of  St.  Raphael  is  the  only  anchorage  in 
this  gulf,  and  though  exposed  to  the  southward  the  holding  ground  is 
good.  Merchant  vessels  anchor  in  7  or  9  fathoms  water,  300  yards 
from  the  pier  of  St.  Raphael,  and  naval  vessels  in  from  10  to  12 
fathoms,  with  the  square  steeple  of  St.  Raphael  in  range  with  the 
light  at  the  end  of  the  jetty,  or  an  old  mill  near  the  chapel  of  St. 
Raphael  and  the  church  of  St.  Sebastian,  207  feet  high,  in  line.  The 
town  is  I  mile  southeastward  of  the  river  at  the  head  of  the  gulf, 
and  between  it  and  Frejus  is  an  old  light  tower. 

The  railroad  from  Nice,  passing  through  St.  Raphael  to  Toulon, 
here  leaves  the  coast  and  runs  in  a  northwest  direction. 

Supplies. — Provisions  can  be  obtained  at  Frfijus  and  at  St. 
Raphael.  Water  can  be  taken  at  all  seasons  from  Riviere  d'Argens 
and  Ruisseau  de  la  Garonne,  which  flows  into  the  sea  immediately 
westward  of  the  north  mole,  but  the  town  and  port  are  now  supplied 
directly  by  Canal  de  la  Siagnole ;  there  is  a  water  pipe  on  the  end  of 
the  outer  mole. 

Life-saving  station. — ^A  rocket  apparatus  is  stationed  at  St. 
Raphael  customhouse. 

The  shore  from  Port  de  St.  Raphael  trends  southeastward  a 
little  more  than  one  mile  to  Pointe  des  Lions;  it  is  bordered  by  rocks, 
and  the  5-f  athom  curve  is  about  250  yards  off  it. 

Lion  Pointy  the  eastern  extremity  of  the  Gulf  of  Fr6jus,  is  the 
termination  of  high  land.  To  the  westward  of  the  point  are  two 
large  islets  or  rocks;  one  close  to  surrounded  by  sunken  rocks,  the 
other  (the  Lion,  39  feet  high)  is  nearly  J  mile  from  the  coast,  and 
between  them  there  is  a  depth  of  18  fathoms. 

Cape  Drammond  projects  to  the  southward,  is  482  feet  high, 
and  has  a  semaphore  signal  tower  on  it.  At  its  foot  are  several  rocks, 
and  on  the  west  is  He  d'Or  with  reefs  extending  400  yards  from  it  to 
the  southwestward.  The  coast  between  it  and  Lion  Point  is  high 
and  skirted  with  rocks. 


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THE  SOUTH  COAST  OF  FBANCE.  153 

Agay  Soady  on  the  eastern  side  of  Cape  Drammond,  is  a  narrow 
bay  1  mile  deep,  the  head  of  which  is  a  sandy  beach.  Beauraette 
Point  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  entrance  is  low,  and  surrounded  with 
rocks,  the  ledge  extending  200  yards  off.  On  the  eastern  side  of  the 
bay  is  a  castle,  and  on  the  western  side  a  coast-guard  station  and  an 
obelisk,  and  a  little  beyond  a  railroad  bridge,  the  station  being  be- 
tween it  and  a  second  railroad  bridge  of  three  arches  which  crosses 
the  small  river  Agay.  Vessels  anchor  during  northwest  winds  south- 
westward  of  the  castle  in  9  or  10  fathoms,  mud  and  weeds,  good  hold- 
iiig  ground ;  but  small  vessels  go  nearer  the  beach  in  3  or  4  fathoms. 

A  pile  pier  147  feet  long  and  14  feet  wide  has  been  constructed  on 
the  northern  shore  of  the  road;  there  is  a  depth  of  9  feet  at  its 
extremity. 

Water. — The  mouth  of  the  Agay  River  is  dry  except  during  rains ; 
water  can  always  be  obtained  from  a  well  near  the  castle  on  the  east 
side. 

Light. — ^An  occulting  red  and  white  light  is  exhibited,  at  an  ele- 
vation of  92  feet  above  high  water,  from  a  square  tower  on  main 
building  situated  on  Beaumette  Point.  It  shows  white  seaward 
through  an  arc  of  98°  between  the  bearings  of  294°  and  32°  (the  sec- 
ond bearing  leads  about  100  yards  seaward  of  the  dangers  off  Cape 
Drammond  and  the  first  leads  450  yards  southward  of  the  tower  of 
Agay  Shoal) ;  and  red  northward  of  the  first  bearing  toward  the 
shore.  The  light  is  obscured  elsewhere.  The  red  light  is  visible  6 
miles,  and  the  white  light  11  miles.  (For  sectors  see  Light  list  and 
chart.) 

Idf e-saving  station. — There  is  a  gun  life-saving  apparatus  at 
Agay. 

Ag^y  Shoal. — At  1  mile  eastward  of  Beaumette  Point,  and  near 
the  coast,  is  the  small  islet  of  Boute  with  a  flat  surface,  surrounded 
by  rocks.  At  200  yards  southward  of  the  islet  is  a  rock  resembling 
a  cask,  and  300  yards  father  out  is  Agay  Shoal,  with  less  than  1 
fathom  water,  on  which  is  a  red  beacon  tower,  25  feet  high,  sur- 
mounted by  a  cone  (la  Chr^tienne).  Between  the  islet  and  the  rock 
there  are  3^  fathoms  water,  and  between  the  rock  and  Agay  Shoal 
8  fathoms. 

The  coast. — From  Agay  Koad  the  coast,  which  is  high  and 
rugged,  and  skirted  at  a  short  distance  with  rocks,  trends  to  the 
northeastward  to  Cape  Roux,  and  from  thence  northward  to  Cape 
Aiguillon  a  distance  of  5  miles.  Cape  Roux  is  the  termination  of 
a  mountain,  which  rises  less  than  1  mile  to  the  northwestward  of  it, 
and  which  conmiands  all  the  surrounding  land.  The  mountain  is 
irregular  in  outline,  steep,  and  its  reddish  cliffs,  from  which  the  cape 
derives  its  name,  form  a  contrast  to  the  dark  forests  of  pine  around 
it;  there  is  a  small  tower  on  its  summit  1,486  feet  above  the  sea.    It 

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154  THE  SOUTH  COAST  OF  FBANOE. 

is  a  good  mark  for  this  part  of  the  coast,  as  is  also  Cape  Drammond, 
and  the  red  cliffs  of  mornes  rouges  d'Agay,  over  the  head  of  Agay 
Eoad.  The  cape  has  a  coast-guard  house  on  it  and  rocks  extend  from 
it  about  200  yards  to  the  southeastward. 

Cape  Aiguillon  is  333  feet  high  and  steep,  with  a  rock  above  water 
named  Vaquette,  lying  600  yards  to  the  southeastward  of  it.  The 
coast  between  this  latter  cape  and  Espinasse  Point,  J  mile  to  the 
northward  is  formed  of  steep  red  cliffs  820  feet  high  and  thence 
descends  rapidly  to  Aiguille  Point,  which  terminates  in  a  pyramidal 
rock,  the  western  extremity  of  the  Gulf  of  Napoule.  Kocks  extend 
about  400  yards  off,  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  latter  point. 

Anchorage. — ^There  is  anchorage  in  4  to  6  fathoms  sheltered  from 
northwest  winds  in  Figuerette  Bay  at  about  200  yards  from  the 
shore  and  600  yards  to  the  westward  of  the  southern  point  of  Cape 
Aiguillon;  from  the  anchorage  Graroupe  light  and  the  semaphore 
at  Ste.  Marguerite  would  be  masked  by  Cape  Aiguillon. 

The  Gulf  of  Napoule  is  3  miles  wide  at  the  entrance  and  2^  miles 
deep,  but  Being  open  to  the  southward  and  having  deep  water 
throughout,  is  seldom  frequented.  There  is  an  anchorage  just  within 
the  entrance  on  the  western  side,  near  the  village  of  Thfioule,  between 
Aiguille  Point  and  Kague  viaduct,  affording  shelter  from  westerly 
winds,  in  from  8  to  9  fathoms,  sand  and  mud;  also  farther  north- 
ward off  the  village  of  Napoule.  Both  anchorages  are  near  the 
shore.  The  100-fathom  curve  of  soundings  is  only  700  yards  off  the 
beach  at  the  head  of  this  gulf. 

Idf e-saving  station. — ^There  is  a  life-saving  station  at  the  vil- 
lage of  Theoul6. 

Water  can  be  procured  in  the  bay  a  little  within  the  southern 
point  of  the  gulf. 

Cannes. — From  Napoule  a  sandy  beach  curves  round  to  the  north- 
ward and  eastward  for  3^  miles  to  the  town  of  Cannes.  The  port  of 
Cannes,  which  will  receive  vessels  of  18  feet  draft,  is  protected  from 
the  southwestward  by  Jetee  Quest,  a  mole,  extending  about  350  feet 
to  the  southeastward.  Jet6e  Albert  Edouard  extends  500  yards 
southward  and  southwestward  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  port,  leaving 
an  entrance  between  its  extremity  and  the  inner  angle  of  Jetfie 
Quest,  about  200  yards  wide.  The  port,  which  is  also  sheltered  by 
the  islands  of  St.  Marguerite  and  St.  Honorat,  has  been  dredged  to 
a  depth  of  20  feet  in  places;  the  bottom  is  sand  and  mud  in  the 
center;  in  all  the  other  parts  bordering  the  shore  to  the  north  and 
as  far  as  Croisette  Point  the  bottom  is  studded  with  rocks.  There 
is  a  depth  of  about  18  feet  alongside  the  inner  part  of  Jet^  Quest 
and  along  the  southern  part  of  Quai  St.  Pierre,  the  western  quay, 
but  the  northern  part  of  the  port  is  shoal  and  strewn  with  rocks. 
There  are  mooring  rings  along  the  quays  and  Jet^  Albert  Edouard, 

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THE  SOUTH  COAST  OF  FBANOE.  155 

to  which  vessels  haul  their  stems  after  anchoring.  A  jetty,  130  feet 
long,  extends  from  near  the  entrance  to  the  Boulevard  de  la 
Croisette  for  the  use  of  yachts. 

Works  are  in  progress  for  raising  and  improving  the  west  break- 
water, which,  when  completed,  will  have  a  length  of  about  1,140 
feet.  There  are  sunken  rocks  in  the  middle  of  the  northern  part 
of  the  harbor.  The  west  breakwater  is  named  Jet^  Quest  and  that 
forming  the  eastern  side  of  the  port,  Jet^e  Albert  Edouard. 

The  old  town  stands  on  the  shore,  on  the  margin  of  the  harbor, 
and  at  the  foot  of  the  hill,  on  the  summit  of  which  are  two  large 
square  towers,  the  lowest  being  that  of  the  cathedral.  The  prin- 
cipal street  is  that  which  forms  the  high  road  from  Fr^jus  to  Antibes. 
From  either  side  of  the  old  town,  along  the  shore  and  up  the  hills 
in  its  vicinity,  have  spread  nimxerous  houses  and  villas;  the  popula- 
tion is  about  29,659. 

The  Boulevard  Jean  Hibert  (formerly  Boidevard  du  Midi)  on  the 
west  side  of  Cannes,  along  the  sea  front,  has  been  completed  to  La 
Napoule,  a  distance  of  4J  miles  from  the  port  of  Cannes,  thus  con- 
necting it  with  the  Comiche  road  to  St.  Baphael.  Cannes  has  now  a 
supply  of  excellent  water,  brought  in  pipes  from  a  distance  of  25 
miles  north  of  the  town,  at  an  altitude  of  2,460  feet.  The  discharge 
is  154  gaUons  per  second. 

From  the  healthfulness  of  the  climate  Cannes  is  much  resorted  to 
by  invalids,  especially  during  the  winter.  The  town  is  connected  by 
rail  with  Marseille  and  Monaco,  and  there  is  weekly  communication 
by  steamer  to  Marseille,  Nice  and  Grenoa.  Cannes  is  the  seaport  of 
Grasse,  a  town  celebrated  for  its  manufactories  of  perfumery  and 
liquers.  The  climate  is  said  to  be  mild  and  uniform,  the  average 
temperature  in  winter  is  51^.  East  and  southeast  winds  prevail. 
Annual  rainfall,  35  inches. 

Trade. — ^The  chief  imports  are  cereals,  coal,  timber,  coke,  charcoal, 
pottery,  and  glass;  the  exports  are  very  small,  mostly  old  iron,  coal, 
and  fireproof  earthenware.  The  local  industries  in  the  neighborhood 
are  principally  the  hotels  and  the  cultivation  of  flowers. 

Coal^  supplies,  and  repairs. — Coal  can  be  obtained ;  about  25,000 
tons  are  imported  annually,  and  about  7,000  tons  are  kept  in  stock 
during  winter  and  1,000  to  2,000  tons  in  summer.  The  coal  is  carted 
to  Albert-Edouard  Jetty,  where  there  is  a  depth  of  16  feet  alongside 
for  a  length  of  300  feet  at  extremity,  and  put  on  board  in  baskets  at 
the  rate  of  100  to  200  tons  a  day.  Supplies  are  plentiful ;  water  can 
be  had  at  the  quay,  free.  None  but  the  slightest  repairs  can  be 
executed. 

Light. — The  white  circular  turret  on  the  molehead  at  Cannes  is 
34  feet  in  height. 

Secant  de  Cannes  (Le  Secant)  Shoal — ^Light. — ^A  fixed  green 
light  is  exhibited,  at  an  elevation  of  26  feet,  from  a  truncated  conical 

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156  THE  SOUTH   COAST  OF   FRANCE. 

beacon  of  masonry,  painted  red,  erected  on  this  shoal.  The  light  is 
visible  3  miles,  and,  being  unwatched,  should  not  be  relied  on. 

Jetde  Quest — flight. — ^A  fixed  red  light,  elevated  19  feet  above 
the  sea,  and  visible  4  miles,  is  exhibited  from  a  black  iron  column, 
on  the  outer  end  of  the  Jet^e  Quest.    Provisional  and  unwatched. 

Light. — A  fixed  white  light,  visible  11  miles,  is  exhibited  at  an 
elevation  of  49  feet  above  the  sea  from  a  white  circular  turret  situ- 
ated on  the  molehead  at  Cannes. 

Life-saving  station. — There  is  a  rocket  life-saving  apparatus  at 
Cannes  customhouse. 

Cannes  Boad  is  between  the  line  of  the  two  towers  on  the  west, 
and  the  cathedral  tower  in  range  with  the  lighthouse  on  the  east ;  the 
best  berth  is  in  from  7^  to  9  -fathoms,  sand  and  mud,  about  400  yards 
southward  of  the  mole,  or,  if  necessary,  farther  out,  taking  care  to 
avoid  some  rocky  heads,  one  of  which,  the  Roche  de  la  Rade  (la 
Liere),  of  4^  fathoms,  lies  about  168°  800  yards  from  the  lighthouse. 

At  700  yards  westward  of  Fouillee  Shoal  the  bottom  has  been 
found  to  be  uneven  and  rocky,  the  depths  varying  from  10  to  20 
fathoms  within  a  vessel's  length. 

Directions. — ^When  entering  the  port,  the  shoals  of  Fouillee  and 
Secant  de  Cannes  should  be  avoided;  the  former  lies  i  mile  263° 
from  the  lighthouse  on  the  mole  and  800  yards  from  the  shore,  with 
a  depth  of  21  feet  on  the  southern  head  and  24  feet  on  the  northern ; 
it  is  267  yards  in  extent  north-northwestward  and  south-southeast- 
ward.   Vessels  anchor  and  haul  their  sterns  to  the  mole  or  quay. 

The  high  tower  over  the  old  town  open  to  the  eastward  of  the 
cathedral  tower  or  the  lighthouse  bearing  44^  leads  in  eastward  of 
the  Fouillee.  To  avoid  the  Secant  de  Cannes,  keep  a  short  100  yards 
from  the  molehead. 

Landing. — ^The  pier  at  Larouchefoucauld  is  partly  destroyed,  but 
can  be  distinguished.  There  is  a  stone  bridge  over  the  railroad  at 
this  point. 

Croisette  Point  is  low,  jJrojects  southward,  and  forms  the  eastern 
extremity  of  the  Gulf  of  Napoule  and  the  western  extremity  of  the 
Gulf  of  Jouan.  On  the  Croisette  are  fine  orange  groves  and  many 
houses.  A  small  tower  in  runins  stands  on  the  point,  and  shallow 
rocky  ground  connects  it  with  the  Lerins  Islands,  lying  from  f  to 
1^  miles  southward  of  the  point. 

Lerins  Lslands  consist  of  two  large  islands,  low,  but  well  wooded, 
and  several  islets,  taking  the  name  Lerins  from  their  ancient  names 
I^rinus  and  Lero,  situated  from  about  1,400  yards  to  nearly  2  miles 
south-southeastward  of  Pointe  Croisette. 

Ste.  Marguerite,  the  largest  island,  is  If  miles  in  length,  east 
and  westward,  and  its  greatest  breadth  is  about  i  mile ;  on  its  north* 
em  point  is  the  citadel.    The  island  is  skirted  by  rocks  and  shoal 

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THE  SOUTH  COAST  OF  FBANCE.  157 

water  in  all  directions,  except  just  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  citadel, 
where  there  is  anchorage.  Foul  ground,  on  which  is  situated  Trade- 
lifere  Islet,  eirtends  nearly  600  yards  from  the  eastern  extremity  oi 
Ste.  Marguerite.  From  Point  Batiguier,  rocks  and  shoals  extend 
500  yards  toward  the  Jonquifere  Shoals;  that  part  known  as  the 
Batiguier  Shoal  being  marked  by  a  stone  beacon  10  feet  high,  painted 
in  red  and  white  horizontal  stripes,  surmounted  by  two  reversed 
cones.  Shoal  water  (8  feet  in  midchannel)  connects  the  island  to 
Croisette  Point. 

Telegraph. — A  submarine  telegraph  cable  connects  Pointe  Croi- 
sette with  a  position  about  150  yards  eastward  of  the  citadel  on  this 
island ;  the  landing  places  at  each  end  are  indicated  by  pairs  of  bea- 
cons, painted  blue  and  white  in  horizontal  bands,  having  circular 
white  topmarks. 

The  Vengeur  Shoal^  with  3i  fathoms  on  its  extremity  and  shoal- 
ing toward  the  shore,  extends  400  yards  from  the  coast  at  750  yards 
westward  of  the  eastern  point  of  the  island. 

St.  Honorat,  the  smaller  island,  is  about  |  mile  in  length,  and 
lies  parallel  to  Ste.  Marguerite,  the  channel  between  being  about 
i  mile  wide.  On  the  southern  side  of  the  island  is  an  abbey,  and  a 
chapel  on  the  eastern  end  (St.  F^r^ol  Point) ,  both  in  ruins ;  the  island 
is  low  and  cultivated,  and  there  are  trees  scattered  along  the  shore. 
Foul  ground  extends  600  yards  from  St.  Ffireol  Point. 

lies  Moines  (Monks). — Islets,  rocks,  and  foul  ground  extend 
1,200  yards  from  the  southern  shore. 

Beacon. — A  beacon  tower,  20  feet  high,  painted  in  black  and 
white  horiz6ntal  stripes  and  surmounted  by  a  diamond,  is  erected 
330  yards  inside  the  outer  dangers.  Vessels  should  pass  more  than 
600  yards  outside  the  beacon. 

life-saving  station. — ^There  is  a  mortar  life-saving  apparatus 
at  St.  Honorat. 

The  Channel  of  Ste.  Marguerite  between  that  island  and  Croi- 
sette Point  is  1,400  yards  wide,  and  convenient  under  favorable  cir- 
cumstances for  vessels  under  8  feet  draft.  It  is  bounded  on  the  north 
by  the  shoals  around  Croisette  Point,  and  on  the  south  by  the 
Jonquifere  Shoals,  which  extend  500  yards  354°  from  the  northwest- 
em  extremity  of  Ste.  Marguerite;  Passage  Rocks  lie  to  the  north- 
northwestward  of  the  citadel  on  the  island  and  nearly  midway  be- 
tween it  and  Croisette  Point. 

A  small  vessel  taking  this  channel  from  the  westward,  when  a  long 
i  mile  from  Croisette  Point,  should  bring  a  senti^  box  (between  two 
chimneys  in  the  citadel)  bearing  about  129°,  which  will  lead  to  the 
anchorage  under  Ste.  Marguerite  citadel  where  there  is  shelter  from 
southerly  winds.  Large  vessels  anchor  to  the  north  and  northeast- 
ward of  the  citadel  in  from  7  to  12  fathoms,  sand,  weed,  and  mud. 

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158  THE  SOUTH  COAST  OF  FBAKCB. 

Vengeur  Point  a  little  open  northward  of  Citadel  Point,  bearing 
112°,  leads  northward  of  Jonquifere  Shoal. 

The  Channel  of  St.  Honorat  can  be  used  by  vessels  of  under 
8  feet  draft,  by  passing  about  200  yards  from  the  southern  side  of 
Ste.  Marguerite  Island,  and  northward  of  the  Middle  Flat,  a  rocky 
shoal  of  5  feet  in  the  middle  of  the  channel.  The  Chateau  Napoule 
slightly  open  northward  of  Mount  Barbossi  leads  through,  but  on 
this  mark  a  vessel  will  pass  only  97  yards  to  the  southward  of  a 
shoal  with  8  feet  of  water  over  it*  The  French  Government  vessel 
Hyene^  drawing  9  feet  water,  is  reported  to  have  touched  the  ground, 
with  these  marks  in  range.  This  channel  is  used  by  vessels  when 
unable  to  round  the  reefs  of  Les  Moines  (Monks). 

The  Gulf  of  Juan  is  formed  between  Croisette  Point  and  Cape 
d'Antibes  or  Garoupe.  It  is  about  2  miles  deep  with  a  low  coast  and 
sandy  beaches,  off  which  scattered  sunken  rocks  extend  for  nearly  i 
mile.  In  the  center  of  the  gulf  is  Fourmigue  Rock,  8  feet  high  (with 
red  masonry  tower,  surmoimted  by  a  cone  47  feet  high)  inside  which 
the  water  shoals  gradually,  but  off  the  western  shore  the  water 
is  deep. 

The  beacon  is  about  140  yards  southward  of  the  northern  rock  of 
the  group,  and  the  same  distance  northward  of  the  southern  rock, 
which  has  2  feet  water. 

Fourmigue  Shoals,  nearly  1  mile  in  extent  east  and  west,  with 
deep-water  passages  between,  lie  across  the  entrance  of  the  gulf. 
Fourmigue  Rock  at  the  western  end  and  marked  by  a  red  beacon 
tower  38  feet  above  the  sea,  with  conical  top-mark,  is  nearly  If  miles 
264°  from  Pllette  Lighthouse  (Cape  d'Antibes),  it  has  several 
patches  extending  200  yards  north  and  south  from  it. 

S^canion  Shoal,  at  the  eastern  end  of  which  are  2|  fathoms,  is 
1,600  yards  264°  from  the  lighthouse,  with  depths  from  12  to  27 
fathoms  in  the  channel  between. 

Fourmigue  and  S^canion  Shoals  are  covered  by  a  sector  of 
red  light  from  Cap  d'Antibes  Lighthouse. 

Buoy. — A  spindle  buoy,  painted  black  and  surmounted  by  cylin- 
drical top-mark,  is  moored  off  the  northern  side  of  S6canion  Shoal ; 
a  patch  of  4i  fathoms  lies  about  100  yards  northward  of  the  buoy. 

A  rock  with  3^  fathoms  over  it,  about  55  yards  long,  northeast  and 
southwest  direction,  by  10  yards  wide,  lies  200  yards  101°  from  the 
beacon  on  Fourmigue  Kock,  and  at  800  yards  eastward  of  the  beacon 
is  a  shoal  of  3 J  fathoms;  and  another  rock,  with  a  depth  of  4  fath- 
oms on  it,  is  situated  in  a  position  with  the  beacon  bearing  290°, 
distant  400  yards. 

Vessels  of  deep  draft  should  not  use  the  channel  eastward  of 
Fourmigue  Rock. 


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THE  SOUTH  COAST  OF  FBANCE.  159 

A  shoal  of  4i  fathoms  lies  1,700  yards  123°  from  Golfe  Jouan 
Lighthouse. 

Seche  de  la  Veme^  a  rocky  patch  with  1  fathom  of  water  over 
it,  lies  600  yards  off  the  shore  in  the  northeastern  part  of  the  Gulf 
of  Jouan. 

Port  de  Golf  e  Juan. — On  the  shore  in  the  northwestern  part  of 
the  gulf  is  the  village  and  railroad  station  of  Golfe  Juan,  the  latter 
not  easily  seen  for  the  number  of  houses  and  sheds  built  aroimd  it;  at 
IJ  miles  312°  is  the  town  of  Vallauris,  celebrated  for  its  pottery 
manufactories,  and  containing  a  population  of  about  3,000. 

Piers. — There  are  two  landing  piers,  constructed  of  wood,  and 
close  together. 

Supplies. — Good  water  can  be  procured  near  the  eastern  end  of 
the  village.  Water  is  laid  on  to  the  south  mole  and  also  to  the 
quay  on  the  northwest  shore  of  the  port.  F'resh  meat,  vegetables, 
and  bread  are  to  be  obtained. 

Life-saving  station. — There  is  a  rocket  life-saving  apparatus  at 
Golfe  Juan. 

Jetties. — At  Golfe  Juan  Village  the  South  Jetty  extends  in  a 
142°  direction  for  200  yards  from  the  shore  and  thence  90°  for  a 
distance  of  300  yards.  The  North  Jetty,  situated  about  J  mile  east- 
ward of  the  South  Jetty,  extends  a  little  over  200  yards  from  the 
shore  in  a  173°  direction ;  the  harbor  inside  of  them  has  depths  of 
from  3  to  12  feet. 

Lights. — An  occulting  light  with  red,  white,  and  green  sectors  is 
exhibited,  at  an  elevation  of  55  feet,  above  the  sea,  from  a  white 
masonry  tower  50  feet  high,  situated  on  the  beach  600  yards  277° 
from  the  South  Jetty  Head.  The  light  is  visible  13  miles  for  all 
colors.     (For  limits  of  sectors  see  Light  List  and  chart.) 

By  keeping  in  either  of  the  white  sectors  of  light  vessels  will  pass 
at  about  200  yards  clear  of  the  dangers  bordering  the  sides  of  East 
and  West  Passages  leading  into  Gulf  of  Juan. 

A  fixed  red  light,  unwatched,  is  exhibited  at  an  elevation  of  30 
feet  above  the  sea,  visible  5  miles,  from  an  iron  column  19  feet  high 
on  the  outer  end  of  the  South  Jetty,  Golfe  Juan  Village. 

Tide. — ^With  southerly  winds  a  rise  of  1  foot  has  been  observed, 
and  at  the  Fourmigue  beacon  the  set  was  generally  to  the  westward : 
the  reef  uncovers  about  10  yards  to  the  northward  of  the  beacon  at 
low  water. 

Anchorage. — ^The  anchorage  in  the  gulf  is  roomy,  and  extends 
between  Golfe  Juan  Village  and  Fourmigue  Shoals,  and  also  east- 
ward of  this  line,  in  from  6  to  10  fathoms,  mud  and  weeds,  good 
holding  ground.  It  is  somewhat  sheltered  from  the  southward  by 
the' Fourmigue  Shoals.  There  are  two  passages  into  the  gulf,  one 
between  la  Fourmigue  Kock  and  Ste.  Marguerite,  the  other  between 

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160  THE  SOUTH  COAST  OP  FKANCB. 

Cape  d'Antibes  and  the  buoy  on  S6canion  Shoal.  The  western  pas- 
sage is  best,  the  only  danger  being  V^Bngeur  Shoal,  which  extends 
off  the  point  of  the  same  name  on  Ste.  Marguerite  Island.  The  eastern 
passage  is  not  so  wide,  but  by  giving  the  shore  of  Cape  d'Antibes  a 
berth  of  800  yards  a  vessel  will  pass  about  midway  between  it  and 
the  dangers  on  the  west.  The  Gulf  of.  Juan  is  the  favorite  anchor- 
age of  the  French  Fleet. 

The  anchorage  of  Piton,  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  gulf,  is  fre- 
quented by  vessels  during  easterly  winds,  but  southerly  winds  send  in 
a  heavy  sea.  Northwest  winds  blow  very  violently  at  times  out  of 
the  gulf,  and  last  from  2  to  8  or  9,  and  even  18  days. 

Cape  d'Antibes  or  Garoupe  is  low,  projects  southward,  and  is 
surrounded  to  the  distance  of  200  yards  by  rocks,  some  of  which  are 
covered ;  it  rises  gradually  to  a  wooded  hill  249  feet  high.  The  coast 
eastward  thence  becomes  irregular  and  higher,  and  at  1 J  miles  to  the 
northeast  is  Cape  Gros. 

Life-saving  station. — ^There  is  a  gun  life-saving  apparatus  at 
Cape  d'Antibes. 

St.  Pierre  Shoal,  nearly  400  yards  southward  of  Cape  d'Antibes, 
is  a  rocky  shoal  of  2f  fathoms  water. 

Light. — ^A  fixed  light  with  white,  red,  and  green  sectors,  elevated 
48  feet  above  the  sea,  is  exhibited  from  a  white  circular  tower,  31 
feet  in  height,  situated  about  200  yards  334^  from  Pointe  del'Ilette, 
the  extremity  of  Cape  d'Antibea  The  white,  red,  and  green  lights 
are  visible  12,  8,  and  5  miles,  respectively.  (For  sectors,  see  Light 
List  and  chart.) 

Garoupe  Light. — ^At  1  mile  to  the  northward  of  Cape  Gros  is  a 
hill  higher  than  the  land  around  it,  and  on  which  is  the  chapel  of 
Notre  Dame  d'Antibes,  with  a  square  tower.  Near  the  chapel  is  a 
white  circular  tower  79  feet  high,  which  exhibits,  at  338  feet  above 
the  sea,  a  group-flashing  white  light,  ^dsible  24  miles.  (See  Light 
List.) 

Semaphore. — ^There  is  a  semaphore  station  near  the  lighthouse. 

Bacon  Point. — ^The  hill  on  which  the  chapel  and  lighthouse  stand 
slopes  to  the  northeastward  about  i  mile  to  Bacon  Point,  on  which 
is  a  redoubt.  About  J  mile  northward  of  the  point  is- the  town  of 
Antibes,  the  intermediate  shore  forming  a  bay  where,  with  westerly 
winds,  there  is  anchorage  in  any  convenient  depths,  sand  and  mud, 
but  northerly  and  easterly  winds  blow  directly  in, 

Gxenille  Shoals. — ^Two  hundred  yards  northeastward  of  Bacon 
Point  is  La  Grenille  Rock,  not  very  high,  and  a  reef  on  which  is  only 
IJ  fathoms  water  eirtends  200  yards  beyond  it.  At  600  yards  87° 
from  La  Grenille  is  La  P6querolle,  a  shoal  with  7  fathoms  on  it  and 
deep  water  close  around.  Another  rock,  the  Petite  Grenille,  lies  in 
the  bay  800  yards  westward  of  La  Grenille;  and  shoal  water  also 

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THE   SOUTH  COAST  OF  FRANCE.  161 

extends  from  this  rock  nearly  200  yards  to  the  northeastward.  To 
pass  outside  the  shoals  off  Bacon  Point,  keep  Carr^  Fort  open  to  the 
northward  of  the  battery  on  the  East  Mole  at  Antibes. 

Antibes  (the  ancient  Antipolis)  is  strongly  fortified,  especially 
on  the  land  side.  It  contains  a  population  of  about  6,650,  who  are 
principally  employed  in  fishing  and  curing  sardines  and  anchovies. 
Antibes  exports  chiefly  grain,  flour,  and  oilcake,  and  the  railroad 
passes  close  to  the  town.  To  the  northward  of  the  town  is  the  prom- 
ontory and  fort  of  Carre,  the  shore  between  forming  a  shallow  bay. 

The  port  is  formed  by  two  moles;  the  east  one  is  high,  constructed 
upon  a  bed  of  rocks,  and  extends  about  350  yards  from  the  town  and 
to  within  the  same  distance  from  the  shore  of  Fort  Carr^.  The  rocks 
from  the  central  part  of  the  mole  project  seaward,  and  on  them  is  a 
battery.  Within  the  above  and  nearly  parallel  to  it  is  the  West  Mole, 
about  200  yards  from  it,  inclosing  a  space  about  200  yards  wide,  with 
an  average  depth  of  16  feet.  The  entrance  is  240  feet  wide.  The 
port  can  not  receive  vessels  exceeding  15  feet  draft  of  water. 

Coal. — There  is  a  stock  of  from  30  to  300  tons  of  coal  in  the  town ; 
it  varies  according  to  the  season. 

Repairs  can  be  effected  at  the  building  yards,  where  yachts  and 
motor  boats  are  constructed. 

Supplies  can  be  obtained  in  moderate  quantities.  There  are  three 
water  pipes  on  the  southern  quay  of  the  port. 

Idfe-saving  station. — There  is  a  gun  life-saving  apparatus  at 
Antibes. 

Seche  des  Cinq-Cents-Francs  is  a  shoal  extending  about  300 
yards  eastward  from  the  lighthouse;  it  has  1^  fathoms  water  on  its 
extremity  and  is  marked  by  a  black  buoy,  which  is  liable  to  be  washed 
away  with  staff  and  cylinder. 

Lights, — A  group  occulting  light,  with  white  and  red  sectors,  ele- 
vated 49  feet  above  the  sea,  is  exhibited  from  a  circular  tower,  33 
feet  high,  on  the  extremity  of  the  East  Mole  at  the  entrance  to  the 
port  of  Antibes.  The  white  light  is  visible  14,  and  the  red  light  9, 
miles.    (For  sectors,  see  Light  List  and  chart.) 

A  small  fixed  red  light,  which  is  extinguished  at  2  a.  m.,  is  shown 
from  the  extremity  of  the  West  Mole. 

Buoys. — Three  white  mooring  buoys  are  anchored  along  the  coast 
and  about  100  yards  from  the  rocks  southeastward  of  Fort  Carr6. 

Telegraph. — A  submarine  cable  is  landed  in  the  cove  northward 
of  Fort  Carre. 

The  position  is  marked  by  two  beacons,  painted  blue  and  white 
in  horizontal  bands,  surmounted  by  white  circular  topmarks. 

These  beacons,  when  in  range  bearing  270°,  lead  close  eastward  of 
the  line  of  cable. 


C8850-17 11 


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162  THE  SOUTH  COAST  OF  FBANCE. 

Sadie. — ^A  radio  station,  open  at  all  times,  is  established  at  Cros 
de  Cagnes,  near  Nice,  in  latitude  43°  39'  N.,  longitude  T"  W  E.  Call 
letters  F  F  G. 

Directions. — ^When  entering  the  port  of  Antibes,  steer  in  for 
Fort  Carr6,  and  bring  the  cemetery,  which  is  on  the  northwestern 
side  of  the  town,  open  northward  of  the  lighthouse,  so  as  to  avoid 
the  Sfeche  des  Cinq-Cents-Francs. 

To  pass  200  yards  eastward  of  it,  keep  Cape  Gros  and  Bacon 
Point  in  line.  Having  passed  this  shoal  the  lighthouse  should  be 
rounded  close-to,  so  as  to  avoid  the  shallow  ground  extending  from 
the  western  shore  of  the  bay,  on  the  extremity  of  which  is  a  small 
mass  of  concrete  surmoimted  by  a  vane;  the  passage  in  is  very  nar- 
row.. Vessels  anchor  in  the  middle  of  the  port  and  moor  alongside 
the  mole  with  their  stems  toward  the  town. 

When  unable  to  enter  the  port  in  consequence  of  strong  offshore 
winds,  there  is  anchorage  in  the  bay  southward  of  the  town  in  any 
convenient  depth,  good  holding  ground. 

Var  Biver. — Nearly  5i  miles  39**  from  Fort  Carr6  is  the  mouth 
of  the  Var  Kiver;  the  intermediate  coast  forms  a  bay,  with  a  low 
beach  of  sand  and  gravel,  steep-to  and  clear  of  danger;  within  1^ 
miles  of  the  shore  are  the  villages  of  Biot,  Villeneuve,  Cagnes,  and 
St.  Laurent;  at  the  latter  (on  the  west  bank  of  the  river)  the  Var 
is  crossed  by  two  bridges,  the  northern  of  which  is  old  and  built 
of  wood ;  the  southern  is  of  modem  construction  and  over  it  the  ;^il- 
load  passes  to  Nice.  The  Var  rises  in  the  department  of  the  Basses- 
Alps  and  takes  a  general  southeasterly  direction  for  78  miles;  it  is 
liable  to  heavy  freshets  in  the  spring,  but  in  summer  it  is  but  an 
insignificant  stream.  The  sands  at  the  mouth  of  the  Var  extend 
southward  more  than  i  mile,  and  about  the  same  distance  outside 
them  the  depth  is  upward  of  100  fathoms.  The  alluvial  matter 
brought  down  by  the  river  discolors  the  sea  for  some  distance  out. 

Current. — The  currents  on  the  coast  are  variable  and  in  the  di- 
rection with  the  wind ;  at  Capes  Garoupe  and  Ferrat  they  run  to  the 
northeast  with  southwest  winds  and  to  the  west  with  easterly  winds; 
they  are  scarcely  felt  at  more  than  i  mile  from  the  coast.  To  the 
westward  of  Nice  and  off  the  Kiver  Var  they  generally  run  to  the 
west ;  to  the  eastward  of  Nice  they  are  little  felt  in  the  bays,  but  are 
sometimes  strong  at  Capes  Aggio  and  Martin. 

Nice. — ^The  port  of  Nice,  situated  about  4  miles  eastward  of  the 
mouth  of  the  Kiver  Var,  is  formed  by  an  outer  mole,  projecting 
from  the  shore  on  the  eastern  side  of  Mount  Chateau  in  a  south- 
east direction;  and  by  an  inner  mole  from  the  opposite  shore. 
They  inclose  an  artificial  harbor  consisting  of  two  basins  and  an 
outer  port.  The  Premier  Basin  is  436  feet  long,  636  feet  average 
width,  207  feet  wide  at  entrance,  and  depth  on  sill  22  feet.    The 

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THE  SOUTH   COAST  OF   PRANCE.  163 

Deuxi^me  Basin,  connected  with  the  former,  is  623  feet  long,  440 
feet  average  width,  125  feet  wide  at  entrance,  with  21  feet  over 
sill;  within  there  is  a  uniform  depth  of  21  feet.  The  quays  are  very 
broad  and  handsome,  and  are  some  7  or  8  feet  above  the  water  level ; 
several  little  streams  of  fresh  water  flow  into  the  basin.  Owing  to  the 
shelving  nature  of  the  quays  in  the  old  portion,  vessels  can  not  be 
berthed  close  up,  but  are  compelled  to  use  long  gangways.  Several 
steamers  have  reported  having  bimiped  when  at  their  berths. 
Vessels  drawing  more  than  19  feet  have  to  lighten  their  cargoes 
before  being  allowed  to  enter. 

A  small  mole  projects  to  the  south  westward  from  the  eastern  shore 
abreast  the  Outer  Mole  Head.  Warping  buoys  are  laid  at  the  en- 
trance. ■  There  is  a  small  stone  beacon  12  feet  high,  painted  red  and 
surmounted  by  a  cone,  on  the  southern  edge  of  a  ledge  of  rocks  200 
yards  eastward  of  the  end  of  the  Outer  Mole,  off  the  small  mole  above 
mentioned. 

A  great  extension  of  the  outer  port  is  in  progress,  and  a  surface  of 
about  5  acres  is  being  leveled  for  the  storage  of  merchandise. 

In  the  inner  harbor  there  are  4,089  feet  of  quayage,  of  which  a 
length  of  1,870  feet  has  21  feet  alongside. 

In  the  outer  harbor  there  are  704  feet  of  quayage  on  the  new  east- 
em  quay,  and  328  feet  on  Mole  Vieux,  with  24  feet  water  alongside. 

There  are  six  cranes,  one  fixed  of  10  tons,  one  fixed  of  30  tons,  and 
four  traveling  of  3  tons. 

There  is  a  battery  on  the  shore  at  the  inner  end  of  the  Outer  Mole. 

Vessels  entering  this  close  port  are  recommended  to  obtain  local 
assistance. 

The  position  of  Nice  will  be  known  by  Mont  Nagel,  or  Agel,  called 
also  the  Table  of  Monaco,  which  is  about  6  miles  to  the  northeastward 
of  ViUef  ranche ;  and  by  the  Aiguille  de  Menton,  which  has  a  sugar- 
loaf  peak,  a  little  farther  to  the  eastward.  These  two  mountains  may 
be  seen  in  clear  weather  from  a  distance  of  from  45  to  60  miles.  On 
a  nearer  approach  the  lighthouse  on  Malalongue  Point,  and  Fort 
Montalban  on  the  height  which  separates  Nice  from  Villefranche, 
will  be  seen.  There  is  a  remarkable  cliff  or  piece  of  groimd  of  a 
whitish  red  color  in  a  ravine  about  half  way  up  a  mountain,  a  short 
distance  eastward  of  Villefranche,  which  is  also  a  good  mark. 

Buoy. — A  white  warping  buoy  is  moored  northeastward  of  the 
lighthouse  on  Outer  Mole. 

Depths. — ^The  port  will  receive  vessels  of  20  feet  draft.  Port 
Extfirieur  is  dredged  to  a  depth  of  23  feet,  and  Port  Int^rieur  to  a 
depth  of  21  feet  within  about  40  feet  from  the  quays. 

Liglits. — A  fixed  white  light  varied  by  a  red  flash,  visible  11 
miles,  is  exhibited  at  74  feet  above  the  sea  from  a  white  stone  tower 


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164  THE   SOUTH   COAST  OF   FRANCE. 

situated  on  the  extremity  of  the  Outer  Mole  at  Nice.  From  the  ex- 
tremity of  the  extension  of  the  Outer  Mole  is  exhibited  a  provisional 
fixed  red  light,  elevated  39  feet,  and  visible  4  miles. 

A  fixed  red  light  is  shown  from  a  pillar  situated  66  yards  from  the 
root  of  Outer  Mole,  and  a  fixed  green  light,  visible  2  miles,  is  shown 
from  a  pillar  at  the  root  of  the  mole. 

x\t  the  extremity  of  the  Inner  Mole  a  fixed  red  light  is  exhibited. 

A  fixed  green  light  is  exhibited  from  the  east  side  of  the  entrance 
to  the  North  Basin.    (See  Light  List.) 

The  lights  at  the  extremity  of  Inner  Mole  and  on  the  eastern  side 
of  entrance  to  North  Basin  are  shown  from  pillars. 

Pilots  board  all  vessels  off  the  entrance  to  the  port.  Pilotage  is 
voluntary. 

Life-saving  station. — There  is  a  rocket  life-saving  apparatus  at 
Nice  customhouse. 

Directions. — From  the  southwestward  approach  with  Fort  Mont 
Alban  bearing  35°,  and  from  the  eastward  give  a  berth  of  about  200 
yards  to  Cape  Nice.  Pass  close  eastward  of  the  outer  end  of  the 
Outer  Mole,  and  steer  northwestward  along  that  mole  into  the  port. 

Vessels  entering  the  port  are  advised  to  obtain  local  assistance. 

Naval  vessels  and  yachts  generally  moor  head  to  the  southward, 
with  stern  hauled  in  to  Quai  Nord  of  Port  Int6rieur;  steam  mer- 
chant vessels  are  secured  alongside  the  quays.  Vessels  are  often 
inconvenienced  at  the  entrance  by  a  current  caused  by  fresh  water 
flowing  out  of  the  port ;  southwesterly  winds  cause  a  surf  in  the  port 
when  it  is  prudent  to  double  the  moorings. 

Port  Nice  is  not  a  port  of  refuge,  and  no  attempt  to  obtain  shelter 
there  should  be  made  with  strong  winds  from  between  southwest  and 
southeast,  when  Bade  de  Villefranche  is  available.  When  it  rains  in 
winter  with  southwesterly  winds  violent  squalls  render  entrance 
dangerous. 

Nice  Approach — Fairway  reserved  for  traffic  when  sub- 
marine vessels  are  exercising.— When  the  flag  with  a  yellow  and 
a  red  horizontal  stripe  is  hoisted  at  the  signal  stations  or  on  the 
vessels  escorting  submarine  vessels  to  indicate  that  the  latter  are 
exercising  submerged,  all  vessels  entering  or  leaving  the  port  of  Nice 
must  use  the  fairway  defined  below,  in  which  submarine  vessels 
do  not  exercise  submerged. 

The  fairway  is  limited  as  follows: 

On  the  west,  by  the  alignment  of  Mont  Gros  Observatory  and  the 
Outer  Mole  Lighthouse. 

On  the  east,  by  the  alignment  of  Mont  Gros  Observatory  and  the 
cliffs  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  entrance  to  the  port. 

On  the  south,  by  the  parallel  of  Cape  Ferrat. 


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THE   SOUTH   COAST   OF   FRANCE.  165 

The  city  of  Nice  is  beautifully  situated  in  a  small  plain  at  the 
foot  of  the  Maritime  Alps,  by  which  it  is  protected  from  the  north 
and  east  winds.  It  is  encircled  by  bastioned  walls,  and  has  on  the 
east  Mount  Chateau  and  the  steep  rocky  hill  of  Montalban  sur- 
mounted by  a  fortress.  The  city  is  divided  into  two  parts  by  the 
Paillon  River.  The  streets  of  the  old  town  are  narrow  and  crooked, 
but  clean.  The  new  town  westward  of  the  river  is  well  laid  out  and 
handsome ;  it  has  a  square  surrounded  by  open  arcades,  and  some  of 
the  houses  near  the  sea  and  in  the  vicinity  are  very  superior.  The 
<*athedral,  several  convents,  hospitals,  the  governor's  residence,  col- 
lege, library,  theater,  promenade  jetty,  with  a  huge  building  of 
Indian  aspect,  etc.,  are  the  principal  public  buildings. 

There  is  a  sailors'  home,  open  to  all  English-speaking  sailors,  and 
the  Protestant  hospital,  also  for  the  use  of  seamen,  as  well  as  for  all 
British  subjects  generally. 

The  population  in  1911  was  142,940,  including  the  floating  popula- 
tion. 

Consul. — The  United  States  is  represented  by  a  consul  and  vice 
consuL 

Weather. — The  sea  breeze,  which  prevails  every  day  with  a  regu- 
larity almost  equal  to  that  of  a  tropical  climate,  moderates  the  sum- 
mer heat.  The  principal  disadvantage  of  the  position  of  Nice  is  that, 
being  open  to  the  west,  it  is  exposed,  with  but  little  protection  to  the 
influence  of  the  mistral  or  violent  northwest  winds;  the  northeast 
wind  is  also  often  keen  and  piercing. 

Barometer  and  thervioineter. — The  mean  annual  temperature 
at  Nice,  as  derived  from  observations  made  during  15  years,  is  5b.5*^ ; 
the  mean  monthly  temperature  in  the  coldest  month,  January,  is 
45.5°,  and  in  the  warmest,  July,  72.7°.  The  mean  annual  height  of 
the  barometer,  as  denved  from  observations  made  dui>ing  the  same 
period,  is  30  inches;  the  mean  monthly  height  in  April,  the  lowest, 
is  29.90,  and  in  January,  the  highest,  is  30.13. 

Trade. — There  are  manufacturers  of  silktwist,  snuff,  soap,  essences, 
candied  fruits,  sirups,  marqueterie,  perfumery,  and  paper,  also  an 
extensive  cultivation  in  flowers.  The  imports  consisted  chiefly  of  coal, 
cereals,  flour,  wine,  oil,  etc. ;  the  exports  were  olive  oil,  wines,  liqueurs, 
glass,  pottery,  fruits,  soap,  coal. 

Water. — Water  of  fair  quality  can  be  procured  from  the  quays, 
where  there  are  standpipes;  there  are  two  tank  vessels,  one  of  14 
and  the  other  of  40  tons. 

Supplies. — Provisions  and  supplies  can  be  obtained. 

Coal. — About  90,000  tons  of  coal  are  imported  annually;  at  least 
500  tons  are  kept  in  stock. 


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166  THE   SOUTH   COAST  OF   FRANCE. 

Cominuiiication. — The  Paris,  Lyon,  and  Mediterranean  rail- 
road continues  through  Nice  to  Ventimiglia ;  there  is  also  a  railroad 
to  Digne,  about  93  English  statute  miles  to  the  northwestward. 
Steamers  run  frequently  to  Marseille,  Leghorn,  Corsica,  and  Genor. 
There  is  telephonic  communication  between  Nice  and  Paris. 

Cape  Nice  forms  the  southwestern  extremity  of  Villefranche  Bay, 
and  is  high  and  steep,  with  a  battery  at  each  point;  on  its  smnmit 
(Mount  Boron),  600  feet  high,  is  the  ruin  of  a  windmill. 

Villefranche. — ^The  entrance  to  the  bay  of  Villefranche,  between 
Gaton  Point  and  a  narrow  wooded  peninsula  which  projects  nearly  2 
miles  to  the  southward,  terminating  in  Malalongue  Point,  is  a  little 
more  than  1  mile  wide.  The  southern  end  of  the  peninsula,  which 
forms  the  eastern  shore  of  the  bay,  is  high  and  cliffy,  rising  to  a 
ridge  of  moderate  elevation,  named  Mount  Cauferat,  on  which  is  a 
semaphore,  482  feet  above  the  sea.  Between  Gaton  Point  and 
Figliera  Point  on  the  east  the  bay  is  nearly  1,400  yards  wide;  thence 
it  extends  northward  for  nearly  IJ  miles,  gradually  narrowing  to- 
ward the  head  and  having  depths  of  from  40  fathoms  at  the  entrance 
to  8  fathoms  M  the  inner  end  of  the  bay. 

Just  within  the  western  point  of  entrance  the  shore  is  cliffy  as  fni* 
as  the  lazaretto,  where  there  is  a  small  pier;  800  yards  northward  of 
it  is  the  arsenal,  with  a  pier  projecting  300  yards  34°,  forming  on  its 
west  side  a  basin  656  feet  long,  394  feet  wide,  105  feet  wide  at  en- 
trance and  depth  in  entrance  of  17f  feet,  but  there  is  only  room  for 
one  vessel  of  moderate  size  alongside  the  mole.  This  port  is  reserved 
exclusively  for  French  Government  vessels;  the  depths  are  9  to  22 
feet  alongside  the  mole.  The  citadel  and  town  stands  a  short  dis- 
tance northward  of  the  mole;  the  latter  is  built  in  the  form  of  an 
amphitheater,  and  contains  a  population  of  about  4,425.  At  the 
head  of  the*  bay  is  the  railroad  tunnel  and  station,  and  between  the 
citadel  and  town  the  mole  of  the  health  office,  with  a  large  octagonal 
tower  built  on  a  projecting  rocky  point.  The  shore  is  clear  of  dan- 
ger, there  being  a  depth  of  5  fathoms  at  the  distance  of  100  yards. 

The  eastern  shore  from  Malalongue  Point  to  1  mile  within  the 
entrance  is  bold  and  cliffy:  from  thence  it  is  bordered  by  shallow 
water  which  extends  off  about  250  yards,  nearly  filling  up  the  bay 
between  Pilone  and  Grassuet  Points,  off  which  is  the  anchorage  of 
Espalmador,  which  is  used  by  vessels  during  easterly  winds,  but 
which  should  be  quitted  with  those  from  southwest. 

Dock. — See  Appendix  I. 

Orassuet  Point,  on  which  is  a  battery  east-southeastward  of  the 
citadel,  is  low  and  surrounded  with  rocks. 

Rube  Rocks. — A  red  buoy,  with  triangular  topmark,  is  moored 
at  200  yards  south  westward  of  these  rocks,  and  a  red  and  black  buoy, 
with  spherical  topmark,  at  300  yards  south-southwestward  of  them. 

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THE   SOUTH   COAST  OP  FRANCE.  167 

Winds. — During  strong  easterly  or  westerly  winds,  heavy  squalls 
blow  down  through  the  breaks  in  the  land  around  the  bay. 

The  prevailing  winds  during  the  winter  months  are  from  the  east- 
ward, sometimes  blowing  hard  and  accompanied  by  rain  and  mist ; 
these  winds,  when  there  is  southing  with  them,  send  a  dangerous 
swell  into  the  bay,  causing  vessels  to  roll  heavily.  Southerly  winds 
also  send  in  a  heavy  swell. 

Lights. — A  flashing  white  light,  visible  22  miles,  is  exhibited  at 
110  feet  above  the  sea  from  a  white  octagonal  tower  situated  on 
Malalongue  Point  (Cape  Ferrat). 

On  the  extremity  of  the  arsenal  mole  an  unwatched  fixed  red  light 
is  shown  from  a  platform  26  feet  above  the  sea;  visible  6  miles  in 
clear  weather. 

At  the  extremity  of  the  small  mole  near  the  health  office  at  the 
south  end  of  the  town,  a  small  unwatched  fixed  red  light  is  exhibited 
from  an  iron  column  at  33  feet  above  the  sea,  visible  5  miles.  (See 
Light  List.) 

Life-saving  station. — There  is  a  life-saving  station  at  Ville- 
franche. 

Anchorage. — The  best  anchorage  is  off  the  town,  or  with  the  cita- 
del and  Fort  Mont  Alban  (on  the  heights  west  of  the  bay)  in  line; 
it  is  not  considered  safe  to  lie  at  single  anchor,  as  very  strong  gusts  of 
wind  often  blow  down  the  gullies  from  the  northeastward;  but  in 
fine  weather  vessels  will  sometimes  anchor  in  about  8  fathoms  with 
a  hawser  to  the  shore.  It  is  advisable  never  to  anchor  southward 
of  a  line  joining  the  arsenal  mole  to  Grassi^^t  Point  Battery. 

Mooring  Buoys. — ^There  are  11  sets  of  moorings  laid  down.  The 
buoys  are  numbered  commencing  from  the  north;  Nos.  1,  2,  and  3 
are  reserved  for  French  naval  vessels,  but  the  others  may  be  used  by 
vessels  of  any  nation. 

The  mooring  buoys  are  small  wooden  casks,  and  owing  to  the 
confined  nature  of  the  harbor,  care  is  necessary  in  a  fresh  breeze  to 
keep  the  vessel  in  position  while  taking  in  the  small  chain  before 
coming  to  the  large  moorings.  Two  mooring  buoys  in  L'Espalmador 
Bay  are  reserved  for  the  yacht  belonging  to  the  King  of  the  Belgians. 

It  is  not  advisable  to  take  in  the  outer  moorings,  as  they  lie  so 
close  to  the  shore  that  in  the  event  of  carrying  them  away  there 
would  be  no  room  to  let  go  an  anchor  to  bring  the  vessel  up. 

Supplies. — Coal  is  difficult  to  obtain ;  the  only  stores  are  at  Nice, 
and  is  procured  by  rail.    Water  can  be  procured  at  the  town. 

Repairs. — Small  repairs  can  be  effected. 

Dock. — See  Appendix  I. 

Communication. — There  was  a  regular  passenger  service  be- 
tween America  and  Villefranche  during  1911,  run  by  the  White 
Star,  Cunard,  and  the  Hamburg-American  companies. 


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168  THE  SOUTH   COAST  OF  FBANCB. 

Landing. — ^The  landing  for  boats  is  at  the  mole  of  the  health 
office,  there  is  also  landing  at  Passable,  in  the  southeastern  corner  of 
the  bay. 

Voet  Becky  lies  300  yards  BOS'*  from  Malalongue  Point  lighthouse 
and  nearly  100  yards  from  the  shore;  it  is  marked  by  a  red  beacon 
with  triangular  topmark. 

St.  Hospice  Pointy  a  little  more  than  1  mile  to  the  northeastward 
of  Causini^re  Point,  is  low  and  projects  to  the  eastward,  forming- the 
southern  extremity  of  St.  Hospice  Bay;  on  the  point  is  the  tower  and 
chapel  of  St.  Hospice.  Between  the  point  and  Causiniere  Point  are 
two  small  rocky  bays  open  to  the  south;  that  to  the  east  is  named 
Fosse  and  the  west  Lilong;  they  are  suitable  only  for  coasting  vessels, 
to  which  they  afford  shelter  during  northerly  winds. 

Life-savings  station. — ^There  is  a  gun  life-saving  apparatus  at 
St.  Hospice. 

St.  Hospice  Bay. — From  St.  Hospice  Point  the  coast  trends 
northward  and  northeastward  to  Cape  Roux.  This  bay,  which  is 
open  to  the  southward  and  eastward,  affords  good  shelter  for  vessels 
of  all  sizes  during  westerly  winds  in  from  5  to  14  fathoms,  sand  and 
weeds,  at  800  or  1,000  yards  from  the  shore. 

Port  St.  Jean. — The  small  bays  of  Scaletta  and  St.  Jean  are  used 
by  vessels  chiefly  engaged  in  the  tunny  fishery;  the  latter,  in  the 
southwestern  corner  of  St.  Hospice  Bay,  is  the  most  frequented,  as  it 
has  a  small  harbor  formed  by  two  short  moles,  sheltering  a  space  328 
feet  long,  460  feet  wide,  and  124  feet  width  at  entrance,  with  a  depth 
of  13  feet  over  sill. 

In  the  northern  part  of  the  bay  are  two  other  boat*  harbors,  that 
of  Fourmis,  where  the  distance  across  to  Villefranche  Bay  is  only 
400  yards,  and  Beaulieu,  where  there  is  a  fort.  At  500  yards  51° 
from  Beaulieu  Point,  and  about  J  mile  from  the  shore,  there  is  a 
rocky  shoal  named  Seche  de  Beaulieu,  with  2^  fathoms  water  on  it ; 
another,  of  2 J  fathoms,  named  La  Galiote  (Galiot  Kock),  lies  100 
yards  southward  of  Cape  Roux. 

Light. — A  fixed  red  light,  elevated  31  feet  above  the  sea,  is  exhib- 
ited from  an  iron  standard  on  the  East  Mole  head  of  Port  St.  Jean, 
visible  5  miles.     (See  Light  List.) 

Cape  d'Aggio. — From  Cape  Roux  the  coast  is  high  and  trends 
eastward,  forming  two  bays,  as  far  as  Cape  d'Aggio,  distant  2^ 
miles;  about  f  mile  northward  of  the  cape  is  the  sununit  of  a  moun- 
tain named  Tete  de  Chien,  1,880  feet  high. 

The  intermediate  coast  is  clear  of  danger,  except  some  rocks  which 
lie  about  200  yards  off;  on  Cape  d'Ail  (d'Aggio)  is  a  battery. 

Life-saving  station. — There  is  a  gun  life-saving  apparatus  at 
Cape  d'Aggio. 


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THE  SOUTH  COAST  OF  FRANCE.  169 

Port  Monaco. — ^At  1  mile  to  the  northeastward  of  Cape  d'Aggio 
is  the  town  of  Monaco  (which  contains  a  population  of  about  22,956), 
on  a  steep  rocky  eminence  forming  a  peninsula  and  projecting  east- 
ward. The  small  port  on  the  northern  side  of  the  town  is  500  yards 
wide,  600  yards  deep,  but  exposed  to  easterly  winds;  with  westerly 
winds  it  affords  good  shelter  for  small  vessels  in  from  6  to  8  fathoms, 
sand  and  mud.  At  the  head  of  the  bay  the  water  is  shallow  nearly 
200  yards  off.  Northwest  winds  blow  with  great  violence,  and  with 
easterly  winds  landing  is  diflScult.  Monaco  will  be  easily  recognized 
by  its  fortifications,  and  by  the  Table  de  Monaco,  or  Mont  Agel, 
8,770  feet  high.  If  miles  northward  of  the  town ;  northwestward  of 
the  town  is  the  ruin  of  the  ancient  tower  of  Turbia,  1,843  feet  high. 

Vessels  are  moored  off  the  platform  which  serves  as  a  landing  in 
8  to  11  fathoms,  with  port  anchor  down,  and  hawsers  to  the  rocks  at 
the  foot  of  the  fortifications  and  stern  anchor  out.  A  large  vessel  can 
anchor  in  about  17  fathoms  with  the  stern  secured  to  a  white  buoy  in 
the  center  of  the  port.  The  landing  place  can  not  be  used  by  boats 
drawing  more  than  2  feet  of  water. 

Two  breakwaters  shelter  the  port;  the  southern,  558  feet  in 
length,  has  a  northerly  direction  from  Fort  St.  Antonio,  the  other 
(constructing)  projects  in  a  southerly  direction  for  a  similar  length 
from  the  northern  side  of  the  port,  leaving  an  entrance  between  :528 
feet  in  width,  with  a  depth  of  16  fathoms,  and  inclosing  an  area  of 
nearly  40  acres. 

The  port  is  open  to  all  international  commerce,  receiving  at 
the  quay  vessels  of  22.9  draft  of  water.  Also  this  harbor  can 
receive  vessels  drawing  27.9,  which,  however,  must  lighten  them- 
selves at  some  distance  from  the  quay  by  discharging  a  part  of 
their  cargo  into  lighters,  afterwards  approaching  and  discharging 
at  the  quay.  Just  at  present  (1916)  there  are  no  discharging  cranes 
on  the  quay,  but  plans  are  being  made  to  have  such  cranes  in  the 
near  future.  The  discharging  is  effected  by  windlasses  on  board  the 
vessel  and  by  workmen,  and  discharge  is  about  at  the  rate  of  250 
tons  per  day.  It  is  also  possible  to  rent  from  the  port  authorities 
a  movable  crane  which  can  lift  40  tons,  but  there  is  no  absolute 
assurance  that  this  crane  can  be  had  on  a  particular  day  or  for  a 
particular  rate. 

A  broad  quay,  1,328  feet  in  length,  has  been  constructed  on  the 
southern  side  of  the  harbor  and  has  depths  of  from  3^  to  5^  fathoms 
alongside,  except  at  the  two  ends,  where  for  a  length  of  about  60 
yards  it  is  shoal. 

There  is  along  the  quay  one  railroad  line  which  connects  with  the 
main  line  of  railroad  of  the  district.  Port  pilotage  is  not  obligatory, 
but  the  authorities  furnish  a  pilot  and  the  necessary  workmen  for 


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170  THE   SOUTH   COAST  OF  FRANCE. 

mooring  purposes  at  a  very  reasonable  charge.  There  are  no  port 
dues. 

The  customs  duties  are  in  the  charge  of  the  French  Government, 
and  all  the  rules  of  the  French  customs  apply  to  Monaco.  Sanitary 
charges  are  completely  distinct  from  pilotage  charges. 

Commuiiication. — Monaco  is  connected  directly  by  rail  with 
Paris,  Lyon,  and  Mediterranean  Railway,  and  the  tunnel  at  Monaco 
has  been  pierced.  There  is  a  monthly  direct  winter  service  for  mer- 
chandise from  London  to  Monaco  (General  Steam  Navigation  Co.). 

Pilots, — ^The  employment  of  a  pilot  is  optional. 

The  principal  imports  are  coal,  cereals,  and  wine. 

Trade.-^The  principal  imports  are  coal,  cereals,  and  wine.  The 
principal  article  of  export  is  beer. 

Coal, — A  supply  of  coal  can  not  be  relied  upon,  but  is  ordered 
from  Nice  when  required.  A  little  might  be  obtained  from  the 
gas-works  or  from  the  merchants  in  the  town. 

Water. — Very  good  water  is  obtained  by  hose  over  the  quay. 

Lights, — A  fixed  red  light  is  exhibited,  at  an  elevation  of  49  feet, 
from  an  octagonal  masonry  tower,  situated  on  the  extremity  of  the 
southern  breakwater.  This  light  is  visible  from  a  distance  of  12 
miles. 

A  fixed  green  light,  visible  12  miles,  is  exhibited,  at  an  elevation 
4Si  feet  above  the  water  from  an  octagonal  masonry  tower  situated 
on  the  extremity  of  the  northern  breakwater.     (See  Light  Ijist.) 

Cape  Martin,  is  of  moderate  height,  wooded,  and  slopes  regularly 
on  all  sides,  terminating  in  a  low  point  on  which  is  a  battery.  On 
its  summit  is  a  white  semaphore,  272  feet  above  the  sea,  which  is 
very  conspicuous  from  the  offing;  and  on  a  slight  elevation  near  the 
extremity  of  the  cape  is  a  grand  hotel ;  1^  miles  303°  from  it  is  the 
small  town  of  Eoque-brune,  above  which  is  a  crag  in  the  form  of  a 
tower,  774  feet  high.  The  intermediate  coast  from  Monaco  is  high 
and  forms  a  bight  1  mile  deep,  with  some  rocky  shoals  at  the  distance 
of  400  yards. 

Anchorage. — There  is  anchorage  with  land  winds  on  both  sides 
of  Cape  Martin,  that  on  the  westward  called  the  Bay  of  Roque- 
brune;  vessels  anchor  northward  of  a  line  joining  the  cape  and  Vielle 
Point  in  8  to  11  fathoms,  sand  and  weeds,  with  the  semaphore  bearing 
from  90""  to  101°  30',  taking  care  to  avoid  the  rocks  which  extend 
400  yards  from  the  coast;  in  this  anchorage  Cape  Ferrat  Light  will 
be  masked  by  the  town  of  Monaco. 

To  the  eastward  of  the  cape  the  anchorage  is  in  5  to  6  fathoms 
sand,  mud,  and  weeds,  northeastward  of  the  semaphore,  and  at  600 
yards  eastward  of  a  small  white  chapel.  Vessels  should  be  always 
prepared  to  leave  on  any  signs  of  winds  from  seaward. 


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THE   SOUTH   COAST  OF  FRANCE.  171 

Mdrtola  Point  is  low  and  projecting;  rocks  and  shallow  water 
extending  fully  700  yards  from  it. 

Menton. — ^The  coast  between  Cape  Martin  and  M6rtola  Point 
forms  a  bay  with  a  sandy  beach,  and  about  midway  upon  a  slightly 
projecting  point  is  the  town  of  Menton,  or  Mentone,  containing  a 
population  of  about  9,000*  This  town,  formerly  belonging  to  the 
principality  of  Monaco,  was  in  1852  attached  to  Sardinia  and  in  1860 
ceded  to  France.  It  has  a  small  trade  in  fruit  and  oil  and  is  much 
f  requ^ited  by  visitors  and  invalids  during  the  winter  months,  when 
the  temperature  ranges  between  46°  and  58°  F.  A  few  miles  east- 
ward of  Menton  is  the  boimdary  between  France  and  Italy. 

Quay. — At  Menton  there  are  1,200  feet  of  quayage,  with  a  depth 
of  15  to  21  feet  alongside. 

Commuiiication. — Menton  is  on  the  Paris,  Lyons  &  Mediter- 
ranean Railroad,  which  is  close  to  the  coast. 

Trade. — The  principal  import  is  coal.  The  chief  articles  of  ex- 
port are  wheat,  olive  oil,  and  lemons. 

Supplies  are  plentiful  and  good  and  can  be  readily  obtained; 
water  can  be  procured  free  from  fountains  on  the  pier. 

Coal.— About  3,000  tons  of  coal  are  imported  annually  and  200 
tons  kept  in  stock  by  one  firm.  There  is  a  coal  wharf  300  feet  long 
with  a  depth  alongside  of  21  feet. 

Anchorag^e. — The  harbor  of  Menton  is  formed  by  a  pier  437 
yards  long,  within  which  are  depths  of  19  to  20  feet.  (Coasting 
vessels  anchor  during  offshore  winds,  off  the  town,  in  8  or  9  fathoms 
water.  During  strong  northwest  winds  heavy  squalls  blow  down 
through  the  breaks  in  the  mountains.  Vessels  of  18  feet  draft  can 
enter  the  port;  they  are  moored  with  their  own  anchors  head  to  the 
eastward  and  stern  hauled  in  to  rings  on  the  rocks  at  the  bottom  of 
the  port. 

In  fine  weather  vessels  anchor  in  from  6  to  8  fathoms,  sand  and 
weed,  200  to  400  yards  eastward  of  the  molehead.  Large  vessels 
anchor  farther  seaward  in  from  14  to  17  fathoms,  in  order  to  be  in 
a  favorable  position  should  southeasterly  winds  set  in.  Avoid 
anchoring  on  Eoche  Castellar,  with  10  fathoms  water,  situated  600 
yards  southeastward  of  the  molehead. 

Light. — An  occulting  white  light,  elevated  53  feet  above  the  sea 
and  visible  12  miles  in  clear  weather,  is  exhibited  from  a  white  metal 
turret  30  feet  in  height,  situated  on  the  pierhead  at  Menton. 

Buoy. — A  warping  buoy  is  situated  at  the  entrance  to  the  harbor. 

Life-saving  station. — There  is  a  rocket  life-saving  apparatus  at 
Menton. 

Directions. — The  Table  de  Monaco,  a  high  mountain,  the  summit 
of  which  is  flat,  and  the  Aiguille  de  Menton.  or  Mont  Bandon,  a 


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172  THE   SOUTH   COAST  OP  FRANCE. 

peaked  mountain  4,157  feet  high,  3  miles  to  the  northward,  are  good 
marks  for  vessels  making  this  part  of  the  coast ;  at  the  back  of  these 
momitains  are  the  higher  chain  of  the  Alps,  always  covered  with 
snow.  At  about  8  miles  southward  of  Villefranche  Lighthouse  the 
Aiguille  de  Menton  appears  as  a  double  peak. 

The  coast  from  Port  de  Mentone  trends  eastward  about  1  mile 
to  the  little  Eivifere  Saint  Louis  (Fiume  San  Luigi) ,  and  the  5-f  athom 
curve  is  from  400  to  600  yards  off  it.  On  the  coast  close  eastward  of 
the  mouth  of  the  river  is  an  iron  triangular  mark,  of  white  horizontal 
laths  with  open  spaces  between,  point  upward,  on  a  masonry  pillar, 
and  about  200  yards  to  the  northward  is  a  white  triangular  mark, 
point  downward,  painted  on  a"  rock  northward  of  San  Luigi  Bridge. 


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CHAPTER  III. 


NORTHWEST   COAST   OF  ITALY,   CAPE  MARTIN    TO   PIOMBINO— 

GULF  OF  GENOA. 

Northwest  coast.— Ventimiglia  (ancient  Albium  Interme- 
tium),  at  about  5^  miles  eastward  of  Cape  Martin,  is  a  fortified  town 
surrounded  by  a  wall,  situated  at  the  foot  of  a  tract  of  elevated  land ; 
and  contains  a  population  of  about  14,571.  Being  on  the  boundary 
between  France  and  Italy  it  is  an  important  military  position,  and 
here  is  the  international  railroad  station.  Above  it  on  the  west  is  a 
fort  and  on  the  east  is  the  Roja  River  (crossed  by  a  long  narrow 
bridge) ,  with  the  village  of  St.  Agostino  on  its  left!  bank.  The  coast 
between  Mortola  Point  and  Ventimiglia  is  high  and  richly  cultivated. 

Bordighera. — From  Ventimiglia  the  coast  trends  east-southeast- 
ward 3  miles  to  Cape  Bordighera,  which  is  of  moderate  height  and 
has  a  tower  on  it  The  intermediate  shore  is  a  beach  clear  of  danger, 
through  which  the  Rivers  Roja  and  Nervia  flow  into  the  sea.  The 
small  town  of  Bordighera,  with  a  population  of  about  4,388,  situated 
on  the  east  side  of  the  cape,  is  surrounded  by  walls,  and  at  a  distance 
has  the  appearance  of  a  fortress;  it  is  a  popular  winter  health  resort; 
westward  of  the  town  are  some  fishermen's  huts.  In  this  neighbor- 
hood the  date  palm  is  cultivated  and  there  is  a  considerable  export 
trade  in  flowers. 

Communication. — There  is  a  railroad  station  at  Bordighera;  an 
electric  tramway  runs  to  Ventimiglia.  The  telegraph  oflSce  is  open 
Rt  limited  hours. 

Anchorage. — With  offshore  winds,  coasting  vessels  anchor  in 
front  of  the  town,  in  9  or  10  fathoms,  sand  and  mud ;  should  the  wind 
shift  to  the  southward,  the  roadstead  must  be  abandoned. 

Cape  Pino  is  high  and  rounded,  projecting  to  the  southeastward, 
and  has  a  square  tower  on  it  and  a  zig-zag  road  up  its  south  face 
which  shows  distinctly  from  the  southward.  Between  the  two  capes 
the  coast  forms  a  bay  with  a  sandy  beach  nearly  1  mile  deep,  where 
with  offshore  winds,  vessels  may  anchor  in  from  8  to  10  fathoms. 
On  the  western  side  of  the  bay,  near  a  battery,  is  a  chapel,  and  nearer 
Cape  Pino  is  the  Village  of  Ospedaletti.    A  shoal  on  which  is  only  a 

173 


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174  THE   NOKTHWEST   COAST  OF  ITALY. 

depth  of  1  fathom,  lies  1  mile  northeastward  of  Cape  Pino,  at  about 
200  yards  offshore. 

Porto  di  San  Bemo  is  within  South  Mole,  which  extends  550 
yards  eastward  from  the  southeastern  angle  of  an  old  fort,  now  a 
prison,  on  the  beach  southeastward  of  the  town ;  near  the  middle  of 
the  mole  is  a  quay  160  feet  long.  North  mole  extends  about  50  yards 
eastward  from  the  harbor  master's  office,  which  is  situated  about 
200  yards  northward  of  the  inner  end  of  South  Mole.  The  depths  in 
the  middle  of  the  port  were  from  2^  to  3J  fathoms,  but  a  freshet  in 
Torrente  San  Francesco,  which  flows  into  the  port  northward  of  the 
harbor  master's  office,  brought  down  a  considerable  quantity  of  sand 
and  stones  into  the  harbor;  the  greatest  care  is  now  necessary  in 
entering  the  port,  and  South  Mole  should  not  be  approached  without 
information  as  to  the  depth  having  been  obtained  from  the  harbor 
master's  office;  dredging  is  in  progress  (1912). 

There  is  a  local  iron  foundry,  and  six  hydraulic  cranes  for  dis- 
charging cargo. 

Anchorage. — There  is  anchorage  in  about  7  fathoms,  sand,  and 
good  holding  ground,  about  400  yards  eastward  of  South  Molehead, 
but  it  is  safer  to  lie  farther  out  as  it  is  open  to  the  southward. 

San  Remo  town  is  in  two  parts,  one,  the  old  part,  on  the  steep 
slope  of  a  hill,  and  the  other,  the  new  part,  extending  along  the 
shore.  In  addition  to  the  hotels,  there  are  numerous  villas,  amidst 
flourishing  palm  trees,  in  contrast  with  the  oak  and  pine  woods 
which  cover  the  hill  to  its  summit.  The  church  della  Madonna  della 
Costa,  with  a  white  cupola,  is  on  the  hill  behind  the  old  town,  and  is 
conspicuous  from  all  directions  seaward.  The  town  is  frequented  by 
invalids  in  winter.    The  population  was  24,292  in  1911. 

Buoys. — Two  green  mooring  and  warping  buoys  lie  about  200  and 
500  yards,  respectively,  eastward  of  the  Inner  Mole  light. 

Lights. — An  occulting  red  light,  elevated  32  feet  above  the  sea 
and  visible  8  miles,  is  exhibited  from  an  iron  standard  over  shed, 
situated  about  22  yards  from  the  head  of  the  South  Mole. 

From  an  iron  standard  at  the  head  of  the  North  Mole,  elevated 
33  feet  above  the  sea,  is  exhibited  a  fixed  green  light,  visible  5  miles. 
(See  Light  list.) 

Trade. — In  1913  the  imports  were  coal  and  general  merchandise. 
The  chief  products  are  olive  oil,  lemons,  wine,  and  flowers. 

Communication. — ^There  is  a  station  of  the  Ventimiglia  and 
Gtenoa  railroad  at  San  Remo.    There  is  telegraphic  communication. 

Hospital. — L'Ospedale  Mauriziano,  near  the  Church  della 
Madonna  della  Costa,  has  75  beds. 

Two  sunken  rocks  lie  about  200  yards  off  the  beach,  in  tho  bight 
between  the  port  and  Cape  dell'  Arma,  and  there  are  others  a  short 
distance  off  the  cape. 


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THE   NORTHWEST  COAST  OP  ITALY.  175 

The  coast,  from  Porto  di  San  Remo  trends  eastward  about  2 
miles  to  Cape  dell'  Arma.  A  bank,  with  less  than  5  fathoms  water^ 
extends  from  300  to  600  yards  off  it. 

Cape  dell'  Arma  is  steep,  and  bordered  by  rocks.  The  little 
chapel  di  Nostra  Signora  della  Guardia  is  on  a  hill,  400  yards  north- 
ward of  the  cape,  and  surrounded  by  woods. 

Monte  Calvo,  J  mile  northwestward  of  the  chapel,  is  709  feet  high^ 
and  Poggio  Village  is  on  a  hill,  about  600  yards  northward  of  Monte 
Calvo.  Bussana  Vecchia,  on  a  hill,  672  feet  high,  IJ  miles  northward 
of  Cape  dell'  Anna,  is  conspicuous. 

Light. — A  group  flashing  white  light,  elevated  165  feet  above  the 
sea,  and  visible  19  miles,  is  exhibited  from  a  stone  tower  47  feet  in 
height,  situated  near  the  extremity  of  Cape  dell'  Anna.  (See  Light 
list.) 

The  coast. — A  slightly  embayed  coast  trends  about  3J  miles  73* 
to  Santo  Stefano  Point,  on  which  is  a  tower;  about  the  middle 
of  the  bay  is  Taggia  Eiver,  westward  of  which  is  the  village  of 
Arma,  and  to  the  eastward,  those  of  Riva  and  Santo  Stefano.  With 
the  exception  of  two  small  rocks  off  the  latter  villages,  the  bay  is 
clear  of  danger.  The  point,  however,  should  not  be  approached 
within  i  mile,  as  shoal  water  extends  off  it. 

The  coast  from  Cape  dell'  Arma  trends  eastward  3J  miles  to 
Stefano  Point.  A  bank  with  less  than  5  fathoms  water  extends 
from  300  to  800  yards  off  it.  Torrente  dell'  Arma  flows  into  the  sea 
800  yards  northeastward  of  the  cape,  and  Bussana  Nuova  Village,, 
close  northward  of  its  mouth,  has  a  church  with  a  campanile  sur- 
mounted by  a  bronze  statue.  Arma  Village  extends  along  the  coast 
northeastward  of  Bussana  Nuova,  and  near  its  western  end  is  an  old 
large  dark  square  tower. 

Shoal. — A  detached  shoal,  with  2  fathoms  water,  extends  about 
600  yards  southward  of  Torre  dell'  Arma. 

Anchorage. — There  is  temporary  anchorage,  with  offshore  winds, 
in  about  7  fathoms  water,  and  Torre  dell'  Arma,  bearing  300°  distant 
nearly  600  yards. 

Pier. — An  iron  pier  projects  about  190  feet  seaward  from  the 
coast  in  front  of  Arma  Village;  there  is  a  depth  of  12  feet  at  its 
outer  end. 

Buoys. — ^There  are  two  mooring  buoys  for  torpedo  boats  in  Santo 
Stefano  Bay. 

Porto  Maurizio. — ^The  village  of  San  Lorenzo,  3  miles  67**  from 
Santo  Stefano  Point,  is  famous  for  its  olives;  there  is  a  tower  on 
the  hill  i  mile  to  the  westward  of  it,  and  another  on  the  point  1.3 
miles  to  the  eastward;  5 J  miles  to  the  eastward  of  Santo  Stefano- 
Point  is  the  picturesque  old  port  of  Maurizio.    The  town  stands  upon. 


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176  THE   NORTHWEST  COAST  OF  ITALY. 

a  neck  of  rising  ground,  is  fortified,  has  a  cathedral,  and  contains 
a  population  of  about  8,280.  There  is  an  export  trade  in  olive 
oil,  lithographic  stones,  etc.    - 

A  short  distance  eastward  of  the  town  is  the  harbor,  formed  by 
two  moles,  the  South  Mole  projecting  toward  the  southeastward, 
and  the  North  or  Inner  to  the  south,  leaving  an  entrance  between 
them  of  over  100  yards.  Within  the  port,  at  the  iimer  end  of  the 
South  Mole,  a  small  Transverse  Mole  has  been  built,  and  a  quay  has 
been  constructed  on  the  northwestern  side. 

The  port  is  only  available  for  vessels  of  less  than  18  feet  draft 
of  water.    There  is  a  small  slip  at  the  northern  side  of  the  port. 

The  coast  is  much  exposed  to  all  but  northerly  winds,  but  with 
favorable  weather  vessels  may  anchor  in  from  5  to  7  fathoms  water, 
at  f  mile  from  the  shore. 

Works. — The  South  Mole  is  being  extended;  works  are  in  prog- 
ress.    Vessels  should  pass  eastward  and  use  caution. 

The  towns  of  Porto  Maurizio  and  Oneglia  are  to  be  united  under 
the  name  of  Imperia,  and  a  large  harbor  is  to  be  constructed,  having 
railroad  commimication  with  Turin.     (See  Light  List.) 

Buoys. — Two  mooring  buoys  are  situated  at  196  yards  110°  and 
219  yards  and  288°,  respectively,  from  the  green  light  on  the  North 
Mole. 

Trade. — The  principal  industries  are  cotton  and  woolen  goods. 
Wine,  oil,  fruit,  vegetables,  and  cattle  are  produced  in  the  neigh- 
borhood. 

Anchorage^  open,  except  to  northerly  winds,  can  be  obtained  in 
favorable  weather  in  7  fathoms  water,  sand  bottom,  about  400  yards 
northeastward  of  Soutli  Molehead. 

Supplies. — Water  can  be  obtained  on  the  quay  on  application  of 
the  tax  office. 

Repairs. — ^There  is  a  building  slip  and  workshops  for  wooden 
\essels  near  the  root  of  North  Mole. 

Hospital. — The  municipal  hospital  has  50  beds,  and  receives 
foreigners. 

Lights. — From  an  iron  standard,  14  yards  inside  the  North  Mole 
Head,  elevated  33  feet  above  the  sea,  is  exhibited  a  fixed  green  light, 
visible  2  miles. 

From  an  iron  standard  at  the  head  of  the  South  Mole,  elevated 
41  feet  above  the  sea,  is  exhibited  an  occulting  red  light,  visible  10 
miles. 

From  the  end  of  the  Transverse  Mole  a  small  fixed  white  light  is 
exhibited.     (See  Light  list.) 

Oneglia. — About  3  miles  67°  from  Maurizio  Point  is  Cape  Berta, 
round  which  there  are  a  few  scattered  rocks,  but  at  no  great  distance 
from  the  shore.    In  the  center  of  the  bay  between  Maurizio  Point 

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THE   NORTHWEST  COAST  OF   ITALY.  177 

and  Cape  Berta  are  the  town  and  port  of  Oneglia.  The  harbor  is 
artificial,  with  quay  accommodation  for  a  few  small  vessels;  the 
entrance  is  narrow  and  small  room  to  swing.  This  harbor  is  not 
recommended  for  large  vessels.  The  town,  containing  a  population 
of  about  10,487,  stands  on  a  plain  by  Impero  River,  which  is  crossed 
by  a  suspension  and  a  railroad  bridge ;  Mount  Bardelin  and  another 
hill,  upon  which  is  castel  Vecchio,  slope  down  from  above  ^  mile 
on  its  western  side.  The  exports  are  oil,  wines,  and  fruits,  the  figs 
in  the  district  being  celebrated.  The  principal  industry  is  the  manu- 
facture of  macaroni,  and  wine,  oil,  fruit,  vegetables,  and  cattle 
»re  produced  in  the  locality. 

A  port  similar  to  that  of  Maurizio  is  formed  to  the  east  of  the  river 
by  two  moles,  the  eastern  projecting  out  in  a  southwestward  and  the 
western  in  a  south-southeastern  direction.  There  is  21  feet  of  water 
in  the  entrance,  and  the  eastern  and  northeastern  portions  are  being 
dredged  to  19  feet.  The  anchojrage  is  off  the  town  on  muddy  ground 
in  any  convenient  depth,  but  is  exposed  to  winds  from  the  southward. 

Buoys. — There  are  two  mooring  buoys  within  the  port  for  small 
craft,  and  one  at  200  yards  230°  from  the  Eastern  Mole  Head. 

Lights. — From  an  iron  standard  on  the  East  Mole  Head,  at  an 
elevation  of  26  feet  above  the  sea,  is  exhibited  an  occulting  green 
light,  visible  10  miles. 

From  an  iron  standard  on  the  West  Mole  Head,  at  an  elevation  of 
19  feet  above  the  sea,  is  exhibited  a  fixed  red  light,  visible  5  miles. 
(See  Light  List.) 

Supplies. — Fresh  provisions  and  water  are  obtainable.  Coal  sup- 
ply unreliable.    Water  can  be  obtained  from  the  quay  of  West  Mole. 

Repairs. — There  are  two  yards  where  wooden  vessels  are  built. 

Hospital. — The  civil  hospital  has  75  beds,  and  receives  foreigners. 

Cominuiiication. — There  is  a  station  of  the  Ventimiglia  and 
Genoa  Eailroad  at  Oneglia,  and  there  is  telegraphic  communication. 

Firing  practice  with  rifles  is  sometimes  carried  on  from  a  station 
between  Oneglia  and  Cape  Berta  at  the  rock  to  the  eastward  of 
the  cape,  and  also  from  the  inner  end  of  the  rock  at  a  rise  at  its 
outer  end;  a  red  flag  is  hoisted  at  the  firing  stations,  and  at  the 
outer  end  of  the  rock  during  the  practice,  when  vessels  should  pass 
some  distance  from  the  cape. 

Cape  Mele  is  high  and  rounded,  covered  with  olive  trees,  and  a 
short  distance  inland  attains  an  elevation  of  725  feet;  west-north- 
westward from  it  are  the  mountains  of  Chiappa  and  Evigno;  the 
former  (1,775  feet  high)  distant  2^  miles  from  the  cape,  and  the  latter 
(3,245  feet  high)  7^  miles.  Nearly  midway  between  Capes  Berta  and 
Mele  is  a  less  conspicuous  peak  called  Cervo,  near  a  village  of  the 
same  name ;  other  villages  are  scattered  along  the  shore,  one  of  which, 

68850—17 12 


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178  THE   NORTHWEST   COAST  OF  ITALY. 

named  Diano  Marina,  with  a  castle,  overlooks  the  roadstead  west- 
ward of  Cervo ;  it  was  nearly  destroyed  by  the  earthquake  of  1877 ; 
Rovera  is  1  mile  nearer  the  latter  cape,  with  a  stream  on  each  side  and 
a  small  smiken  rock  near  the  mouth  of  the  eastern  one. 

Diano  roadstead,  off  the  village,  affords  anchorage  in  8  fathoms 
water,  sand  bottom,  with  the  campanile  bearing  about  309°  true,  and 
I  mile  from  the  shore ;  the  anchorage  is  open  except  from  the  north- 
westward. 

Rovero  (Rovere)  Village,  on  a  little  hill  about  400  yards  inland, 
has  a  white  campanile  with  a  small  red  cupola.  Cervo  Village  is  on  a 
little  conical  hill  near  the  sea,  and  at  its  highest  point  is  a  church 
with  a  campanile;  the  railroad  viaduct  below  the  village  is  of  ma- 
sonry with  six  arches.  Seaward  of  the  western  end  of  the  viaduct 
is  a  rock  with  6  feet  of  water. 

Cape  Cervo,  immediately  eastward  of  Cervo  Village,  is  steep 
and  rocky ;  there  is  about  half  of  a  very  old  tower  on  it.  RoUo  and 
Andora  villages  are  on  the  coast  between  Cape  Cervo  and  Cape 
Mele,  a  river  flowing  between  them  to  the  sea. 

Light. — A  flashing  white  light,  visible  20  miles,  at  an  elevation 
of  308  feet  above  the  sea,  exhibited  from  a  yellow  octagonal  tower 
82  feet  high,  situated  on  the  slope  of  Cape  Mele.    (See  Light  list.) 

Semaphore. — There  is  a  semaphore  station  on  Cape  Mele.  The 
semaphore  on  Cape  Mele  is  in  telegraphic  communication  with  San 
Benigno  semaphore  at  Genoa,  and  vessels  bound  to  that  port  can 
advise  the  Consorzio  Autonomo  of  Genoa  (established  to  receive 
messages  concerning  the  movements  of  vessels)  by  hoisting  letter  C 
of  the  International  Code  after  the  signal  has  been  hauled  down. 
Vessels  proceeding  to  Genoa  are  requested  to  signal  their  names  to 
Cape  Mele  in  order  to  facilitate  arrangements  for  their  arrival. 

The  Gulf  of  Genoa  (ancient  Mare  Ligusticum),  lying  between 
Cape  Mele  on  the  west  and  Tino  Island  on  the  east,  is  between  these 
points  about  73  miles  across  and  27  deep,  the  Maritime  Alps  and 
Apennine  ranges  approaching  within  from  5  to  18  miles  of  the  coast. 
The  shores  of  the  gulf  are  rocky  and  precipitous,  flanked  by  lofty 
mountains,  between  which  are  well-cultivated  valleys  varied  by  a 
succession  of  picturesque  towns  and  villages. 

The  division  between  Var  and  Genoa  is  known  as  the  Riviera  di 
Ponente  or  western  beach ;  that  between  Genoa  and  Spezia  the 
Riviera  di  Levante  or  eastern  beach;  the  shore  may  be  safely  ap- 
proached to  a  distance  of  400  yards.  There  are,  besides  the  port  of 
Gtenoa  (near  the  head  of  the  gulf),  safe  harbors  for  sailing  vessels 
and  several  good  roadsteads. 


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THE   NORTHWEST  COAST   OF   ITALY.  179 

Soundings. — In  the  Gulf  of  Grenoa  the  water  is  deep,  the  5- 
fathom  curve  in  no  place  extending  400  yards  from  the  shore,  nor 
that  of  10  fathoms  f  mile;  15  miles  from  the  head  of  the  gulf  and  2 
miles  from  the  western  shore,  the  depths  increase  abruptly  from  100 
to  300  fathoms,  the  bottom  being  mostly  mud. 

Alassio. — Between  Cape  Mele  and  the  sharp  point  of  San  Croce 
is  a  bay  with  a  sandy  beach  about  1  mile  in  depth;  the  bay  is  clear 
of  danger  with  the  exception  of  a  sunken  rock  lying  1  mile  north- 
west from  the  cape  at  about  300  yards  offshore.  On  the  beach,  1^ 
miles  from  Cape  Mele,  is  the  town  of  Laigueglia,  2  miles  northward 
of  which  is  the  small  seaport  town  of  Alassio;  the  town  contains  a 
population  of  about  3,800,  has  a  very  imposing  appearance,  and  con- 
tains some  large  buildings,  among  which  the  steeple  and  dome  of  a 
church  are  conspicuous;  it  is  fortified,  has  a  short  mole,  and  is  a  ris- 
ing winter  resort. 

Anchorage. — There  is  anchorage  in  the  above  bay  in  any  con- 
venient depth ;  the  best  berth  is  with  the  church  of  Alassio  in  range 
with  another  farther  island,  the  bottom  of  sand  and  mud.  The  cur- 
rent here  sets  to  the  southwest,  so  that  vessels  do  not  always  ride 
head  to  wind. 

Light. — A  fixed  red  electric  light  is  erected  on  the  beach  at  Lai- 
gueglia.    (See  Light  list.) 

Lena  Point  is  low  with  a  sandy  shore,  and  between  it  and  San 
Croce  Point  is  a  small  bay,  on  the  shores  of  wliich  are  some  houses,  a 
church,  and  two  towers. 

Oallinara  Island,  3  mile  southward  of  Lena  Point,  is  285  feet 
high  and  has  a  tower  on  it.  In  mid-channel  between  the  island 
and  the  mainland  are  depth*  of  i\  and  7  fathoms,  a  patch  of  3 J  fath- 
oms lying  off  the  north  point  of  the  island.  Vessels  anchor  to  the 
westward  of  Gallinara  with  a  stern  fast  to  the  shore  of  the  island. 

Albenga  (the  Roman  Albium  Ingaunum)  is  a  pretty  but  un- 
healthful  town  on  a  branch  of  the  Arosia  River;  it  has  several  re- 
mains of  antiquity,  a  gothic  cathedral  and  some  old  castles.  Hemp  is 
grown  here,  and  Albenga  is  famous  for  the  fruit  grow  n  in  the  neigh- 
borhood.   The  population  is  about  4,000. 

The  coast. — From  Lena  Point  the  coast  northward  forms  with 
Cape  Noli,  a  bay  of  2f  miles  deep  extending  13  miles  northeastward ; 
it  is  encircled  by  a  range  of  lofty  mountains,  the  summit  of  which, 
Mount  Carmo  (4,557  feet  in  height),  is  midway  betw^een  the  above- 
mentioned  points  and  a  little  more  than  4  miles  from  the  coast. 
Several  streams  flow  into  the  above  bay,  and  villages  and  towers 
border  the  shore  and  heights  above. 

The  entrance  to  the  Arosia  River  is  1^  miles  northward  of  T^na 
Point;  the  freshes  of  this  river  are  often  verv  destructive.    The  vil- 


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180  THE   NORTHWEST  COAST  OF  ITALY. 

lages  of  Ceriale  and  Borghetto,  between  which  are  the  peaks  of 
Mount  Croce  (1,781  feet  high),  are  respectively  2  and  3  miles  north- 
ward of  the  mouth  of  the  river.  The  Toirano  River  enters  the  sea 
a  short  distance  northward  of  the  latter  village.  One  mile  northward 
of  Borghetto  is  the  town  of  Loano  or  Lovano,  near  the  Nimbaldo 
River;  it  is  walled  and  defended  by  a  castle,  and  has  manufactories 
of  soap  and  lace. 

Cape  Finale. — Four  miles  northward  of  Loano  is  Cape  Finale; 
on  it  is  a  tower,  and  on  the  intermediate  coast  are  the  villages  of 
Pietro,  Borgio,  and  Verezzi. 

Finale. — On  the  northern  side  of  the  cape,  situated  between  two 
torrents  is  the  scattered  town  of  Finale.  Off  Finalemarina  is  an 
insecure  anchorage,  which,  with  the  adjacent  coast,  is  fronted  by 
a  sandy  beach.  The  country  around  produces  fine  oranges,  and  there 
are  several  factories  of  bronze,  linen,  and  paper  in  the  neighborhood. 
On  an  elevation  of  876  feet,  between  the  streams,  is  a  chapel,  the 
slopes  of  the  neighboring  hills  are  in  places  thickly  wooded,  and  nu- 
merous dwellings  stud  the  country  in  the  vicinity.  On  the  point  1^ 
miles  from  Capt  Finale  is  a  tower,  nearly  2  miles  eastward  of  which 
is  the  village  of  Varigotti,  with  a  tower  and  battery  on  Crena  Point, 
the  bluff  eastward  of  it. 

Anchorage. — Along  the  shore  westward  of  the  battery  is  a  sandy 
beach,  and  several  off-lying  rocks,  but  none  at  any  great  distance 
from  the  shore,  a  depth  of  5  fathoms  being  found  witliin  300  yards 
of  it.  Under  favorable  circumstances  anchorage  may  be  taken  up  off 
Loano  or  abreast  Finale,  but  there  is  no  shelter  except  from  northerly 
and  westerly  winds;  the  Iwttom  is  sand  and  mud. 

Cape  TSolif  the  northern  boundary  of  the  bay  before  described, 
is  high,  steep,  and  bold-to,  a  depth  of  more  than  200  fathoms  being 
found  1  mile  southeastward  from  it. 

Semaphore. — On  the  summit  is  the  ruin  of  St.  Margarita  Chapel, 
and  near  it,  at  an  elevation  of  902  feet,  a  semaphoi*e  telegraph  station. 

The  coast. — From  Cape  Noli  the  coast  forms  a  bend  to  a  wooded 
point  upon  which  is  a  tower,  2^  miles  distant;  it  is  fronted  by  a 
sandy  beach  and  without  any  dangers.  About  halfway  between  it 
is  the  torrent  of  Cercallo,  and  upon  the  shore  on  either  side  the  vil- 
lages of  Xoli  and  Spotorno,  the  former  to  be  recognized  by  a  tower; 
and  on  the  high  land  over  it,  the  church  and  village  of  Vozze. 
Spotorno  contains  extensive  shipbuilding  yards. 

Bergeggi  Islet  lies  off  the  northern  point  of  the  bay,  between 
which  and  the  islet  is  a  channel  about  400  yards  wide,  having  a  depth 
of  6  and  7  fathoms  water.  The  islet  is  bold,  about  200  feet  high, 
wooded,  and  on  its  summit  is  a  church  in  ruins. 

Cape  Vado. — Off  a  sharp  point  a  little  northward  of  the  tower  on 
the  noi-them  point  of  the  al)Ove  bay  are  a  few  rocks  above  water,  the 


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THE   NORTHWEST  COAST  OF  ITALY.  181 

coast,  which  is  steep  and  inaccessible,  is  otherwise  bold  to  Cape 
Vado ;  the  village  of  Bergeggi  stands  on  the  shore,  and  toward  the 
cape  are  the  well-wooded  slopes  of  Mounts  Mao  and  St.  Elena.  The 
cape,  with  the  exception  of  some  scattered  rocks  close  in,  is  steep-to 
with  100  fathoms  at  the  distance  of  1  mile;  on  its  summit  are  the 
ruins  of  Fort  St.  Stef  ano. 

Breakwater. — A  breakwater  extends  150  yards  in  a  northeasterly 
direction  jErom  this  cape,  thence  38  yards  31°,  and  98  yards  10°. 

Light. — A  flashing  white  light,  elevated  142  feet  above  the  sea  and 
visible  17  miles,  is  exhibited  from  a  yellow  octagonal  tower,  with 
dwelling  attached,  114  feet  in  height,  situated  on  a  rock  near  the 
eastern  extremity  of  Capt  Vado;  within  5  miles  a  faint  continuous 
light  is  seen.     (See  Light  List.) 

This  light  is  not  visible  from  the  anchorage  northward  of  Cape 
Vado;  and  to  the  southward  it  is  obscured  by  Bergeggi  Islet.  (See 
Light  List.) 

Vado. — The  coast  from  Cape  Vado  to  Savona,  to  the  northeast- 
ward, forms  a  bay  1  mile  in  depth,  in  the  southwestern  part  of  which 
is  the  small  port  of  Vado  on  the  Segno  River.  It  is  defended  by  Fort 
San  Lorenzo  on  the  south;  between  it  and  the  cape  is  a  suburb  and 
church  of  the  same  name,  and  also  a  small  fort. 

Off  Fort  San  Lorenzo  are  some  rocks.  The  shore  must  therefore  not 
be  approached  too  closely.  Anchorage  may  be  taken  up  in  any  con- 
venient depth ;  6  fathoms  will  be  found  at  400  yards  from  the  shore 
and  the  holding  ground  is  good.  A  considerable  swell  is  sent  into 
the  bay  with  southeasterly  winds,  and  with  northwesterly  winds  there 
are  sometimes  heavy  squalls  from  off  the  land. 

Light — ^Vado. — A  small  fixed  white  light,  elevated  49  feet  above 
the  sea  and  visible  6  miles,  is  shown  from  a  gray  staff,  30  feet  high, 
on  house  at  Fort  San  Lorenzo.    (See  Light  list.) 

Savona. — Northward  of  Vado  are  the  villages  of  Zinola  and  For- 
naci,  and  IJ  miles  from  the  latter  is  the  seaport  town  of  Savona ;  the 
stream  or  torrent  of  Letimbro,  off  the  mouth  of  which  is  a  rock, 
enters  the  sea  between  Fornaci  and  Savona.  Savona  (ancient  Savo) 
is  a  place  of  some  importance;  contains  a  cathedral  and  other 
churches,  a  theater,  palaces,  hospital  available  for  sailors,  a  British 
seamen's  institute,  etc.,  and  on  the  southward  of  the  town  is  a  fort 
of  considerable  size  and  the  large  iron  and  steel  works  of  the  Societa 
Anonina  (Messrs.  Tardy  &  Benech),  the  situation  of  this  establish- 
ment being  exceptionally  good,  having  ready  access  both  to  the  ship- 
ping and  railroad. 

The  chief  industry  is  shipbuilding;  iron  is  manufactured  in  large 
quantities;  and  there  are  glassware,  porcelain,  silk  goods,  and  com- 
mon pottery  manufactories  and  sulphur  mills;  it  exports  oranges 


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182  THE   NORTHWEST   COAST    OF   ITALY. 

and  other  fruits  grown  in  the  neighborhooH ;  the  population  is  about 
50,054. 

The  harbor. — ^The  entrance,  open  to  the  northeastward,  is  be- 
tween two  moles;  the  southern  or  Traverse  Mole  projects  225  yards 
to  the  northward,  thence  northeastward  166  yards  from  the  works 
which  form  the  eastern  side  of  new  basin,  the  northern  or  Tramon- 
tana  projects  152°  about  160  yards  from  the  western  side  of  a  rocky 
bluff  on  the  north  shore;  the  width  of  entrance  is  about  200  yards. 
Within  are  the  Outer  and  Old  Harbors  and  Victor  Emanuel- Harbor. 

An  area  in  front  of  the  entrance  to  the  port  has  been  dredged  to  a 
depth  of  29^  feet.  Harbor  improvements  are  to  be  carried  out,  con- 
sisting principally  of  a  new  breakwater,  about  1,575  feet  in  length, 
and  a  new  quay. 

Frangionde  Mole  extends  about  449  ffeet  beyond  the  Traverse 
Mole;  from  a  point  about  300  feet  to  the  eastward  of  and  beyond 
Travei^se  Mole;  at  the  extremity,  an  arm  extends  about  70  feet  north- 
westward. 

Buoys. — Four  buoys  for  the  use  of  scows  engaged  in  the  con- 
struction work  are  moored  in  tlie  following  positions:  837  yards  45°, 
403  yards  47%  426  yards  67%  and  311  yards  77°  from  the  light  on  the 
extremity  of  Frangionde  Mole. 

Harbor  works — ^Lights. — Works  are  in  progress  (1915)  for 
extending  the  quay  at  the  inner  part  of  Frangionde  Mole,  and  a 
light  is  shown  temporarily  from  a  stone  pillar  about  87  yards  north- 
westward of  the  light-turret  on  the  head  of  the  mole.  A  light-buoy, 
exhibiting  a  jflashing  red  light,  also  marks  the  works. 

Works  are  also  in  progress  for  the  construction  of  a  quay  north- 
eastward of  the  harbor  master's  oflSce,  and  are  marked  by  red  lights 
placed  on  piles. 

Casse  Mole,  980  feet  long,  projects  seaward  in  a  102°  direction 
from  the  northern  end  of  eastern  embankment  of  Victor  Emanuel 
Harbor,  and  hearly  at  right  angles  to  Traverse  Mole. 

Caution. — Vessels  should  not  pass  between  the  head  of  the  mole 
and  the  lightbuoy,  as  the  work  is  now  nearly  ^wash  in  several  places. 

Calata  del  Carbone — Caution. — From  the  northwestern  side  of 
the  wharf  three  mooring  chains  extend  to  the  mainland  opposite, 
and  anchorage  should  be  avoided  in  the  vicinity.  The  point  where 
each  chain  commences  is  marked  by  two  vertical  stripes,  one  black 
and  the  other  white,  close  together  on  the  wharf. 

Outer  and  Old  Harbors. — Outer  Harbor  extends  about  2,000 
feet  from  the  moles  in  a  southwestern  direction,  gradually  narrowing 
until  it  becomes  131  feet  wide;  it  then  turns  to  the  southward  for  a 
farther  distance  of  550  feet  and  widens  to  about  270  feet,  this  latter 
forming  the  Old  Harbor  or  basin,  perfectly  sheltered,  with  a  depth 


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THE   NORTHWEST   COAST  OF  ITALY.  183 

of  22  feet.  The  Outer  Harbor  has  a  depth  of  from  24:  feet  at  the 
southwestern  part  to  30  feet  at  the  entrance. 

Victor  Emanuel  Harbor  is  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  Old  Har- 
bor, with  its  entrance  at  the  northward  and  immediately  within  the 
Traverse  Mole,  by  which  it  is  protected  from  east-northeastward 
winds ;  approximately,  it  is  900  feet  long,  600  feet  average  width, 
and  at  entrance  200  feet,  with  a  depth  of  29  feet.  The  railroad 
extends  along  the  surrounding  quays. 

Coaling  wharf  separates  Victor  Emanuel  Harbor  from  the 
approach  to  the  Old  Harbor.  From  the  northern  side  of  this  wharf 
three  mooring  chains  extend  to  the  mainland  opposite,  and  vessels 
should  avoid  anchoring  in  the  vicinity.  The  starting  point  of  each 
chain  is  marked  by  two  vertical  black  and  white  stripes  on  the  coaling 
wharf. 

Directions. — In  making  Savona  from  the  southward  or  eastward, 
the  old  convent  of  St.  Giacomo  on  the  northern  side  of  the  harbor  is 
easily  recognized  at  a  considerable  distance,  and  when  brought  to 
bear  270°  the  entrance  is  open  and  may  be  steered  for.  The  deepest 
draft  vessel  that  has  entered  the  port  is  ^4:  feet,  but  a  vessel  of  25 
feet  draft  can  enter  at  high  water. 

Lights — ^Frangionde  Mole. — ^An  occulting  red  electric  light, 
elevated  32  feet  above  the  sea,  and  visible  4  miles,  is  exhibited  from 
a  red  circular  turret,  21  feet  high,  situated  at  the  extremity  of 
Frangionde  Mole. 

A  fixed  red  electric  light,  elevated  8.2  feet  above  the  water,  has 
been  erected  on  the  inner  branch  of  the  Frangionde  Mole,  87  yards 
325°  from  the  occulting  red  light,  to  mark  the  work  of  the  prolonga- 
tion of  the  arm  of  Frangionde  Mole. 

Note. — Temporarily  extinguished  (1916). 

The  work  of  prolonging  the  mole  will  soon  (1915)  be  commenced. 

Lightbuoy. — A  red  lightbuoy,  showing  an  occulting  red  light, 
has  been  moored  164  yards  from  the  present  extremity  of  the  mole, 
and  this  will  be  moved  as  the  work  progresses. 

A  fixed  green  light  is  exhibited  from  a  green  iron  staff  on  square 
masonry  base,  22  feet  high,  at  the  extremity  of  the  Tramontana 
Mole,  32  feet  above  the  sea,  visible  5  miles. 

Casse  Mole. — A  flashing  white  electric  light,  exhibited  82  feet 
above  the  sea  and  visible  14  miles  from  a  skeleton  iron  tower  situated 
at  the  head  of  Casse  Mole. 

Frangionde  Mole  Light  and  Casse  Mole  Light  are  not  visible 
together,  one  being  visible  during  the  eclipses  of  the  other,  and 
vice  versa. 

Fortified  port. — Savona  is  a  fortified  port.    See  Regulations. 

Time  signal. — A  gun  at  the  artillery  barracks,  S.  Giacomo,  is 
fired  at  noon  standard  mean  time   (23h.  Om.  Os.  Greenwich  mean 

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184  THE   NOETHWEST  COAST  OP  ITALY. 

time).  Five  minutes  before  the  above  signal  a  red  and  white  flag 
will  be  hoisted  from  the  barracks  in  a  position  conspicuous  from 
vessels  in  the  harbor,  and  lowered  at  the  moment  the  gun  is  fired. 

In  the  event  of  the  gun  signal  failing,  it  will  be  repeated  at  Ih.  Om. 
Os.  standard  mean  time  (Oh.  Om.  Os.  Greenwich  mean  time),  the  flag 
remaining  hoisted  until  that  time. 

Trade. — The  principal  articles  of  import  at  Savona  are  benzine, 
petroleum,  broken  and  pig  iron,  stones  and  earths,  mineral -phos- 
phates, coal,  grain,  etc.  The  principal  exports  are  candied  fruits, 
wooden  hoops,  cork,  sulphur,  coal,  chestnuts,  etc. 

There  are  manufactories  of  iron,  firebricks,  bottles,  and  large 
works  for  building  electric  locomotives,  etc. 

Coininuiiication. — A  railroad  connects  Savona  with  Genoa ;  also 
with  the  ports  westward  to  Nice  and  northward  to.  Turin. 

An  electric  tramway  has  been  constructed  from  Savona  to  Vado. 

Coal. — There  are  usually  about  36,000  tons  kept  in  stock.  There 
is  no  coal  wharf ;  the  coal  is  piled  on  the  quay,  where  there  is  a  depth 
of  23  to  24  feet.  Vessels  coal  at  the  quay.  About  2,000  tons  of  coal 
can  be  loaded  in  24  hours. 

Pilots  are  obtainable,  as  are  also  tugs.  Pilots  take  charge  of 
vessels  2  miles  from  Mola  delle  Casse. 

Supplies  are  plentiful.  Water  is  obtained  from  pipes  on  the 
quay.  The  bay  of  Vado  is  available  for  large  vessels  to  coal  from 
lighters;  an  extra  charge  per  ton  for  towing  expenses  would  be 
incurred. 

Quarantine. — Vessels  declared  infected  with  cholera,  plague,  etc., 
are  now  disinfected  at  Savona. 

Hospital. — The  civil  hospital  of  San  Paolo,  with  173  beds,  receives 
foreigners;  separate  charges  for  medical  and  siir<j:i('Ml  cases,  daily, 
paid  for  one  month  in  advance:  tlie  charge  for  any  days  of  the 
month  not  spent  in  hospital  is  retnrne<l. 

Repairs. — There  are  facilities  for  executing  repairs  to  hull  and 
engines,  etc.,  but  no  dry-ch)ck  accommodation. 

The  coast.^ — From  Savona  the  coast  trends  northeastward  13 
miles  to  the  head  of  the  gulf  near  Voltri  and  is  of  the  same  character 
as  that  previously  described.  Several  streams  flow  into  the  sea,  the 
largest  of  which,  nearest  Savona,  are  but  small  unless  swollen  by 
heavy  rains.  Towns  and  villages  with  apparently  handsome  dwell- 
ings are  perched  upon  the  elevated  and  well-wooded  ground  within. 
The  principal  village  is  Albissola,  divided  into  two  parts  by  the  tor- 
rent of  Sansobbia;  one  is  upon  elevated  ground  1  mile  inland,  the 
other  is  on  the  shore  with  an  old  tower  a  short  distance  to  the  east- 
ward. The  village  is  fronted  by  a  sandy  beach,  but  between  that 
portion  called  the  Marina  and  Savona  there  are  several  scattered 
rocks  for  a  distance  of  400  yards  oflf  the  shore. 


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THB  NORTHWEST  COAST  OF  ITALY.  186 

Celle  and  Varazze  are  two  small  towns  on  the  coast.  The  latter, 
4^  miles  from  Savona,  is  a  thriving  port  where  shipbuilding  is  car- 
ried on.  It  stands  on  a  sandy  beach,  in  a  small  bay,  on  the  northern 
point  of  which  is  a  tower.  About  ^  mile  within  is  Mount  Guardia  di 
Varazze.  elevated  1,319  feet.  About  2^  miles  beyond  the  tower  is 
the  village  of  Cogoleto,  which  claims  to  be  the  birthplace  of  Chris- 
topher Columbus. 

Cape  Arenzano  is  2  miles  eastward  of  Cogoleto;  ^  mile  north- 
ward of  it  is  the  bay  and  village  of  the  same  name.  Voltri  lies  3 
miles  northeastward  of  Cape  Arenzano,  the  villages  of  Vesina  and 
Crevari  lying  between.  Off  the  shores  southwestward  of  Celle,  Cogo- 
leto. and  Cape  Arenzano  are  some  scattered  rocks,  but  none  beyond 
400  yards  from  the  shore.  Five  fathoms  will  be  found  at  about  i 
mile  offshore  and  100  fathoms  at  from  3  to  5  miles.  The  bottom  is 
mostly  mud  and  sand. 

Voltri. — This  flourishing  town  containing  a  population  of  about 
15,688  is  situated  at  the  head  of  the  Gulf  of  Genoa  and  7  miles  from 
the  port  of  Genoa,  with  which  it  carries  on  an  active  trade  by  means 
of  small  coasting  vessels.  It  contains  extensive  shipyards,  machine 
shops  and  factories,  has  some  fine  churches  and  other  buildings,  a 
manufactory  of  paper,  and  sulphur  springs  in  the  neighboring  valley 
of  Leira  which  are  much  frequented. 

Pegli  Village  lies  eastward  of  the  point  just  mentioned,  and  has 
a  church  with  a  white  campanile.  Torre  Pallavicini,  red,  cylindrical, 
ond  443  feet  above  high  water,  stands  on  a  wooded  hill  northward  of 
the  church. 

Light. — A  light  is  exhibited,  at  23  feet  above  high  water,  from  an 
iron  standard  on  the  shore,  eastward  of  a  gray  castellated  house  near 
the  western  end  of  Pegli  Village. 

Torrente  Varena,  eastward  of  Pegli  and  between  it  and  Mul- 
tedo  Village,  is  crosstnl  by  a  masonry  bridge  with  five  arches. 

Sestri  Ponente,  about  1^  miles  eastward  of  Pegli,  is  situated 
within  a  long  and  straight  beach,  at  the  eastern  end  of  which  is  a 
small  rocky  peninsula  surmounted  by  the  noticeable  Ctistello  Raggio. 
Three  short  iron  piers,  furnislied  with  rails,  and  cranes  on  their 
heads,  project  from  the  beach ;  there  ai*e  depths  of  13  and  15  feet  at 
their  heads,  off  which  there  are  generally  buoys  for  the  use  of  the 
coasters  with  materials.  The  principal  industry  is  shipbuilding, 
carried  on  at  Ansaldo  and  Odero  yards  and  foundries. 

The  population  was  21,G07  in  1911. 

Brie  del  Gazo,  a  conical  mountain,  1,381  feet  high,  is  about  IJ 
miles  northward  of  Sestri  Ponente;  it  is  surmounted  by  a  con- 
spicuous sanctuary. 

_Comigliano,    immediately    eastward    of    Castello    Raggio,    has 
several  chinmeys,  one  of  which  is  very  high  and  conspicuous. 

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186  THE   NORTHWEST  COAST  OF   ITALY. 

Torre  Moiselli  or  Spronati,  587  feet,  and  Campanile  di  Coronata, 
443  feet  above  high  water,  and  of  a  dirty  white  color,  are  northward 
of  the  village. 

There  are  several  short  moles  off  the  village,  but  they  are  unsuit- 
able for  landing. 

Torrente  Polcevera  separates  Cornigliano  from  Sampier  d'Arena, 
and  is  crossed,  near  its  mouth,  by  a  long  iron  bridge. 

Sampler  d'Arena  (San  Pier  d'Arena)  is  noticeable  by  the 
geat  number  of  chimneys,  the  large  workshops,  and  the  houses 
blackened  by  smoke.  Campanile  di  Belvedere,  on  a  hill  northward 
of  the  town,  is  420  feet  above  high  water,  and  red  in  color. 

The  principal  industries  are  shipbuilding,  iron  works  and 
foundries,  soap  manufacture,  and  making  extract  of  logwood. 

The  population  was  76,500  in  1911; 

Cape  del  Faro  (San  Benigno)  is  a  small  rocky  projection,  and 
near  its  extreme  point  is  a  battery,  northward  of  which,  and  about 
200  yards  from  the  point,  is  a  lighthouse  on  high  rocky  ground. 
Farther  northward  are  the  large  red  barracks  of  San  Benigno. 

Signal  station. — There  is  a  semaphore,  305  feet  above  high 
water,  on  the  roof  of  the  upper  barrack  of  San  Benigno,  painted 
black  and  white  in  chequers.    The  station  is  open  day  and  night. 

Lights. — A  fixed  green  light  is  shown  from  the  shore  at  Pra; 
occasionally  a  fixed  white  electric  light  is  shown  near  the  green  light. 

A  fixed  red  light,  elevated  23  feet,  and  visible  2  miles  is  shown 
from  an  iron  standard,  13  feet  high,  on  the  shore  eastward  of  a 
castellated  building  at  Pegli.    (See  Light  List.) 

Genoa. — The  renowned  city  of  Genoa,  "  Genova  La  Superba  "  of 
<he  Italians,  stands  at  the  termination  of  that  part  of  the  coast  at 
the  head  of  the  gulf  called  western  Riviera ;  it  is  sheltered  by  a  steep 
range  of  hills  at  itie  foot  of  the  Apennines,  which  surround  the  semi- 
circular bay,  upon  the  eastern  side  of  which  the  greater  portion  of 
the  city  is  built. 

The  city  is  defended  by  three  lines  of  fortifications,  the  outer  form- 
ing a  semicircle  7  miles  in  circumference,  supported  by  numerous 
detached  forts,  redoubts,  and  earthworks,  crowning  the  summits  of 
the  hills  which  command  the  town. 

The  streets  are  steep,  irregular,  and  narrow  in  the  old  part  of  the 
town,  which  however  contains  many  fine  buildings  and  even  marble 
palaces.  In  the  new  quarter  of  Carignano  there  are  now  wide  streets 
with  fine  building  areas,  and  the  so-called  "  Fronti  Passe  "  or  town 
walls,  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  town  are  being  rapidly  pulled  down 
and  the  eastern  railroad  station  (Orientale)  is  now  open.  The  prin- 
cipal public  edifices  are  the  ducal  palace,  cathedral,  university,  royal 
college,  and  naval  school;  there  are  also  many  convents,  charitable 
institutions,  about  50  churches  and  chapels  (within  the  walls),  also 

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THE   NORTHWEST   COAST   OF   ITALY.  187 

an  exchange,  theater,  botanic  and  other  gardens.  As  much  and  varied 
color  is  used  in  the  decoration  of  the  palaces,  the  city  and  suburbs 
torm  a  magnificent  panorama  when  viewed  from  seaward. 

The  city  lies  between  the  rivers  or  mountain  torrents  of  Polcevera 
on  the  west  and  Bisagno  on  the  east,  the  former  being  crossed  near 
its  mouth  by  a  bridge.  An  excellent  supply  of  water  is  brought 
to  the  city  partly  by  an  aqueduct  from  the  Bisagno  Stream  amongst 
the  hills,  which  is  25  miles  in  length:  and  partly  by  an  aqueduct 
from  the  Scrivia  on  the  northern  side  of  the  Apennines,  through  the 
railroad  tunnel  of  Giovi. 

Genoa  was  with  few  interruptions  the  capital  of  a  commercial  re- 
public until  the  eighteenth  century;  it  was  taken  by  the  French  in 
1797,  and  ceded  to  the  King  of  Sardinia  in  1819.  The  population  is 
about  265,082.  The  industrial  enterprises  are  shipbuilding,  iron- 
works, the  manufacture  of  cotton,  vermicelli  and  tanneries;  in  the 
district  are  copper  mines,  slate  quarries,  and  mines  of  lignite  coal. 

Consul. — The  United  States  is  represented  by  a  consul  general, 
consul,  and  vice  consul. 

The  port. — St.  Giacoma  Point  is  1.4  miles  104''  from  Cape  San 
Benigno,  and  between  them  is  the  bay  of  (xenoa  which  extends  about 
1,600  yards  in  a  northeast  direction. 

The  port  is  formed  by  the  incloeure  of  the  buy  within  two  moles; 
that  on  the  western  side  having  three  arms.  The  first  arm  or  Nuovo 
Molo  eirtends  from  the  western  point  of  the  bay,  just  northward  of 
Cape  del  Faro  (San  Benigno),  in  a  southeastward  direction  for  a  lit- 
tle more  than  ^  mile.  The  second  arm  commences  about  150  yards 
westward  of  the  head  of  the  first,  and  extends  southward  for  about 
700  yards,  then  turns  off  southeastward  nearly  parallel  to  the  first 
for  about  900  yards,  forming  the  third  arm,  and  called  the  Duca  di 
Galliera  Mole. 

Giano  Mole  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  bay,  600  yards  northwest- 
ward of  St.  Giacoma  Point,  projects  southwestward  for  more  than 
600  yards. 

Between  Duca  di  Galliera  Mole  and  Giano  Mole  is  the  entrance  to 
the  port,  the  mole  heads  being  nearly  north  and  south  of  each  other, 
over  600  yards  apart,  with  depths  of  from  9  to  11  fathoms,  and  form- 
ing within  an  extensive  and  conmiodious  harbor.  The  harbor  is  easy 
of  access  in  all  weather  for  steamers. 

The  harbor  master's  office  and  petroleum  stores  are  near  the  inner 
end  of  Nuovo  Mole,  the  outer  half  of  which  has  from  6  to  8  fathoms 
on  either  side  of  it. 

Point  St.  Giacoma  on  the  eastward  has  a  battery  and  light  tower 
on  it;  the  5-fathom  curve  is  from  500  yards  from  the  shore  south- 
ward of  the  point  to  200  yards  at  the  north  near  Giano  Mole. 


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188  THE   NORTHWEST   COAST  OF  ITALY. 

The  Vecchio  Mole  extends  a  short  distance  off  Malapaga  Point  in 
a  northwestern  direction,  then  westward  for  400  yards,  terminating  in 
an  arm  to  the  northwestward,  the  whole  being  1,900  feet  long.  This 
divides  the  harbor  into  two  parts,  the  outer  called  the  Port  Vittorio 
Emanuele. 

Sea  walls  surround  the  bay,  from  which  project  upon  each  side  a 
series  of  quays  or  jetties,  with  hydraulic  cranes  and  railroad  connec- 
tion, and  within  are  warehouses,  etc.  Other  quays  are  in  contem- 
plation at  Malapaga  Point,  and  extending  along  the  southern  side 
of  Vecchio  Mole.  There  is  a  basin  at  the  head  of  the  bay,  with  the 
marine  arsenal  adjoining.  The  customhouse  on  Ponte  Frederico 
Guglielmo,  and  the  health  office  at  the  Ponte  Salumi,  close  to  the 
mouth  of  the  arsenal  basin.  The  lazaretto  is  on  the  eastern  extremity 
of  the  Nuova  Mole.  The  petroleum  stores  are  near  the  inner  end 
of  Nuova  Mole.  The  naval  timber  yard  is  on  the  coast  eastward  of 
the  port  a  little  beyond  the  Bisagno  River. 

The  entrance  to  the  inner  part  of  the  port  between  the  Vecchio 
Mole  and  Pietro  Paleocapa  Quay,  which  projects  northeastward 
from  the  eastern  extremity  of  the  Nuova  Mole,  is  about  400  yards 
wide  carrying  a  depth  of  from  5  to  7  fathoms;  inside  the  Vecchio 
Mole  there  are  from  3  to  5  fathoms,  sand  and  mud.  On  the  eastern 
side  of  the  outer  harbor  the  water  is  shallow. 

A  new  basin  is  in  course  of  construction,  which  will  be  formed  by 
the  prolongation  of  Duca  di  Galliera  Mole  in  a  west-northwestward 
direction  from  the  point  where  it  forms  the  outer  elbow,  and  will 
have  an  area  of  about  96  acres  with  an  internal  available  quay  space 
of  about  1,476  yards,  and  a  depth  of  not  less  than  about  39  feet.  It 
will  have  an  eastern  entrance  through  the  mole,  immediately  north- 
ward of  the  elbow,  and  a  western  entrance  southward  of  Cape  del 
Faro  (San  Benigno),  each  being  328  feet  in  width.  The  quays  and 
adjacent  railroad  stations  are  lighted  ele<^>trically. 

Some  blocks  of  stone,  with  about  6  feet  water  over  them,  are  said 
to  exist  in  the  inner  angle  of  Duca  di  Galliera  Mole,  which  may  be 
dangerous  to  torpedo  boats  coaling  or  watering  there. 

An  extension  of  Duca  di  Galliera  Mole  in  a  southeastward  direc- 
tion, for  a  distance  of  about  200  yards,  is  in  progress,  the  works  be- 
ing marked  by  spar  buoys  and  two  mooring  buoys. 

At  the  southward  of  the  Vecchio  Molo,  a  new  quay  and  jetties 
have  been  constructed  for  the  discharge  of  general  cargoes,  and  a 
warehouse  has  been  built  for  the  deposit  of  goods.  One  new  steam 
and  two  hydraulic  cranes  have  been  erected.  The  pier  Sapri  has  been 
destroyed. 


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THE    NORTHWEST   COAST   OF   ITALY.  189 

BEarbor  works  (1916). — The  department  of  public  works  has 
approved  the  plan  submitted  by  the  Grenoa  Harbor  Board  for  the 
following  extensions  to  the  port  of  Genoa:  (1)  West  as  far  as 
Polcevera,  covering  the  proposed  extension  of  the  great  shipbuilding 
plant  of  Ansaldo.  (2)  The  extension  of  the  Galliera,  or  outer  mole, 
by  656  feet.  (3)  The  construction  of  two  small  moles  for  insuring 
quieter  waters  in  the  port. 

Of  these  improvements,  the  first  only  is  of  great  importance.  This 
further  extension  beyond  the  Basin  Victor  Emanuel  III  (now  under 
construction)  comprises  the  creation  of  a  system  of  smaller  connect- 
ing basins,  of  an  active  commercial  zone,  another  possible  free  port, 
and  large  construction  yards.  The  water  surface,  absolutely  calm, 
thus  added  is  more  than  247  acres.  This  new  territory  may  be 
utilized  as  soon  as  the  outer  defense  wall  is  completed.  The  new 
construction  will  require  eight  years.  By  this  extension  the  possible 
amount  of  traffic  easily  handled  yearly  in  the  port  of  Genoa  will  be 
increased. 

Plans  are  under  consideration  for  the  building  of  a  large  maritime 
station  for  trans- Atlantic  liners  and  passenger  service. 

liightbuoy. — A  cylindrical  lightbuoy,  exhibiting  an  occulting 
red  light,  is  moored  320  yards  116°,  from  the  lighthouse  on  the  outer 
end  of  the  Duca  di  Galliera  Mole,  and  marks  the  outer  end  of  the 
works  in  progress  for  the  extension  of  that  mole.  Vessels  should  pass 
eastward  of  the  buoy. 

Buoys. — About  400  yards  west-northwestward  from  the  angle  of 
Molo  Duca  di  Galliera  are  four  mooring  buoys,  and  other  red  barrel- 
shaped  buoys,  placed  in  pairs,  are  moored  along  the  line  of  the  mole 
construction  for  the  new  basin. 

Two  mooring  buoys  are  placed  about  50  feet  off  the  head  of  Molo 
Duca  di  Galliera,  and  will  be  moved  as  the  work  of  extension  pro- 
gresses. 

There  are  several  mooring  buoys  in  the  port,  belonging  mostly  to 
the  steamship  companies.  A  buoy  at  which  vessels  can  swing  to 
adjust  compasses  is  moored  about  400  yards  southeastward  of  the 
head  of  Molo  Giano. 

Hospitals. — Chiapella  military  hospital  has  300  beds;  Panmia- 
tone  hospital  has  900  beds,  anad  receives  foreigners  at  a  charge; 
Galliera  hospital  has  300  beds  for  natives  and  an  annex  for  patients 
of  any  nationality,  with  separate  rooms  on  payment  in  advance. 

Disinfecting  station. — There  is  a  disinfecting  station  on  Pointe 
Pietro  Paleocapa  in  the  large  premises  of  the  Lazaretto. 

Communication. — Genoa  is  connected  by  rail  with  Nice  to  the 
westward,  Chiavari  to  the  eastward,  and  the  lines  to  the  interior. 


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190  THE   XORTIIWESI    COAST    OF    ITALY. 

Steamers  run  to  all  the  Italian  ports,  Marseille,  Barcelona,  Eng- 
lish ports,  Egypt,  Tunis,  India,  China,  Japan,  Australia,  and  North 
and  South  America. 

The  telegraph  office  is  always  open ;  there  is  telephonic  communica- 
tion with  the  suburbs,  Voltri,  and  Romie. 

Radio. — A  radio  station,  established  at  Castellaccio  Fort,  Genoa, 
gives  ser\dce  day  and  night :  call  letters  I  C  B. 

Vessels  fitted  with  radio  approaching  Genoa  are  ret|uested  to 
communicate  the  time  of  their  probable  arrival  to  this  station  in 
order  that  arrangements  may  be  made  for  their  berthing. 

Trade. — The  principal  imports  are  oils,  wheat,  rice,  sugar,  coffee, 
tobacco,  coal,  dried  fish,  cotton,  iron,  hides,  machinery,  manures,  tim- 
ber, silk,  seeds,  etc.;  the  exports,  wine,  oil,  vermicelli,  silk,  cotton 
yarns,  rice,  cheese,  fruits,  hats,  hides,  paper,  stationery,  spirits, 
woolen  goods,  matches,  coral,  and  marble. 

Lights — San  Benigno. — A  flashing  white  light,  elevated  SS'i  feet, 
above  the  sea,  and  visible  27  miles,  is  exhibited  from  a  yellow  square 
tower  over  dwelling,  249  feet  high,  situated  on  the  inner  part  of  the 
battery  on  Capo  del  Fargo  (San  Benigno).  The  eclipses  are  not 
total  within  15  miles.  (For  arc  of  visibility  see  Light  List.)  From 
a  semaphore  northward  of  the  lighthouse,  signals  are  made  on  the 
approach  of  vessels.     (See  Light  List.)        ' 

Duca  di  Galliera  Mole. — An  occulting  red  electric  light,  elevated 
72  feet  above  the  sea,  and  visible  14  miles,  is  exhibited  from  a  red 
iron  framework  pyramid,  with  gallery  and  lantern,  situated  at  the 
extremity  of  Duca  di  Galliera  Mole.     (See  Light  List.) 

Giano  Mole. — An  occulting  green  light  elevated  26  feet  obove  the 
sea,  and  visible  8  miles,  is  exhibited  from  a  gray  iron  structure  on  the 
head  of  Giano  Mole.  It  is  not  seen  by  vessels  in  the  offing  when  west- 
ward of  an  extended  line  drawn  from  he  light  to  Duca  di  Galliera 
Molehead.     (For  arc  of  obscuration,  see  Light  List  and  Chart.) 

Pietro  Faleocapa  Mole. — From  a  small  brick  tower  on  the  north- 
eastern angle  of  Pietro  Paleocapa  Mole  is  exhibited  at  an  elevation 
of  28  feet  above  the  sea,  an  alternately  red  and  white  light  visible  5 
miles ;  the  light  is  seen  from  the  entrance  of  and  within  the  port,  but 
is  obscured  through  the  arc  comprised  between  Duca  di  Galliera 
Mole  and  San  Benigno  Lights.     (See  Light  List.) 

Vecchio  Mole. — An  alternating  white  and  green  light,  elevated 
28  feet  above  the  sea,  and  visible  5  miles,  is  exhibited  from  a  masonry 
tower  on  the  southwestern  comer  of  the  head  of  the  Vecchio  Mole. 

Also  from  a  white  truncated  conical  tower  59  feet  high  on  comer 
of  Stella  Battery,  St.  Giacomo  Point  (eastern  side  of  the  entrance  to 
the  port),  is  exhibited  at  an  elevation  of  92  feet  above  the  sea,  a  fixed 
and  flashing  white  light  visible  12  miles.     (See  Light  List.) 


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THE   NORTHWEST  COAST   OF  ITALY.  191 

Time  signal. — The  following  time  signal  is  made  from  the  sema- 
phore sjjation  on  Cape  San  Benigno  by  means  of  a  flash  light  signal 
consisting  of  a  group  of  8  flashes  of  1,000  candlepower  each,  visible 
about  4|  miles. 

The  flashes  will  begin  at  22h.,  Oh.  and  3h.  and  will  cease  at  22h. 
05m.,  Oh.  05m.  and  3h.  05m.  mean  Central  European  time,  corre- 
sponding to  21h.,  23h.  and  2h.  and  21h.  05m.,  23h.  05m.  and  2h.  05m. 
Greenwich  Mean  Time,  respectively. 

On  festival  days  the  signal  is  made  once  only,  at  noon,  standard 
mean  time. 

At  Fort  Castellaccio,  a  gun  is  fired  electrically  from  the  Hydro- 
graphic  Office,  at  noon,  standard  mean  time.  Should  the  signal  fail, 
the  gun  will  be  fired  at  Ih.  Om.  Os.,  standard  mean  time. 

dironometers. — A  chronometer  regulated  daily  by  electricity  is 
kept  in  the  office  of  the  Nautical  Intelligence  of  the  Consorzio  Auto- 
nomo,  Palazzo  San  Giorgio,  for  the  convenience  of  officers  of  vessels 
wishing  to  compare,  which  they  may  do  between  the  hours  of  9  a.  m. 
and  6  p.  m. 

Note. — See  note  on  page  50  regarding  summer  time. 

Anchorages. — Large  vessels  sometimes  anchor  outside  the  har- 
bor in  from  15  to  20  fathoms  water,  but  it  is  not  recommended  to  do 
so;  the  general  anchorage  for  such  vessels  is  in  Avamporto  \'ictor 
Emanuel  or  Porto  Nuovo.  Vessels  moored  in  the  hitter  anchorage, 
stern  on  to  the  Nuovo  Mole,  should  have  two  anchors  down  (north- 
northwest  and  north-northeast)  with  80  or  90  fathoms  of  chain  out 
on  each  and  the  stem  about  80  yards  from  the  mole,  to  which  four 
hawsers  should  be  laid  out,  two  of  them  hemp;  the  squalls  from 
north-northeast  in  January  are  heavy.  In  case  of  an  unseasonable 
gale  this  position  is  very  insecure. 

There  are  13  berths  available  for  large  vessels  on  the  inner  side  of 
the  Duca  di  Galliera  Mole,  marked  by  large  numerals  about  10  feet 
high;  there  is  a  bollard  at  jeach  berth  and  one  between.  Foreign 
naval  vessels  are  berthed  here.  Vessels  let  go  an  anchor  and  haul 
the  stern  into  the  bollard  selected.  Southerly  winds  formerly  sent  in 
a  considerable  swell,  but  since  the  completion  of  the  outer  moles 
vessels  are  able  to  lie  at  their  berths  in  the  worst  of  weather  and 
discharge  cargo. 

The  berths  to  be  taken  by  vessels  are  determined  by  the  captain  of 
the  port,  and  they  are  divided  into  zones,  according  to  the  cargoes. 

The  Calate  of  Molo  Nuovo,  Passo  Nuovo,  and  San  Benigno,  or 
those  from  Ponte  Paleocapa  to  Ponte  Biagio  Assereto  inclusive,  are 
reserved  for  vessels  with  coal,  except  Ponte  Caracciolo,  which  is  used 
for  vessels  with  salt,  petroleum,  timber,  and  old  iron.  Ponte  Cristo- 
foro  Colombo  is  used  by  vessels  with  cotton. 


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192  THE   NORTHWEST   COAST  OF   ITALY. 

Ponte  Andrea  Doria  is  used  by  vessels  shipping  goods  for  export, 
ond  also  by  local  steam  vessels. 

Steamers  bound  to  America  with  emigrants  lie  between  Calate 
Zingari  and  Santa  Limbania,  and  go  alongside  Ponte  Federico  Gu- 
glielmo  to  land  or  embark  passengers. 

Ponte  Adolfo  Parodi  is  used  by  vessels  with  cereals,  and  Ponte 
Francesco  Morosini  by  vessels  with  wine. 

Molo  Duca  di  Galliera  is  reserved  for  naval  vessels,  and  also  for 
vessels  in  quarantine,  as  well  as  steamers  in  ballast  about  to  sail, 
to  stop  temporarily.  There  are  13  berths  for  large  vessels  on  the 
inner  side  of  the  mole,  marked  by  large  numerals ;  there  is  a  bollard 
at  each  berth  and  one  between.  Vessels  let  go  an  anchor  and  haul 
the  stem  to  the  bollard  selected. 

Molo  Giano  is  used  for  vessels  with  infectious  disease  on  board,  or 
with  inflammable  materials. 

The  mole  extending  400  yards  northwestward  from  near  the 
middle  of  Molo  Giano,  and  eastward  of  which  are  the  dry  docks,  is 
used  for  vessels  under  repair  or  refitting,  and  pleasure  steamers. 

Pilots. — ^The  pilot  boats  fly  at  the  masthead  a  blue,  white,  blue 
vertically  striped  flag,  with  P  in  blue  on  the  white  stripe. 

It  may  be  of  use  to  naval  vessels  visiting  Genoa  to  know  that  pilots 
(whose  services  are  not  really  required)  are  fond  of  coming  off  to 
place  vessels  inside  the  mole  as  though  coming  from  the  captain  of 
the  port.  All  that  is  wanted  is  a  direction  from  the  port  department 
where  to  place  the  vessel,  therefore  it  is  as  well  to  wait  outside  till  an 
undoubted  official  comes  off. 

Measured  distance. — A  distance  of  6,264  feet  has  been  measured 
outside  the  port  for  testing  the  speed  of  vessels.  The  western  limit 
is  the  central  pillar  of  Polverina  Granaralo  in  line  with  Cape  Faro 
Lighthouse,  and  the  eastern  limit  is  Torre  Embriaci  in  line  with  a 
telemetrical  mark  on  the  head  of  Molo  Duca  di  Galliera;  the  run- 
ning course  is  111°  and  29V, 

Navigation — Caution. — The  Italian  regulations  for  navigation 
in  the  port  of  Genoa  are  that  steamers  are  to  keep  to  that  side  of  the 
fairway  or  mid-channel  which  lies  on  the  port  side  of  such  vessel. 
This  is  contrary  to  article  25  of  the  International  Regulations  for 
preventing  collisions  at  sea. 

Directions. — When  approaching  the  port  of  Genoa  the  chain  of 
the  Apennines,  covered  with  snow,  is  first  sighted,  and  then  Monte 
Antola,  5,243  feet  high,  which  lies  13  miles  northeastward  of  the  port, 
Cape  de  Faro  Lighthouse,  and  the  town.  The  heads  of  the  moles 
should  be  given  a  sufficient  berth.  The  current  generally  sets  west- 
ward. At  night,  especially  with  strong  northerly  winds,  it  is  not 
prudent  to  enter  the  port;  vessels  then  can  anchor  in  the  Avamporto. 

The  speed  of  vessels  in  the  port  is  not  to  exceed  5  knots. 


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THE   NORTHWEST  COAST  OP  ITALY.  193 

Steamers  approaching  the  port,  when  within  2  miles  of  Molo 
Duca  di  Galliera  Lighthouse,  should  keep  Cape  del  Faro  Lighthouse 
in  range  with  Molo  Duca  di  Galliera  Lighthouse,  and  not  go  to  the 
northward  of  this  range  till  near  the  light  buoy,  and  those  leaving 
the  port  should  keep  northward  of  the  range,  observing  that  the 
5-fathom  curve  off  the  mouth  of  Torrente  Bisagno  is  about  500 
yards  offshore. 

Steamers  entering  steer  from  100  yards  eastward  of  the  light-buoy 
marking  the  extremity  of  the  works  in  progress  for  extending  Molo 
Duca  di  Galliera,  direct,  to  leave  Ponte  Pietro  Paleocapa  about  100 
yards  on  the  port  hand,  and  those  leaving  steer  from  about  100  yards 
off  the  head  of  Molo  Vecchio,  direct,  to  leave  the  head  of  Molo 
Giano  about  100  yards  on  the  port  hand. 

The  space  in  the  harbor  available  for  navigation  is  very  limited, 
?nd  some  vessels,  secured  alongside  the  quays,  project  beyond  them. 
These  vessels  are  moored  with  their  sterns  to  the  heads  of  the  moles, 
while  there  are  frequently  other  vessels  inside  the  line  of  the  moles, 
the  stem  of  each  outside  vessel  being  secured  to  the  cables  of  the 
vessel  next  inside. 

Gunfire  for  practice  is  sometimes  carried  on  from  Forte  di  San 
Benigno,  Forte  Angeli,  Forte  Vagno,  and  Forte  San  Giuliano,  at 
which  time  the  danger  zone  extends  about  4  miles  seaward. 

Port  regulations. — The  following  regulations  are  selected  from 
the  port  by-laws  :— 

From  November  1  to  March  31  vessels  within  the  port  must  moor 
with  two  anchors,  and  from  April  1  to  October  31  one  anchor  only 
is  required. 

Vessels  loading  or  unloading  cotton,  jute,  and  other  inflammable 
cargo  must  have  their  boiler  and  galley  funnels  covered  with  a 
metal  net,  the  meshes  of  which  are  not  larger  than  those  of  one  on 
view  at  the  port  oflSce  at  Ponte  Morosoni ;  on  board  such  vessels  light- 
ing fires  and  smoking  are  strictly  prohibited. 

Vessels  with  petroleum,  tar,  benzine,  naphtha,  and  other  inflam- 
mables on  board  are  to  anchor,  on  their  arrival,  in  the  Avamporto, 
where,  subject  to  the  permission  of  the  captain  of  the  port,  they 
may  discharge  their  cargoes,  provided  that  not  more  than  100  cans  of 
100  liters  (22  gallons)  each  are  landed  at  a  time.  In  other  cases  they 
must  go  through  the  necessary  forms  at  the  office  of  the  captain  of 
the  port,  in  order  to  obtain  permission  for  going  alongside  Calata 
Passo  Nuovo. 

Petroleum  tank  vessels  and  other  vessels  with  inflammables  on 
board  before  going  to  the  berth  assigned  to  them  must  put  out  all 
fires,  and  make  arrangements  for  their  safe  and  rapid  discharge: 
such  vessel  must  fly  a  red  flag  at  the  main  masthead. 
68850—17 13 


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194  THE   NORTHWEST   COAST  OF   ITALY. 

Winds. — The  port  is  well  sKeltered,  and  only  during  the  bad 
weather  of  the  sirocco  is  there  any  swell,  which  sometimes  prevents 
work  from  being  carried  out  at  the  Calate  and  ponti.  Northerly 
winds  are  troublesome^  especially  in  winter,  when  heavy  sfpialls 
descend  from  the  mountain  gullies,  accompanied  at  times  by  rain 
and  snow.  The  libeccio  (southwest  wind)  rarely  blows'with  violence 
at  the  head  of  the  gulf,  but  sometimes  it  is  extremely  violent;  in 
November,  1898,  it  caused  great  damage  to  the  mole. 

Northerly  winds,  especially  in  winter,  are  strong  in  the  port,  and 
attain  their  greatest  force  at  1  or  2  miles  from  the  coast,  causing  a 
rough  sea.  With  southerly  winds,  and  in  some  cases  with  the 
sirocco,  the  water  in  the  port  rises  above  its  ordinary  level.  This 
indicates  bad  weather  outside,  and  it  frequently  happens  that  while 
the  sirocco  is  blowing  strongly  off  Portofino,  or  the  libeccio  off 
Cape  delle  Mele,  there  are  calms  or  northerly  winds  at  Genoa,  ac- 
companied by  a  low  barometer. 

The  summit  of  Monte  di  Portofino  covered  with  cloud  indicates 
the  probability  of  southerly  winds;  the  smnmit  uncovered  and  clear 
indicates  fine  weather  and  northerly  winds,  even  if  the  appearance 
is  dark  and  threatening  to  the  northward  of  Genoa.  When  the 
summits  of  the  mountains  of  Voltri  and  G^noa  are  covered  with 
clouds,  forming  thick  strata,  northerly  winds,  possibly  strong,  are 
likely  to  set  in  after  a  short  interval.  Local  mariners  call  this  form 
of  cloud  "  garo." 

Currents. — Outside  the  port  the  current  generally  sets  westward, 
and  its  rate  increases  with  the  sirocco.  It  is  felt  a  little  in  the  Avam- 
porto,  but  usually  there  is  no  current  in  the  port  excepting  a  slight 
outward  set.    Tlie  current  may  be  reversed  by  westerly  winds. 

Climate. — According  to  observations  made  during  a  period  of  60 
years,  the  mean  annual  temperature  at  Genoa  is  60.4°;  the  mean 
monthly  temperature  in  January,  the  coldest  month,  is  45.5° ;  and  in 
July  and  August,  the  two  warmest  months,  76.2°.  The  mean  annual 
height  of  the  barometer  is  29.98 ;  the  highest  mean  monthly  reading, 
January,  is  30.7;  and  the  lowest,  April,  29.87.  According  to  observa- 
tions made  during  10  years,  north  and  northeast  winds  blow  during 
154  days  in  the  year,  east  and  southeast  winds  79  days,  and  south 
and  southwest  winds  76  days.  Owing  to  the  prevalence  of  the  Tra- 
montana  or  northerly  winds  in  winter,  Genoa  is  then  bitterly  cold. 
The  average  annual  rainfall  is  51.3  inches;  rain  falls  all  the  year 
round,  but  least  in  July  and  August.  For  robust  people  the  climate 
is  healthful,  but  it  is  not  suitable  for  those  having  chest  complaints. 

The  following  table  gives  the  average  number  of  days  in  each 
month  the  wind  has  prevailed  from  the  several  directions. 

These  are  the  results  of  observations  made  during  10  years. 


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THB   NORTHWEST  COAST  OF   ITALY.  195 

Supplies. — Provisions  are  plentiful.  Water  can  be  procured 
from  the  contractor,  the  Nicolay  Water  Co.  Drinking  water  is  laid 
on  all  along  the  quays;  there  are  two  fire  brigade  stations  and  a 
tug  provided  with  powerful  steam  pumps. 

Coal. — ^^Vbout  75,000  tons  of  coal  are  kept  in  stock;  2,000  kept 
ready  in  lighters.  Coaling  is  done  by  lighters,  and  400  to  500  tons 
can  be  loaded  per  working  day. 

Bepairs. — The  works  of  Ansaldo  &  Co.  are  at  Sampierdarena, 
to  the  westward  of  the  port ;  here  theire  is  every  requisite  for  making 
and  repairing  the  largest  engines  and  boilers.  There  is  a  steam  ham- 
mer of  40  tons  and  several  smaller,  also  means  of  casting  a  weight  of 
40  tons.  Vessels  of  5,250  tons  have  been  built,  but  this  department  is 
now  at  Cornigliano  and  Sestri  di  Ponente.  There  is  no  wharfage  at 
either  place,  but  a  floating  crane  to  lift  120  tons  is  under  construction 
for  use  at  both  works.  This  firm  has  opened  a  large  engineering 
workshop  at  Genoa  to  facilitate  repairs  to  steamers,  either  of  hulls 
or  engines.  Messrs.  Odero  &  Co.  build  vessels  of  4,000  tons,  tor- 
pedo boats  and  marine  engines,  also  various  other  work ;  their  estab- 
lishments are  at  Sestri  di  Ponente  and  Foce.  There  are  many  other 
smaller  firms. 

Docks. — There  are  two  dry  docks  northward*  of  the  inner  part  of 
Molo  Giano,  and  one  eastward  of  the  entrance  to  the  Darsena;  a 
floating  dock  is  moored  northward  of  Molo  Vecchio.  For  particulars 
see  Appendix  I. 

Port  officers. — The  headquarters  of  the  captain  of  the  port  are 
in  the  large  customhouse  building,  situated  within  and  between 
Ponti  Federico  Guglielmo  and  Adolfo  Parodi.  There  is  a  port  office, 
especially  for  technical  matters  and  for  granting  pratique  to  vessels, 
on  Ponte  Francesco  Morosini,  and  two  others  on  Ponte  Federico 
Guglielmo  and  Calato  Passo  Nuovo,  respectively. 

Tugs  frequently  go  out  to  sailing  vessels  without  waiting  for  a 
signal,  and  there  are  also  tugs  in  the  port  to  assist  vessels  in  mooring. 
An  agreement  should  be  made  as  to  the  charge  before  engaging  one. 

Landing  is  permitted  anywhere  if  without  baggage.  The  best 
places  are  at  Ponte  Andrea  Doria  and  Ponte  Federico  Guglielmo, 
where  passengers  are  landed. 

Adjustment  of  compasses. — Vessels  adjusting  compasst»s  at  tlie 
buoy  southeastward  of  the  head  of  Molo  Giano  should  swing  by  aid 
of  a  tug.    Portofino  semaphore  is  the  best  object  for  the  true  bearing. 

The  coast  towns. — From  the  eastern  mole  of  Genoa  the  coast 
runs  nearly  southeastward  for  10  miles,  as  far  as  the  town  of  Recco, 
where  it  abruptly  turns  southward  2^  miles  to  Chiappa  Point;  a  few 
scattered  rocks  lie  within  800  yards  of  the  shore,  otherwise  the  coast 
is  hold-to  and  high.     Half  a  mile  eastward  of  Bisagno  Stream  is 

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196  THE  NORTHWEST  COAST  OP  ITALY. 

an  old  tower  and  battery,  a  short  distance  beyond  which  is  the  fort 
of  San  Giuliano;  on  the  hill  over  the  latter  is  Fort  San  Martino. 
Nervi  and  Recco  (ancient  Ricino),  distant,  respectively,  4  and  8f 
miles  from  the  river,  are  the  principal  towns  on  the  coast.  Between 
these  towns  is  a  tower  near  the  entrance  to  So^i  River. 

The  village  on  the  northwestern  side  of  the  port  is  much  fre- 
quented in  winter;  there  is  a  large  hotel  and  several  villas. 

Supplies. — Provisions  can  be  obtained  from  Santa  Margherita, 
and  water  from  a  hydrant  on  the  north  quay,  alongside  which  is  a 
depth  of  6  feet  with  12  feet  a  little  off  it. 

Tunny  fishery. — ^Tunny  nets  extend  in  a  west-northwest  direc- 
tion 550  yards  from  the  shore,  northward  of  Chiappa  Point. 

Portoflno  Harbor. — From  Chiappa  Point  a  high,  bold,  but 
broken  coast,  extends  to  Portofino  Point,  the  western  entrance  of 
Rapallo  Bay.  Close  round  northward  of  the  point  is  a  small  in- 
dentation called  Portofino  (ancient  Portus  Delphini) ;  it  extends 
nearly  600  yards  in  a  southwesterly  direction,  having  a  sandy  beach 
at  the  head.  The  entrance  is  300  yards  wide  and  within  the  north- 
em  point  is  a  cove  where  water  can  be  procured.  There  is  a  depth 
of  20  fathoms  at  the  mouth  of  the  bay  and  from  4  to  2  fathoms  off 
the  town;  although  open  to  the  northeast  there  is  never  a  heavy  sea 
here.  Portofino  Harbor  forms  a  good  and  sheltered  anchorage  for 
vessels  of  moderate  draft;  they  can  let  go  an  anchor  in  the  entrance 
and  make  fast  astern  to  the  shore,  where  there  are  several  old  gims 
used  as  bollards.  The  water  is  deep  on  each  side,  and  3  fathoms  will 
be  found  within  about  50  yards  of  the  bollards.  The  harbor  is  used 
by  yachts  and  small  fishing  craft,  and  is  perfectly  sheltered  from 
all  winds.     The  town  is  at  the  head  of  the  bay  on  the  northern  side. 

Lights. — A  flashing  white  light,  elevated  131  feet  above  the 
sea  and  visible  16  miles,  is  exhibited  from  a  yellow  turret  and 
dwelling,  42  feet  in  height  to  center  of  lantern,  situated  on  the 
extremity  of  Portofino  Point,  at  a  distance  of  300  yards  127° 
from  the  fort  on  328-foot  summit.  (For  arc  of  obscuration,  see 
Light  List.) 

From  the  southeastern  corner  of  the  health  office,  on  the  northern 
side  of  the  entrance,  a  fixed  green  light  is  exhibited  from  an  iron 
support  at  an  elevation  of  26  feet  above  the  sea,  visible  6  miles. 

From  an  iron  post  on  Isolotto  Rock,  at  an  elevation  of  13  feet 
above  the  sea,  a  fixed  red  light  is  exhibited,  visible  3  miles. 

There  is  also  a  small  fixed  light  exhibited  from  the  extremity  of 
the  stone  jetty  at  the  head  of  the  port,  elevated  20  feet,  and  visible 
6  miles.     (See  Light  List.) 

This  light  is  not  easily  distinguished  from  the  town  lights. 

Buoy. — A  mooring  buoy  lies  in  the  entrance  to  the  port. 


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THE   NORTHWEST   COAST   OF  ITALY.  197 

Porto  di  Camogliy  nearly  1  mile  southeastward  of  Torrente 
Recco,  is  small  and  sheltered  by  a  mole  about  200  yards  in  length, 
but  a  dangerous  swell  sets  in  with  the  libeccio.  In  1907,  the  head 
of  the  mole  was  destroyed  by  the  sea,  and  the  materials  encumber 
the  entrance  to  the  port. 

Punta  della  Chiappa  juts  out  about  200  yards  westward  from 
the  southwest  extremity  of  Promontorio  di  Portofino,  and  its  ex- 
tremity appears  like  a  low,  bare,  and  blackish  mole. 

A  white  pillar  stands  near  the  root  of  the  point,  and  a  pillar, 
slightly  pyramidal  and  painted  black  and  white  in  chequers,  stands 
on  the  middle  of  the  point;  the  latter  is  a  mark  for  a  measured 
distance. 

Monte  Portofino,  the  summit  of  the  promontory,  is  2,001  feet  high, 
and  is  marked  by  the  old  semaphore  and  the  new  semaphone  and  old 
forts  on  the  lower  summits. 

The  coast  from  Punta  della  Chiappa  trends  east -southeastward 
l^  miles  to  Punta  di  Portofino ;  it  is  steep-to.  The  Torretta,  a  square 
tower,  stands  3Ii8  feet  above  high  water,  on  a  point  about  1  mile 
southeastward  of  Punta  della  Chiappa. 

Signal  station. — A  semaphore,  the  house  being  chetjuered  black 
and  white,  is  situated  on  Monte  Tocco,  1,449  feet  above  high  water,  in 
the  southwestern  part  of  the  promontory. 

Measured  distance. — A  distance  of  19,810  feet  has  been  meas- 
ured southward  of  Promontorio  di  Portofino.  The  running  mark  is 
Torre  Sestri  (Sestri  Levante)  in  line  with  Casa  Macalle,  9G';  the 
beacon  on  Monte  San  Xicolao,  which  is  southward  of  the  line,  is  a 
good  mark  for  finding  Casa  Macalle.  The  western  limit  is  the 
beacon  on  Punta  della  Chiappa  in  range  with  the  western  side  of 
Casa  ex  Eaggio ;  the  eastern  limit  is  the  beacon  on  Punta  di  Portofino 
in  range  with  Villa  Spinola  at  Santa  Margherita. 

Porto  Paraggiy  a  similar  bight  to  that  of  Portofino,  but  shal- 
lower at  the  head,  extends  in  a  northwest  direction  from  Cajeca 
Point.  The  village  of  Paraggi  is  on  a  sandy  beach,  at  its  head,  and 
on  the  northern  entrance  point  is  a  tower  and  battery.  Northward 
of  these  are  a  convent  and  guardhouses,  and  about  1  mile  farther  the 
small  port  of  Sta.  Margharita. 

Sta.  Margharita. — Two  miles  northward  of  Portofino  is  a  bay 
with  a  sandy  beach,  broken  in  the  center  by  a  projecting  rocky  point, 
from  which  extends  a  short  mole  forming  the  fishing  port  of  Sta. 
Margharita,  the  principal  coral  fishing  establishment  of  the  district, 
containing  a  population  of  about  7,000.  The  mole  extends  out  to  a 
depth  of  30  feet,  but  it  is  shallow  inside;  small  vessels  lie  moored 
with  sterns  fast  to  the  shore  in  16  feet  water.  There  is  very  good 
anchorage  in  10  fathoms,  400  yards  off  the  pierhead,  more  sheltered 


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198  THE   NORTHWEST  COAST  OF   ITALY. 

than  off  Rapallo,  especially  in  the  winter  months.  On  the  southern 
point  of  the  bay  is  a  tower,  and  on  the  northern,  Fort  Pagana,  a 
short  distance  beyond  which  is  the  village  and  church  of  San. 
Michele. 

liight. — An  occulting  red  light  is  exhibited  from  an  iron  truss  on 
a  small  masonry  foundation  on  the  head  of  the  mole.  Vessels  should 
give  the  light  a  berth  of  at  least  40  yards.  (For  arc  of  visibility,  see 
Light  List.) 

RapallOy  a  town  situated  about  J  mile  northward  of  Punta 
Pagana,  extends  along  the  north  shore  of  a  cove.  Rio  Bogo  flows 
into  the  cove  on  the  western  side  of  the  town,  and  Torrente  San 
Francesco,  through  the  eastern  part.  Monte  Garavagli,  2^  miles 
northwestward  of  the  town,  is  surmounted  by  a  sanctuary,  2,011  feet 
above  high  water;  the  church  in  the  town  has  a  remarkable  yellow 
and  reddish  campanile,  and  near  the  bridge  over  Torrente  San  Fran- 
cesco a  massive  fort  rises  from  the  sea ;  it  is  of  elliptical  section,  dark 
in  color,  furnished  with  windows,  and  surmounted  by  a  square  turret. 
The  town  is  a  favorite  winter  resort;  the  principal  industry  is  lace- 
making;  vegetables  and  fruit  are  produced.  There  is  conununication 
by  railway  and  telegraph.    The  population  was  11,480  in  1913. 

The  cove  is  800  yards  in  extent  with  depths  of  from  2  to  2^  fathoms 
in  the  middle;  it  is  well  sheltered  except  from  southerly  winds.  A 
mole,  about  65  yards  long,  extends  northeastward  from  the  western 
point  of  the  cove ;  the  space  northward  of  it  is  available  .only  for 
boats  owing  to  the  small  depths.  A  similar  mole  extends  off  the 
southern  entrance  point  to  Rio  Bogo;  both  moles  have  from  2  to  10 
feet  water  alongside;  a  little  southward  of  the  last-mentioned  mole 
is  a  small  wooden  pier  with  4  feet  water  at  its  head.  Rocky  and 
foul  ground  extends  200  yards  off  the  eastern  shore,  eastward  of  the 
southern  mole. 

Anchorage  off  Rapallo  is  much  exposed  and  consequently  little 
frequented. 

Chiavari. — From  Rapallo  the  coast  trends  southeastward  to  Cape 
Sestri.  Chiavari,  a  considerable  town  situated  on  the  coast  about 
half  way,  is  inclosed  by  cultivated  hills;  on  the  eastern  side  of  the 
town  is  the  Lavagna  or  Entella  River,  one  of  the  chief  streams  in  the 
Gulf  of  Genoa.  Chiavari  contains  several  churches,  a  hospital,  a  con- 
vent, and  lace  and  silk-twist  manufactories;  marble  and  slate  are 
quarried  in  the  neighborhood  and  there  is  an  anchovy  fishery.  Ship- 
building is  also  carried  on.    The  population  is  about  12,500. 

Anchorage  may  be  had  anywhere  off  the  beach,  which  is  steep-to, 
there  being  a  depth  of  3^  fathoms  within  20  yards  of  the  shore.  The 
holding  ground  is  good. 

Lavagna. — The  Lavagna  River  runs  in  nearly  straight  about 
northeast  for  3  miles,  then  winds  round  in  a  northwestern  direction 

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THE   NORTHWEST  COAST  OP  ITALY.  199 

behind  a  ridge  of  hills  which  branch  from  the  Apennines  down  to 
the  promontory  behind  Portofino;  i  mile  eastward  of  it  is  the  village 
of  Lavagna,  which  has  a  fine  church  and  a  marble  palace,  and  is  also 
noted  for  its  slate  quarries.  Mount  Enchetta  (1,804  feet  in  height) 
is  li  miles  from  the  coast,  half  way  from  Chiavari  and  Rapallo. 

Measured  distances. — A  distance  of  9,721  feet  has  been  meas- 
ured off  Chiavari ;  the  running  course  is  a  whitish  cylindrical  tower 
on  the  steep  part  of  Punta  Manara  in  range  with  a  similar  tower  on 
Punta  Baffe,  bearing  111"^ ;  a  distance  of  9,683  feet  has  also  been 
measured,  the  running  course  being  Torre  Villa  Odero,  on  Punta 
Cajeca,  in  range  with  the  white  cylindrical  tower  near  Campo,  bear- 
ing 292°.  The  western  limit  for  both  distances  is  the  campanile  of 
Bacezza  church  in  range  with  the  campanile  of  San  Bartolomeo 
church,  and  the  eastern  limit  is  the  chimney  of  the  cotton  factory 
at  Entella  in  range  with  the  campanile  of  Breccanecca  church.  The 
depth  on  the  courses  is  37  fatU^^ms. 

These  courses  are  only  to  be  used  by  vessels  with  a  displacement 
of  1,500  tons  up  to  a  speed  of  26  knots;  3,000  tons  to  25  knots;  5,000 
tons  to  24  knots;  10,000  tons  to  20  knots;  and  15,000  tons  to  15  knots. 

The  coast  southeastward  of  Lavagna  is  backed  by  steep  slopes, 
which  are  thickly  wooded  in  places ;  it  is  clear  at  a  moderate  distance, 
the  5-fathom  curve  being  about  800  yards  off  it. 

Cavi  is  a  small  group  of  houses  built  around  a  church  with  a 
cupola,  situated  near  the  sea  IJ  miles  from  Lavagna. 

Sestri  Levante. — The  coast  eastward  of  Lavagna  is  backed  by 
steep  slopes,  which  in  some  places  are  thickly  wooded ;  the  shores  are 
clear  of  danger  at  a  prudent  distance,  there  being  from  6  to  10 
fathoms  within  i  mile  of  the  shore.  Sestri  Levante  stands  partly  on 
the  rocky  headland  of  Cape  Sestri  and  partly  on  the  sandy  peninsula 
connecting  it  to  the  main ;  it  is  defended  by  a  castle  and  rampart  on 
the  headland,  and  contains  a  population  of  about  2,700 ;  in  the  bay, 
on  the  northern  side  of  Cape  Sestri,  is  the  entrance  of  the  Petronio 
River,  and  on  the  shore  are  a  tower,  scattered  houses  and  several 
wells.  A  small  rocky  point  lies  about  f  mile  northward  of  Sestri 
Head,  400  yards  off  which  is  a  rocky  shoal  with  15  feet  over  it,  and 
18  feet  between  it  and  the  shore;  round  Cape  Sestri  the  water  is  deep 
close  in,  but  the  bay  is  shallow  400  yards  from  the  shore,  the  5-fathom 
curve  being  ^  mile  off.  A  mooring  buoy,  painted  white,  in  17  feet 
of  water  lies  in  the  north  bay  of  Sestri  Levante. 

The  Port  of  Sestri  is  a  narrow  inlet  on  the  southern  side  of  the 
peninsula;  it  is  open  to  the  south,  and  only  adapted  for  small  vessels. 
When  entering  keep  toward  the  eastern  shore  to  clear  a  rocky  point, 
round  north  of  which  the  above  class  of  vessels  lie  in  security. 

A  breakwater  is  in  course  of  construction;  it  extends  200  yards 
382**  from  Sestri  Point,  the  extremity  being  submerged. 


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200  THE   NORTHWEST  COAST  OF  ITALY. 

Light. — A  fixed  green  electric  light,  elevated  39  feet  above  the 
sea,  visible  4  miles,  is  established  on  an  iron  column  23  feet  high, 
painted  red,  erected  about  50  yards  from  the  submerged  extremity  of 
the  breakwater. 

Vessels  should  give  this  light  a  berth  of  100  yards  in  passing. 
(See  Light  List.) 

Manara  Pointy  1  mile  southward  of  Sestri,  is  a  bold  cliffy  head^ 
land  on  which  are  a  guard  tower  and  old  telegraph ;  from  the  latter 
the  slope  toward  Sestri  is  thickly  wooded. 

Bafle  Pointy  about  2  miles  southeastward  of  Manara,  is  a  remark- 
able and  rather  salient  headland  rising  abruptly  from  the  sea  to 
the  height  of  827  feet,  with  a  whitish  tower,  a  measured  distant 
mark,  on  it;  between  these  points  is  Dentone  Bay,  with  deep  water 
close  in.  On  the  beach  at  the  head  of  the  bay  is  Riva  Pontente  and 
Riva  Levante  villages. 

The  coast. — From  Baffe  Point  the  coast,  forming  several  bays, 
open  to  the  southward  and  southwestward,  trends  southeastward 
10  miles  to  the  high  projecting  point  of  Mesco.  A  steep  range  of 
hills  descends  iji  a  southeastern  direction  from  the  Apennine  Range, 
one  of  the  peaks  of  which  (Mount  San  Nicolao)  half  way  between 
Manara  and  Mesco  Points,  is  elevated  2,781  feet.  There  are  several 
villages  both  on  the  shore  and  on  steep  slope  within. 

Moneglia,  a  small  town  containing  a  church  with  a  conspicuously 
tall  steeple,  stands  at  the  head  of  a  bay  2  miles  from  Baffe  Point ; 
with  the  exception  of  a  few  rocks  a  short  distance  off  the  points,  the 
bay  is  clear  of  danger,  and  the  land  rises  immediately  over  the 
eastern  side  to  a  height  of  1,436  feet;  on  this  summit  is  a  conspicuous 
white  building.. 

Anchorage  in  i  fathoms  sheltered  from  westerly  winds  may  be 
had  on  the  western  side  of  the  point  at  the  head  of  the  bay,  with  the 
church  bearing  about  79**. 

Deiva  village  lies  at  the  mouth  of  the  valley,  situated  about 
2  miles  southeastward  of  Moneglia,  and  through  which  Torrente 
Deiva  flows  to  the  sea. 

Fortified  coast. — The  coast  between  Torrente  Deiva  and  Fiume 
P^rigido,  about  13  miles  southeastward  of  Spezia,  is  considered  forti- 
fied.   See  Regulations. 

Bonassola  Village  lies  at  the  head  of  a  small  cove  eastward  of 
Punta  di  Monte  Grosso,  which  is  situated  4J  miles  from  Moneglia. 

Levanto,  a  small  town,  lies  about  1  j  miles  eastward  of  Bonassola, 
on  the  eastern  shore  of  a  bay.  The  population  is  about  5,000.  The 
small  chapel  of  Madonna  della  Neve,  with  no  campanile,  is  situated, 
208  feet  above  high  water,  a  little  inland  from  the  west  side  of  the 
bay;  Casa  Olivieri,  a  conspicuous  white  house  with  a  square  tower, 
lies  a  little  farther  southeastward;  a  railroad  bridge  with  three 

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THE   NORTHWEST   COAST  OF  ITALY.  201 

arches  and  a  cylindrical  red  and  yellow  tank  are  conspicuous,  while 
immediately  southeastward  is  the  railroad  station,  which  is  notice- 
able. Campanile  di  Legnaro,  604  feet  above  high  water  and  reddish 
in  color,  lies  northeastward  of  Levanto. 

Secca  della  Peria,  a  rock  with  about  3  feet  water,  and  from 
7  to  10  fathoms  around,  lies  400  yards  off  the  northwestern  shore 
of  the  bay.    The  passage  inside  the  rock  is  navigable. 

Clearing  marks. — Casa  Olivieri  in  range  with  Campanile  di 
Legnaro  leads  northward,  and  the  railroad  station  well  open  south- 
ward of  Campanile  di  Legnaro  leads  southward,  of  the  rock. 

Anchorage. — ^There  is  anchorage  anywhere  in  the  bay,  avoiding 
Secca  della  Peria;  the  2^-fathom  curve  is  not  more  than  '200  yards 
offshore,  and  the  5-fathom  curve  about  500  yards. 

Mesco  Point  is  bold,  steep-to,  and  faced  by  high  cliffs,  the  land 
immediately  over  it  (Mount  Ve)  attains  an  elevation  of  1,621  feet. 
On  the  point  are  the  ruins  of  San  Antonio  Convent,  elevated  1,020 
feet.  There  is  a  small  islet  or  rock  close  off  the  western  side  of  the 
point,  which  is  steep-to.  About  i  mile  off  the  point  there  are  30 
fathoms. 

Semaphore. — There  is  a  semaphore  telegraph  station  on  Mesco 
Point. 

The  coast — ^Villages. — From  Mesco  Point  a  high,  steep,  and 
rocky  coast  trends  to  the  southeastward  to  Porto  Venere,  a  distance 
of  10  miles,  and  is  steep-to  the  whole  distance.  Several  villages  are 
scattered  along  the  shores  and  wooded  slopes,  the  principal  of  which 
are  Monterosso,  Vernazza,  Corniglia,  and  Riomaggiori;  the  latter 
is  near  Negro  Point,  5  miles  from  Mesco.  Above  Negro  Point  is  a 
conspicuous  white  rectangular  building,  in  the  center  of  which  is  a 
high  tower  with  cupola;  at  the  eastern  end  of  the  building  are 
cloisters,  and  the  whole  has  the  appearance  of  a  monastery. 

Ferale  Rock  or  Islet  lies  about  200  yards  from  the  shore,  2^  miles 
southeastward  of  Negro  Point;  the  channel  between  it  and  the  shore 
is  full  of  rocks.  A  steep  coast  with  high  cliffs  continues  southward 
for  3  miles  to.  Porto  Venere, .  Mount  Castellana  .(about  halfway) 
immediately  over  it  ribing  to  an  elevation  of  1,673  feet. 

Porto  Venere  (ancient  Portus  Veneris),  a  town  partly  walled 
and  fortified  and  containing  a  population  of  4,500,  stands  on  the 
extreme  southwest  point  of  the  main  land  forming  the  western  shore 
of  the  Gulf  of  Spezia.  The  western  side  of  the  point,  San  Pietro, 
is  high  and  cliffy,  composed  of  black  and  yellow  marble,  and  the  steep 
slopes  of  Mount  Muzzrone,  the  highest  land  immediately  over  the 
shore,  are  covered  with  olive  trees  close  down  to  the  water.  There 
is  a  small  bay  on  the  western  side  of  the  point ;  it  is  about  200  yards 
wide  and  the  water  is  deep,  the  coast  being  clear  of  danger  at  200 


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202  THE   NORTHWEST   COAST  OF   ITALY. 

yards'  distance.  A  reef,  on  which  is  13  feet,  extends  100  yards  south- 
ward from  the  extreme  point. 

A  mole  extends  about  65  yards  from  the  middle  of  the  village,  and 
a  wide  paved  mole,  furnished  with  steps,  extends  about  30  yards  off 
the  shore  southwestward  of  the  hospital. 

The  hospital  is  a  large  square  yellow  building  close  northeastward 
of  the  village. 

Fortified  ports. — Levanto,  Monterosso,  and  Porto  Venere  are 
considered  to  be  fortified  towns. 

Little  Passage^  between  this  point  and  Palmaria  Island,  is  about 
100  yards  wide  in  its  narrowest  part.  It  is,  however,  only  navigable 
to  very  small  vessels,  there  being  a  shoal  connecting  the  island  with 
the  main.  The  shoal  is  about  400  yards  in  breadth  and  has  a  least 
depth  of  9  feet  over  a  bottom  of  weed.  The  passage  is  crossed  by  a 
telegraph  wire  overhead. 

Light* — A  fixed  red  light  is  shown,  at  an  elevation  of  21  feet, 
from  an  iron  trellis  mast  painted  gray  with  a  red  top  near  the  end 
of  the  jetty.     (See  Light  List.) 

Sange  beacons* — There  are  two  masonry  pyramidal  beacons, 
each  20  feet  high,  on  Punta  della  Castagna;  the  southwestern  (front) 
one  is  white,  and  the  other  (rear)  black  and  white  in  horizontal 
stripes.    The  beacons  in  range  48°  lead  through  the  middle  of  Little 


Palmaria  Lsland  is  triangular  in  form,  with  an  irregular  out- 
line having  nearly  equal  sides  about  1  mile  in  extent;  the  summit, 
which  is  nearly  in  the  center,  has  a  steep  fall  toward  the  south ;  on 
it  are  an  old  watchtower,  semaphore  tower,  and  a  fort ;  the  slopes  are 
covered  with  olive  trees,  and  the  island  has  been  fong  famed  for  its 
black  marble  with  golden  veins. 

The  western  side  of  the  island  has  deep  water  close  along  the  foot 
of  the  cliffs.  Off  the  northeastern  point  of  the  island  is  the  small 
islet  of  Scuola,  on  which  is  a  ruined  tower;  shallow  water  surrounds 
it  for  a  short  distance,  and  in  the  passage  between  it  and  Palmaria 
there  are  6  fathoms;  350  yards  northward  of  Scuola  is  a  shoal  of 
5J  fathoms  with  7  and  8  fathoms  close  around  it. 

On  the  north  of  the  island  is  Terrizzo  Bay,  where  there  are  a  few 
cottages. 

Prohibited  anchorage — Caution. — Owing  to  submarine  works 
m  progress  off  the  eastern  side  of  Palmaria  Island,  between  Scuola 
Point  and  Mariella  Point,  and  extending  1,300  yards  from  the  coast, 
all  vessels  entering  or  leaving  the  Gulf  of  Spezia  should  pass  east- 
ward of  this  area. 

Sadio* — There  is  a  radio  station  on  Palmaria  Island.  It  is  open 
to  the  public  from  sunrise  to  sunset;  call  letters,  M  P  M . 


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THE   NORTHWEST  COAST  OF  ITALY.  203 

Semaphore* — A  semaphore  has  been  established  on  this  island; 
it  is  connected  with  Porto  Venere  by  an  electric  telegraph  wire  across 
the  passage  at  an  elevation  of  80  and  100  feet.  The  semaphore  build- 
ing is  painted  in  black  and  white  checkers. 

There  is  a  continuous  service  by  day  and  at  night.  Vessels  enter- 
ing and  leaving  the  gulf  by  day  and  at  night  should  make  their 
numbers  to  the  station. 

Buoys. — There  are  three  conical  buoys  for  the  use  of  torj^edo 
craft,  moored  to  the  westward  of  Scuola  Point,  and  a  square  buoy 
is  moored  in  Terrizzo  Bay  for  the  use  of  mail  steamers. 

Tino  Islety  off  the  southern  end  of  Palmaria,  is  separated  from 
it  by  a  passage  i  mile  wide,  having  16  fathoms  in  mid-channel ;  the 
islet  is  700  yards  long  in  a  northwest  and  southeast  direction,  ir- 
regular in  outline,  with  steep  cliffs  on  its  western  side ;  on  its  summit 
is  a  lighthouse,  which  is,  however,  not  very  conspicuous  on  account 
of  the  trees  near  it.  The  islet  is  covered  with  vegetation.  Tinetto 
Islet,  about  200  yards  from  the  southern  shore  of  Tino,  is  connected 
to  it  by  a  rocky  spit;  from  Tinetto  a  ledge  of  rocks  extends  about 
200  yards  to  the  southward. 

Light. — A  group  flashing  white  light,  elevated  384  feet  above  the 
sea  and  visible  27  miles^  is  exhibited  from  a  white  circular  tower, 
80  feet  high,  with  red  dwelling  attached,  situated  on  the  summit  of 
Tino  Islet.    (See  Light  List.) 

Beacon. — There  is  a  stone  pillar,  20  feet  high,  on  the  eastern  slope 
of  Isola  del  Tino ;  it  is  a  mark  for  a  measured  distance. 

The  Gulf  of  Spezia  (ancient  Portus  Lunee)  extends  about  6 
miles  in  a  north-northwest  direction;  the  entrance,  between  Tino 
Island  on  the  west  and  Corvo  Point  on  the  east,  is  5  miles  wide.  The 
coast  on  both  sides  is  very  irregular  in  outline,  forming  several  coves 
affording  excellent  shelter.  Except  in  the  coves,  and  at  the  head  of 
the  gulf,  where  the  shallows  extend  from  400  to  500  yards  from  the 
shore,  there  is  a  moderate  and  even  depth  of  water  throughout, 
gradually  decreasing  from  10  fathoms  at  the  entrance,  to  4  and  5 
fathoms  at  the  head;  the  west  side  is  the  deepest,  and  the  bottom  is 
mud.  The  head  of  the  gulf  is  flat,  marshy,  and  partly  cultivated; 
the  ^slopes  of  the  surrounding  hills  are  thickly  wooded.  The  en- 
trance to  the  gulf  is  guarded  by  numerous  strong  forts  and  batteries. 

Caution  with  regard  to  submarine  vessels. — Exercises  with 
submarine  vessels  will  be  carried  out  daily  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Gulf 
of  Spezia,  principally  in  depths  of  over  15  fathoms,  between  Tino 
Island  and  leghorn. 

Submarine  vessels,  when  submerged,  will  usually  be  escorted  by  a 
vessel  which  will  carry  a  red  square  flag  at  the  masthead. 

A  similar  flag  will  be  shown  at  Palmaria  Island  semaphore,  which, 
when  necessary,  will  be  lowered  to  signal  to  vessels  in  sight. 


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204  THE   NORTHWEST  COAST  OF  ITALY. 

Vessels  observing  the  escorting  vessel  should  pay  attention  to 
International  Code  signals  which  she  may  hoist ;  these  signals,  when 
urgent,  may  be  accompanied  by  the  firing  of  a  gun. 

A  good  lookout  should  be  kept  for  the  periscopes  of  submarines, 
which  are  usually  surmounted  by  a  pole  about  2  feet  high,  on  which 
a  red  triangular  metal  vane  with  a  white  number  is  shown. 

Anchorage  prohibited — Buoys. — Five  pairs  of  buoys  have  been 
established  in  the  Gulf  of  Spezia.  The  buoys  are  situated  on  either 
side  of  a  line  bearing  111°  from  Point  Castagana.  The  first  pair  are 
164  feet  on  either  side  of  a  point  on  the  bearing  111°,  1.08  miles; 
the  second  196  feet  from  a  point  1.62  miles ;  the  third  229  feet  from 
a  point  2.16  miles;  the  fourth  262  feet  from  a  point  2.70  miles;  and 
the  fifth  295  feet  from  a  point  3.24  miles  from  Cape  Castagana. 

Vessels  are  prohibited  from  anchoring  even  temporarily  in  the 
vicinity  of  these  buoys. 

Porto  Venere  Bay. — Between  Castagna  Point,  the  southeastern 
extremity  of  the  wesiern  promontory  of  Spezia  Gulf,  and  the 
northern  coast  of  Palmarialsland,  is  the  well-sheltered  t)ay  of  Porto 
Venere,  the  before-mentioned  shoal  protecting  the  anchorage  from  a 
westerly  swell.  There  are  depths  of  6  to  8  fathoms  mud  over  the 
gulf.  Merchant  vessels  are  prohibited  from  anchoring  in  the  outer 
part.    See  page  210. 

Between  Castagna  Point  and  the  head  of  Spezia  Gulf  are  several 
small  bays,  all  available  as  ancliorages. 

Jetty — Light. — A  fixed  red  light,  visible  6  miles,  is  erected  on 
the  head  of  the  jetty  recently  (1913)  constructed  in  this  vicinity. 

The  light  is  shown  21  feet  above  the  sea  from  an  iron  staff  11  feet 
high,  the  lower  portion  painted  gray  and  the  upper  portion  red, 
located  26  feet  back  from  the  head  of  the  jetty.    (See  Light  List.) 

Castagna  Bay^  the  most  southern,  has  from  6  to  7  fathoms  of 
water  over  an  extent  of  about  ^  mile  each  way;  on  the  northern 
point  of  entrance  is  Foit  Santa  Maria. 

Varignano  Bay^  between  Santa  Maria  Fort  and  Varignano 
Point,  is  only  300  yards  wide  at  the  entrance;  it  has  over  it  an 
average  depth  of  5^  fathoms,  but  shoals  suddenly  at  250  yards  from 
its  head.  The  lazaretto  establishment  is  situated  on  the  small  penin- 
sula between  Varignano  and  Grazie  Bays.  Merchant  vessels  are 
[)rohibited  from  anchoring  in  either  Castagna  or  Varignano  Bays. 

Grazie  Bay,  between  Varignano  Point  and  Pezzino  Point,  is  600 
yards  wide  and  ^  mile  deep;  it  is  shallow  800  yards  from  its  head, 
but  affords  an  average  depth  of  6  fathoms  over  a  muddy  bottom;  the 
bay  is  re>served  for  vessels  under  quarantine.  On  its  northern 
point  is  Fort  Pezzino  or  San  Andrea,  beyond  which  is  Panigaglia 
Bay  and  the  small  cove  of  Cadimare. 


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THE   NORTHWEST  COAST  OF  ITALY.  205 

Seno  delle  Grazier  between  Piinta  del  Varignano  and  Pnnta 
Pezzino,  700  yards  northwestward,  extends  i  mile  southwestward ; 
it  has  depths  of  from  5  to  6  fathoms,  but  shoals  300  yards  from  its 
head;  the  bottom  is  mud.  The  bay,  in  which  there  are  twelve  moor- 
ing buoys,  is  reserved  for  vessels  in  quarantine. 

Seno  di  Fanigaglia^  between  Punta  Pezzino,  on  which  there  is  a 
fort,  and  Punta  Fezzano,  about  i  mile  west-northwestward,  extends 
500  yards  southward,  and  the  3- fathom  curve  is  about  200  yards  from 
its  head. 

There  are  fifteen  mooring  buoys,  and  one  post  for  adjusting  com- 
passes, in  the  bay. 

Seno  del  Fezzano^  between  Pimta  Fezzano  and  Punta  Cadi- 
mare,  500  yards  northwestward,  has  a  landing  pier  off  Fezzano 
Village. 

Cala  di  Cadimare^  northwestward  of  the  point,  is  small.  A 
new  basin  is  being  constructed  off  Cadimare,  and  the  extremity  of  a 
mole  in  progress,  about  700  yards  northeastward  of  Punta  Cadi- 
mare, is  marked  by  a  light-buoy ;  passage  is  prohibited  between  the 
buoy  and  the  western  shore.  A^Tiite  square  buoys,  each  surmouhted 
by  a  staff  with  a  flag,  mark  the  works  in  progress.  The  head  of  the 
new  mole  is  above  water. 

Spezia  or  La  Spezia^  the  principal  naval  port  of  Italy,  is  a  well- 
built  and  improving  town  near  the  shore  at  the  head  of  the  gulf, 
containing  a  population  of  about  74,278  in  1913;  it  is  the  capital  of  a 
province,  and  in  the  last  few  years  has  undergone  considerable  em- 
bellishment. Eastward  of  the  town  is  a  citadel  or  castle,  and  a 
tower  stands  on  the  outer  fall  of  a  ridge  over  it;  works  on  a  large 
scale  for  the  defense  of  town  and  port  are  being  carried  out. 

There  are  several  hospitals,  barracks,  and  many  fine  buihlings, 
parks,  and  gardens,  with  a  network  of  military  roads,  spreading  over 
the  surrounding  hills,  in  excellent  condition. 

Fortifled  port. — Spezia  is  a  fortified  port.     See  Kegulations. 

Storm  signals  are  shown  from  a  flagstaff  near  the  harbor  master's 
office. 

Trade. — The  principal  industries  are  shipbuilding,  manufacture 
of  telegraph  cables,  patent  fuel,  etc. ;  there  are  marble  and  sandstone 
quarries  and  lead  mines  in  the  locality. 

The  chief  imports  are  coal,  manures,  wood,  old  iron,  steel 
plates,  timber,  grain,  lead  and  lead  ores,  phosphates,  mineral 
oils,  coal  tar  for  briquettes,  and  articles  for  the  lead  works  of 
Pertusola,  and  the  dockyard.  The  exports  are  wine,  oil,  lead,  mar- 
ble, timber,  casks,  and  stone  for  paving  and  building.  Local  produce 
is  principally  carried  by  rail  direct  to  other  countries,  or  by  coasters 
to  Grenoa  and  Leghorn  for  exportation. 


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206  THE   NORTHWEST  COAST  OF   ITALY. 

Hospitals. — There  is  a  naval  hospital  near  the  dockyard,  with  a 
branch  at  Porto  Venere,  Sant'  Andrea  civil  hospital  has  146  beds, 
and  receives  foreigners  at  a  charge  per  day  in  the  wards,  and  a 
charge  for  surgical  and  medical  cases  in  separate  rooms. 

Comiiiuiiication. — There  is  railroad  conmiunication  with  Genoa, 
Lucca,  Pisa,  Florence,  and  Parma.  The  Government  establishments 
on  both  sides  of  the  gulf  are  connected  by  lines  of  railroad  round  the 
shore. 

Dockyard. — The  royal  dockyard  and  arsenal  occupy  the  north- 
western corner  of  the  gulf.  The  whole  is  fronted  by  walls,  with 
landing  piers  and  jetties,  and  there  are  water  basins,  connected  by  a 
narrow  passage,  besides  others  of  small  capacities,  with  machinery 
and  everything  necessary  for  building  and  repairing  vessels,  includ- 
ing graving  docks,  large  smith  shops,  160-ton  hydraulic  crane  and 
building  slips.  Torpedo  and  gimnery  school  ships  are  stationed  at 
Spezia. 

A  sea  wall  extends  over  |  mile  northward  from  Cadimare  to  the 
entrance  of  Darsena  No.  1,  and  there  are  numerous  coal  sheds  on 
it;  at  the  southern  end  are  the  coal  wharves  for  the  use  of  Italian 
naval  vessels,  and  there  are  depths  of  IJ  to  5f  fathoms  along  the 
frontage.  Darsena  di  San  Vito,  the  entrance  to  which  is  northward 
of  the  coal  sheds,  is  small  and  divided  into  two  parts,  each  with 
1^  fathoms  water.  The  entrance  to  Darsena  No.  1  is  about  100  feet 
wide,  and  the  area  of  the  basin  is  about  19  acres,  with  depths  of  from 
4  to  6  fathoms;  Darsena  No.  2,  to  the  northward,  has  an  area  of 
about  20  acres,  with  depths  of  from  5^  to  6  fathoms.  From  the  en- 
trance to  Darsena  No.  1  the  sea  wall  trends  northeastward  about  600 
yards  to  Molo  della  Lagora,  which  extends  about  200  yards  south- 
eastward from  the  sea  wall,  and  northwestward  of  it  is  Porticciolo 
Militaire,  a  small  camber;  the  harbor  master's  office,  a  yellow  build- 
ing with  a  flagstaff  and  landing  steps,  is  situated  on  the  north- 
eastern side  of  the  entrance  to  the  camber,  and  from  it  Mirabello 
Mole  extends  200  yards  northeastward. 

Porto  Mercantile  or  Commercial  Harbor. — About  1,100  yards 
northeastward  of  the  above-mentioned  mole  is  the  extremity  of  the 
East  Jetty,  which  projects  southward  745  yards  from  the  northern 
bend  of  the  gulf,  Migliarina  Shore;  the  inner  part  of  the  jetty,  340 
yards  long,  is  59  yards  wide,  a  railroad  leads  on  to  it  and  a  custom- 
house and  warehouses  have  been  erected ;  the  outer  part  of  the  jetty, 
of  which  the  end  curves  to  the  southwestward,  400  yards  long,  is  5 
yards  wide,  and  within  the  space  included  by  tlie  mole  and  the  jetty 
is  Porto  Mercantile  or  Commercial  Harbor,  which  has  depths  of  3J 
fathoms.  Dredging  is  in  progress  in  the  port;  a  new  mole  is  to  be 
constructed,  and  additional  quayage  provided. 


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THE   NORTHWEST  COAST  OF  ITALY.  207 

There  are  three  electric  cranes  which  can  be  used  by  making  for- 
mal application  to  the  Spezia  Chamber  of  Commerce. 

The  embankment  along  the  shore,  inside  the  harbor  and  in  front 
of  the  public  gardens,  217  yards  long,  has  been  completed. 

The  walls  of  the  embankment  and  of  the  jetty  are  constructed  of 
concrete  blocks,  ranging  in  weight  from  25  to  30  tons,  dropped  into 
the  foundation  and  raised  to  the  height  of  sea  level ;  above  that  line 
and  to  a  height  of  8i  feet  the  walls  are  constructed  of  rubble  masonry 
faced  with  bricks  and  coped  with  ashlar. 

A  line  of  mooring  buoys  for  torpedo  craft  has  been  placed 
across  the  entrance  to  the  port. 

Cadimare  Mole — Light — Buoys. — A  mole  is  constructed  in 
front  of  Cadimare  Cove,  the  work  of  which  is  marked  by  5  buoys. 

An  occulating  red  light  has  been  established  at  the  extremity  of 
the  mole. 

Lagora  Mole — Buoys. — Lagora  Mole  is  under  construction. 
Two  buoys  are  moored  on  the  prolongation  of  the  mole.  One,  a  can 
buoy,  surmounted  by  a  tripod  supporting  a  red  metallic  flag,  is 
moored  273  yards  from  the  vertical  red  and  white  lights ;  the  other,  a 
lightbiloy  exhibiting  a  flashing  green  light  every  3  seconds,  thus,  flash 
0.3  second,  eclipsed  2.7  seconds,  is  moored  787  yards  from  the  lights 
on  the  mole  head.  The  lightbuoy  will  be  known  as  the  Lagora  Mole 
Buoy-» 

Passage  of  vessels  between  the  unlighted  buoy  and  Lagora  Mole  is 
prohibited,  but  vessels  drawing  not  more  than  11^  feet  may  pass  be- 
tween the  lighted  and  unlighted  buoys. 

Dry  docks. — See  Appendix  I. 

Breakwater. — A  breakwater  2,460  yards  long,  in  course  of  con- 
struction, and  now  awash  and  in  some  places  above  the  sea  level,  ex- 
tends in  a  straight  line  northeast-southwest  nearly  across  the  gulf,  be- 
tween Sta.  Maria  Fort  and  Sta.  Teresa  Point,  having  at  each  extrem- 
ity a  narrow  passage  into  the  harbor ;  it  is  composed  of  rough  blocks 
of  stone,  no  pK)rtion  of  it  being  faced ;  both  ends  of  the  breakwater  are 
above  water.  When  completed  it  will  form  the  head  of  the  gulf  into 
a  perfectly  sheltered  harbor  2^  miles  long,  with  an  average  width  of 
If  miles  and  depths  of  5  to  7  fathoms  over  the  greater  part  of  it. 

Channels — ^Regulations. — The  West  Channel  between  Sta. 
Maria  Fort  and  the  southwestern  end  of  the  breakwater  is  430  yards 
wide,  with  an  average  depth  of  7  fathoms. 

Owing  to  submarine  works  in  progress,  vessels  entering  by  the 
West  Channel  must  stop  their  engines  when  on  a  line  joining  the 
light  on  the  western  end  of  the  breakwater  with  Sta.  Maria  Fort,  and 
not  start  them  again  until  on  a  line  drawn  from  Varignano  Point 
parallel  to  the  first-named  limit. 


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208  THE   NORTHWEST  COAST  OF  ITALY. 

Vessels  leaving  must  keep  their  engines  stopped  when  between  the 
same  limits. 

The  East  Channel — ^between  a  mole  extending  from  Sta.  Teresa 
Point  and  the  eastern  end  of  the  breakwater — about  200  yards  wide, 
has  been  dredged  to  a  depth  of  5|  fathoms.  Arrangements  are  made 
for  depositing  mines  in  these  channels  in  the  event  of  war. 

The  East  Channel  has  been  temporarily  closed  to  traffic. 

Storm  signals. — Storm  warning  signals,  in  connection  with  the 
central  meteorological  office  at  Genoa,  and  similar  to  those  made  at 
other  places  on  the  coa^s  of  Italy,  are  hoisted  on  a  flagstaff  of  the 
harbor  master's  office,  near  the  inner  end  of  the  west  mole  of  the 
Commercial  Harbor,  at  39  feet  above  the  sea. 

Lights* — ^Northeastern  end  of  breakwater:  A  group  flashing  red 
light,  visible  7  miles,  is  exhibited  from  a  mast  on  red  pedestal,  yellow 
dwelling,  situated  on  the  northeastern  extremity  of  the  breakwater. 
Should  the  apparatus  be  out  of  order,  a  fixed  red  light  will  be  shown 
instead. 

Santa  Teresa  Point :  A  group  flashing  green  light,  elevated  42  feet 
above  the  sea  and  visible  7  miles,  is  exhibited  from  a  staff  on  pedestal 
at  the  end  of  the  mole  below  Santa  Teresa  Fort.  Should  the  appa- 
ratus be  out  of  order,  a  fixed  green  light  will  be  shown  instead. 

Southwestern  end  of  breakwater :  A  flashing  green  light,  visible  8 
miles,  is  exhibited  from  an  iron  mast  over  shed  on  the  southwestern 
end  of  the  breakwater.  Should  the  apparatus  be  out  of  order,  a  fixed 
green  light  will  be  shown  instead. 

Fort  Santa  Maria :  A  flashing  red  light,  visible  8  miles,  is  exhibited 
from  a  staff  on  pedestal  on  the  eastern  angle  of  the  rampart  of  Fort 
Santa  Maria.  Should  the  apparatus  be  out  of  order,  a  fixed  red  light 
will  be  shown  instead. 

From  the  northeastern  pierhead,  at  the  entrance  to  the  outer  basin 
(Darsena  No.  1),  at  the  naval  arsenal,  a  small  fixed  green  light  is 
exhibited ;  ana  from  the  southwestern  pierhead  a  small  fixed  red  light 
is  shown,  both  elevated  34  feet  above  the  sea  and  visible  10  miles. 
The  lights  are  electric,  and  are  showm  from  black  and  white  poles, 
each  with  a  disk. 

Two  electric  lights,  placed  vertically  6  feet  apart,  the  upper  light 
fixed  white,  and  elevated  32  feet  above  the  sea,  the  lower  fixed  red, 
both  visible  about  3  miles,  are  shown  from  an  iron  column  erected 
at  the  extremity  of  Lagora  Mole. 

A  small  fixed  white  electric  light  is  shown  from  the  head  of  the 
little  mole  near  the  harbor  master's  office  on  the  northern  side  of  the 
entrance  to  the  small  military  port. 

From  a  gas  lantern  situated  at  the  extremity  of  the  mole  project- 
ing northeastward  from  the  horbor  master's  office,  two  small  fixed 


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THE   NORTHWEST  COAST  OF  ITALY.  209 

red  lights,  26  and  23  feet  above  the  sea,  are  exhibited  placed  verti- 
cally, visible  3  miles;  green  sectors  are  shown  to  the  southeast  and 
northeast  from  a  gas  lamp  at  the  unloading  wharf. 

From  a  metal  tower,  at  the  head  of  the  East  Jetty,  Commercial 
Harbor,  is  exhibited,  at  an  elevation  of  19  feet,  an  alternating  occult- 
ing white  and  green  light.    (See  Light  List.) 

Fiat  S.  Giorgio  Mole,  eastern  shore  of  the  Gulf  of  Spezia,  has  been 
extended  200  yards  to  the  westward. 

A  fixed  white  electric  light,  elevated  14  feet  above  the  sea,  is  erected 
on  the  head  of  this  new  extension,  1,200  yards  324°  from  the  light  on 
the  northeastern  extremity  of  the  breakwater. 

Bange  lights. — A  light  is  exhibited,  at  157  feet  above  high 
water,  from  a  pentagonal  masonry  tower,  44  feet  high,  and  painted 
black  and  white  in  chequers,  and  surmounted  by  a  masonry  hut,  on 
the  town  wall  at  Pegassano. 

A  light  is  exhibited,  at  95  feet  above  ttlfh  water,  from  a  wooden 
staff,  painted  black  and  white  in  bands,  and  surmounted  by  an  open- 
work disk,  on  the  head  of  Veleria  factory. 

A  light  is  exhibited,  at  75  feet  above  high  water,  from  a  wooden 
staff,  painted  black  and  white  in  bands,  and  surmounted  by  an  open- 
work disk,  on  the  northeastern  wing  of  the  head  of  Veleria  factory. 

Fog  signals. — From  the  eastern  and  western  ends  of  Spezia 
Breakwater,  during  thick  or  foggy  weather,  a  fogbell  and  hand  fog- 
horn will  be  sounded  alternately  every  10  minutes,  or  at  a  shorter 
interval  if  necessary. 

From  Santa  Maria  fort,  during  thick  or  foggy  weather,  a  fogbell 
and  hand  foghorn  will  be  sounded  alternately  every  10  minutes. 

If  a  vessel  is  seen  standing  into  danger  a  flare-up  will  be  showr, 
and  directions  given  by  megaphone,  at  each  of  the  above  three  sta- 
tions.   (See  Light  List.) 

Buoy. — A  lightbuoy  is  moored  109  yards  63°  from  the  two  fixed 
red  lights  exhibited  at  the  mole  projecting  northeastward  from  the 
harbor  master's  office. 

Pilots* — There  are  licensed  pilots  for  the  Goilf  of  Spezia;  they 
are  stationed  at  Grazie.  The  pilot  station  extends  to  a  line  between 
Isola  del  Tino  and  Telaro  Village  on  the  east  shore  of  the  gulf,  on 
which  line  the  pilots  take  charge. 

Anchorage. — The  Gulf  of  Spezia  may  be  considered  a  harbor 
of  refuge,  for  it  is  easy  of  access,  and  shelter  for  every  class  of  ves- 
sel can  be  found  in  one  or  other  of  its  many  bays,  and  when  the 
breakwater  is  completed  the  space  inside  it  will  form  one  of  the 
finest  harbors  in  the  world.  A  good  berth  will  be  found  off  the 
dockyard,  in  6  fathoms  water  over  mud  bottom,  the  Lagora  Mole 
bearing  about  296°.  As  the  squalls  are  sometimes  very  heavy  down 
68850—17 14 


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210  THE   NOETHWEST  COAST  OF  ITALY. 

the  gullies  between  the  mountains,  necessary  precautions  must  be 
taken.  Another  good  berth  is  with  a  tower  well  up  the  hill  at  the 
back  of  the  town,  in  range  with  the  western  angle  of  the  castle,  bear- 
ing about  316°,  and  Fort  Pezzino,  bearing  215°. 

Mooring  buoys* — ^There  are  several  mooring  buoys  laid  down  in 
Grazie  Bay,  in  Cadimare  Cove  and  abreast  the  sea  wall  extending 
to  the  outer  basin.  Numerous  moorings  are  placed  off  the  dockyard 
in  the  northern  part  of  the  bay.  Within  and  abreast  of  the  south- 
western end  of  the  breakwater  are  seven  buoys  for  the  use  of  vessels 
adjusting  their  compasses.  The  buoys  are  painted  in  the  following 
manner:  The  central  in  black  and  white  sectors,  and  the  other  six, 
near,  in  red,  distinguished  with  the  numbei's  1  to  6. 

There  are  a  number  of  buoys  in  the  gulf,  for  which  see  the  chart. 

Prohibited  anchorage. — In  connection  with  the  submarine  de- 
fense of  the  Gulf  of  Spezia,  vessels  are  prohibited  from  anchoring 
within  the  area  included  by  a  radius  of  about  650  yards  around  the 
southwestern  lighthouse  on  the  breakwater,  also  within  the  area 
included  by  a  radius  of  about  385  yards  arpund  the  northeastern 
lighthouse  on  the  breakwater,  and  in  Fornace  Cove,  eastern  side  Pal- 
maria  Island. 

Merchant  vessels  are  prohibited  from  anchoring. 

(a)  Between  Isola  del  Tino  and  Punta  Mariella,  in  a  space  about 
400  yards  wide  measured  westward  from  the  eastern  extremity  of 
Isola  del  Tino  and  eastward  from  Punta  Mariella. 

(6)  Northeastward  of  Isola  Palmaria,  in  a  space  within  a  line 
running  50°  900  yards  from  Punta  Mariella,  a  line  running  50°  true, 
1,400  yards  from  100  yards  northwestward  from  Scuola  Battery ;  and 
a  line  joining  the  extremes  of  these  two  lines. 

(c)  In  the  outer  portion  of  Baia  di  Porto  Venei'e  and  Seno  della 
Castagna,  northwestward  of  the  preceding  zone,  within  a  line  from 
the  eastern  end  of  that  zone  to  West  Breakwater  Lighthouse ;  a  line 
from  the  western  end  of  the  same  line  335°  to  the  coast  southwest- 
ward  of  Punta  della  Castagna. 

{d)  Within  a  radius  of  about  650  yards  around  West  Breakwater 
Lighthouse,  and  within  about  880  yards  around  East  Breakwater 
Lighthouse. 

(e)  Between  the  breakwater  and  a  line  joining  the  northern  side 
of  Punta  Vari'gnano  and  the  northern  side  of  the  prohibited  area 
around  East  Breakwater  Lighthouse,  including  Seno  del  Varignano. 

(/)  Within  1.1  miles  from  the  entrance  to  Darsena  No.  1. 

(g)  Southward  of  a  line  joining  the  head  of  East  Mole  to  Pirelli's 
works. 

(h)  On  the  oyster  beds  in  the  northeastern  part  of  the  gulf. 


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THE   NORTHWEST   COAST   OF   ITALY.  211 

Prohibited  fishing  areas. — Fishing  is  prohibited  in  prohibited 
anchorage  areas  (&),  ({?),  and  (e)  within  about  200  yards  around 
the  northern  part  of  Punta  del  Varignanp;  in  Seno  di  Panigaglia 
between  Punta  Pezzino  and  Punta  Fezzano  to  a  distance  of  about  800 
yards  from  the  middle  of  the  bay ;  off  the  entrance  to  the  dockyard 
inside  a  line  drawn  65°  1,600  yards  from  the  southern  end  of  the 
coal  sheds  northward  of  Cala  di  Cadimare;  then  to  100  yards  south- 
eastward to  Molo  Lagora ;  then  to  100  yards  eastward  of  Molo  Mira- 
bello,  and  to  the  shore  about  400  yards  southwestward  of  Forte 
Coppuccini  Basso;  off  San  Bartolomeo  building  yard  within  900 
yards  on  each  side  of  Punta  San  Bartolomeo  and  400  yards  from  the 
shore. 

Trawls  or  other  bottom-raking  contrivances  are  prohibited  in  pro- 
hibited anchorage  areas  (a)  and  (c). 

Dragging  the  bottom  in  the  gulf  is  forbidden  for  any  purpose. 

Measured  distances. — A  distance  of  6,111  feet  has  been  meas- 
ured eastward  of  Tsola  del  Tino ;  the  running  course  is  57"^  true.  The 
western  limit  is  a  stone  beacon,  20  feet  high,  on  the  eastern  side  of 
Isola  del  Tino,  in  line  with  a  post,  surmounted  by  a  disk  painted 
black  and  white  in  stripes,  near  Capo  dell'  Isola ;  the  eastern  limit  is 
the  pillar  on  Torre  Scuola  in  line  with  a  white  stone  pillar  in  Batteria 
Castagna. 

A  distance  of  7,139  feet  has  been  measured  southward  of  the  break- 
water; the  running, line  is  a  staff  on  the  south  side  of  the  tower  of 
Castello  San  Torenzo  in  line  with  a  staff  on  the  tower  of  Casa  Fabbri- 
cotti,  Bagnola  village,  55°,  or  an  umbrella  shaped  beacon  on  the 
southern  part  of  Punta  Castagna  in  line  with  Porto  Venere  cam- 
panile, 235°.  The  limits  are  two  poles,  about  20  feet  high  on 
masonry  pillars  at  each  end  of  the  breakwater,  between  and  near  the 
lighthouses,  in  line. 

Time  signal. — From  the  bastion  at  the  root  of  Lagora  Mole  a 
gun  is  fired  electrically  at  23h.  Om.  Os.  mean  time  of  Greenwich,  cor- 
responding to  noon  of  the  fifteenth  meridian  east  of  (jreenwich,  this 
being  the  so-called  Middle  European  time.  Position:  Latitude  44° 
5'  54"  N.,  longitude  9°  49'  33"  E. 

Sepairs. — The  works  of  the  Continental  Lead  &  Iron  Co.  are  at 
Pertusola,  and  in  addition  to  their  business  of  lead  and  silver  refining, 
have  built  and  launched  steel  sailing  vessels  of  over  2,000  tons,  with 
fittings,  besides  steel  steamers  of  180  tons  and  184  horsepower;  they 
are  prepared  to  undertake  any  kind  of  ironwork. 

At  the  works  of  Messrs.  Larini,  Nathan  &  Co.  they  are  pre- 
pared to  carry  out  all  orders  for  dock  gates,  pontoons,  dredgers, 
bridge  work,  etc.  The  castings  are  made  at  the  Milan  works,  where 
the  firm  has  a  steel  foundry.     The  work  delivered  to  the  Royal 


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212  THE   NORTHWEST  COAST  OF   ITALY. 

Dockyard  include  four  dock  gates,  a  steam  dredger  134  feet  in 
length,  bridges,  and  portable  iron  houses  for  the  Italian  Boyal 
Engineers,  and  orders  for  private  firms. 

Messrs.  Pirelli  &  Co.'s  submarine  cable  manufactory  can  turn  out 
10,000  yards  of  cable  a  day. 

A  shipbuilding  yard  has  been  constructed  at  Muggiano,  near 
Pertusola,  on  the  shore  adjoining  the  lead  works. 

The  shops,  building,  offices,  etc.,  cover  an  extensive  space  of 
ground,  and  preparations  have  been  made  for  much  work.  Vessels 
of  over  7,000  tons  have  been  built  here. 

Northward  of  San  Bartholomeo  Point  on  the  eastern  shore,  about 
IJ  miles  from  the  head  of  the  gulf,  is  a  mole  and  building  yard, 
which  is  now  used  as  a  Government  torpedo  and  electrical  store. 

Artillery  practice  is  sometimes  carried  out  from  the  beach  at 
Muggiano ;  a  red  flag  is  Tioisted  at  the  flagstaff  of  the  old  Batteria 
San  Bartolomeo  during  the  firing.     • 

Repairs  of  any  description  can  be  effected  at  the  Royal  dockyard 
and  the  yards  at  San  Bartolomeo,  and  also  by  the  Cantiere  di  Con- 
struzione  del  Muggiano. 

Port  regulations. — It  is  hot  permitted  to  throw  overboard  any 
ashes  or  rubbish,  but  a  dirt  boat  must  be  employed  and  paid  for,  and 
all  refuse  discharged  outside  the  breakwater. 

Picking  up  coal  or  other  goods  which  have  fallen  overboard  is 
absolutely  forbidden  in  Golfo  della  Spezia,  but  special  permission 
can  l)e  obtained  from  the  harbor  master's  office  to  recover  goods 
fallen  overboard  during  operations  of  shipment  or  landing.  Vessels 
are  prohibited  from  throwing  ashes  overboard  inside  the  breakwater. 

Comiiiunication. — Besides  the  railroads  already  mentioned,  the 
steamers  of  the  Cunard  Co.  run  direct  between  Liverpool  and  Spezia 
six  times  in  the  year.  Spezia  is  in  telephonic  communication  with 
Grenoa,  Rome,  and  other  of  the  larger  Italian  towns. 

Sea  breeze. — ^In  June  a  pleasant  sea  breeze  usually  springs  up 
m  the  forenoon  and  dies  away  before  sunset ;  it  is  very  faint  less  than 
i  mile  from  the  landing  place. 

Supplies  are  abundant,  and  water  can  be  procured  in  Cadimare 
Cove,  or  on  the  eastern  shore  near  Port  Lerici,  or  from  the  munici- 
pality cistern  boats.  Near  Cadimare  is  a  submerged  spring  of  fresh 
water,  named  la  PoUa ;  it  has  been  proposed  to  make  the  water  avail- 
able for  general  purposes  by  conducting  it  through  the  salt  water  in 
iron  tubes. 

Water  can  be  obtained  from  a  pipe  near  the  harbor  master's  office, 
and,  probably,  from  pipes  on  East  Mole,  or  from  municipal  tank 
vessels,  on  making  a  verbal  request  to  the  municipal  authority.  Naval 
vessels  obtain  water  in  the  dockyard,  or  from  steam-tank  vessels,  on 
application  to  the  port  admiral. 


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THE   NORTHWEST  COAST  OF   ITALY.  ^  213 

CoaL— About  7,500  tons  are  kept  in  stock  by  private  firms;  it 
can  be  brought  off  in  lighters.  Vessels  can  coal  at  all  the  wharves, 
with  depths  alongside  of  28  feet  and  less.  The  Italian  Government 
keeps  a  stock  of  100,000  tons. 

Spezia  is  not  a  coaling  port  except  for  the  Italian  Navy. 

Liquid  fuel. — ^The  Italian  Navy  has  a  supply  for  the  use  of  its 
own  vessels,  but  no  stock  is  kept  in  private  hands. 

The  coast* — The  northern  head  of  the  gulf  is  a  flat  and  marshy 
shore,  partially  cultivated,  and  the  slopes  of  the  surrounding  hills 
are  thickly  wooded.  A  large  area  in  the  northeastern  part  of  the 
gulf  is  occupied  by  oyster  beds. 

Pirelli's  large  telegraph  cable  works  are  situated  on  the  shore  east- 
ward of  the  head  of  East  Mole. 

One  mile  to  the  southward  of  San  Bartholomeo  Point  and  Mole  is 
the  village  and  works  of  Pertusola  and  Fort  Teresa,  immediately 
southward  of  which  is  a  bay  of  considerable  size  on  the  northern  side 
of  this  bay  is  a  battery  on  Mount  Falconara  and  the  village  and  castle 
of  San  Terenzo ;  the  castle  is  not  easily  made  out. 

Lerici,  with  a  population  of  about  4,700,  is  a  busy  little  town  and 
fishing  port  on  the  southern  side  of  the  above-mentioned  bay;  the 
port  is  formed  by  a  tongue  of  land  projecting  to  the  northwestward 
(on  which  is  a  very  conspicuous  old  castle  surmounted  by  a  tower), 
on  the  northern  side  of  which  is  a  depth  of  5  fathoms,  shallowing 
to  2  fathoms  at  a  short  distance  from  the  shore ;  from  the  extremity 
of  the  point  projects  a  short  mole.  The  head  of  this  bay  is  shallow, 
but  from  5J  to  6  fathoms  will  be  found  abreast  Lerici  over  a  muddy 
bottom. 

Lavoina  Shoal. — About  400  ykrds  34°  from  the  mole  head  is  a 
small  rocky  shoal  marked  by  an  iron  staff  with  flag. 

Light. — A  fixed  red  light,  visible  2  miles,  is  exhibited  from  a  red 
iron  column,  11  yards  within  the  mole  head  at  Lerici,  at  an  eleva- 
tion of  23  feet  above  the  sea.    (See  Light  List.) 

Buoy. — A  red  can  buoy  is  moored  in  5J  fathoms,  with  San  Te- 
renzo Castle  bearing  339°,  distant  800  yards. 

Maralunga  Pointy  southward  of  Lerici,  hasx)n  it  a  chapel ;  Mara- 
mozza  or  Sta.  Catterina,  Fiascarino,  and  other  small  bays  indent  the 
coast  southward  as  far  as  the  village  of  Telaro,  1^  miles  distant. 
From  Telaro  the  coast  is  high  and  cliffy  as  far  as  Corvo  Point 
(distant  2  miles),  with  a  few  rocks  close  off  the  several  points;  on 
the  heights  above  are  many  scattered  houses,  and  over  Corvo  Point 
are  the  village,  church,  and  tower  of  San  Marcello;  there  is  also 
an  old  watch-tower  upon  the  fall  of  the  cliff.  About  |  mile  102° 
from  Corvo  Point  is  Bianca  Point,  and  |  mile  northeastward  of  the 
latter  is  the  mouth  of  the  Magra  River ;  on  the  shore,  at  the  foot  of 
the  wooded  slopes  of  Mount  Toroni,  is  the  hospital  of  Sta.  Croce. 

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214  THE   NORTHWEST  COAST  OF  ITALY. 

Winds* — Southerly  winds  prevail  in  summer,  and  northerly  and 
northeasterly  in  winter,  but  they  are  seldom  dangerous.  The  sirocco 
sometimes  is  strong  in  winter,  and  accompanied  by  rain;  it  is  indi- 
cated by  Monte  Castellana  being  covered  with  clouds,  and  the  level 
of  the  water  in  the  gulf  rising. 

During  westerly  winds  strong  squalls  come  down  the  gullies  of 
the  mountains  westward  of  the  gulf.  In  fine  settled  weather  of 
summer  the  imbatto  (sea  breeze)  sets  in  from  the  eastward  about 
10  a.  m.,  veers  gradually  southward  and  westward,  and  fails  before 
simset. 

The  coast. — From  Bianca  Point  to  the  Amo  Kiver  a  low  sandy 
shore  curves  to  the  southward,  and  forms  the  open  Gulf  of  Magra 
about  5^  miles  in  depth  by  25  miles  wide.  On  the  northern  shore  of 
the  gulf  the  slopes  of  a  high  range  of  mountains  approach  within 
about  3  miles  of  the  shore,  Mount  Altissimo  attaining  an  elevation 
of  5,213  feet.  Southward  is  the  extensive  plain  of  Pisa  in  which  are 
several  lakes,  the  isolated  Mount  Pisano  rising  conspicuously  between 
the  cities  of  Lucca  and  Pisa.  Several  rivers  and  small  streams  drain 
the  low  land,  the  principal  being  the  Magra,  Amo,  and  Serchio.  Off 
the  southern  shore  banks  extend  to  a  distance  of  i,  and  in  some  places 
J  mile,  but  the  5-fathom  curve  little  exceeds  1  mile  from  any  part 
of  it ;  the  bottom  is  chiefly  mud. 

The  shore  between  Fiume  Magra  and  Viareggio  should  not  be 
approached  to  less  than  500  yards,  and  the  lead  should  be  used. 

Magra  Siver^  the  entrance  to  which  is  of  considerable  breadth, 
is  so  obstructed  by  banks  as  not  to  be  navigable.  This  river  has 
a  southeasterly  course  of  about  35  miles,  and  at  times  swells  to  a 
destructive  torrent;  it  is  crossed  by  a  railroad  viaduct  and  a  bridge 
a  short  way  up^  From  3  to  3^  miles  inland,  at  the  foot  of  the  hills, 
are  the  towns  of  Sarzana  and  the  cities  of  Carrara  and  Massa;  along 
the  shores  are  several  batteries. 

Consul. — The  United  States  is  represented  at  Carrara  by  a  con- 
sular agent. 

Marina  d'Avenza  (di  Carrara)  is  a  long  line  of  houses  near 
the  beach,  about  l.J  miles  southeastward  of  the  mouth  of  Fiume 
Magra.  Three  long  wooden  piers  extend  off  the  beach,  and  there  are 
about  11  feet  water  at  their  heads,  which  are  fitted  with  rails  and 
cranes,  for  shipping  marble ;  there  are  no  landing  steps. 

The  town,  with  a  population  of  about  3,300,  has  a  fine  old  castle 
and  is  situated  on  the  left  bank  of  the  Carrione  River  at  about 
1  mile  from  its  mouth ;  large  quantities  of  Carrara  marble  are  ship- 
ped here,  on  an  average  about  200,000  tons  being  annually  exported. 
There  are  two  long  wooden  piers  abreast  the  village  with  cranes  for 
loading  the  coasters  with  marble,  and  there  are  depths  of  from  10 

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THE  NORTHWEST  COAST  OP  ITALY.  215 

to  14  feet  alongside  the  piers.  The  mouth  of  the  river,  near  which 
are  two  batteries,  is  3J  miles  eastward  of  Bianca  Point. 

The  white  Carrara  marble,  so  valuable  to  sculptors,  is  foimd  in 
inexhaustible  quantities  in  the  lower  ridges  of  Monte  Sagro,  near 
several  streams  which  imite  not  far  from  the  city ;  the  quarries  em- 
ploy upward  of  10,000  workmen  and  extend  over  a  space  of  6  miles; 
the  blocks  are  cut  by  water  power  and  conveyed  in  bullock  drays  to 
Avenza. 

Lights  are  usually  exhibited  from  the  pierheads. 

Anchorage  off  the  Marina  is  not  very  safe,  but  in  fine  weather  it 
may  be  obtained  about  400  yards  offshore,  between  the  piers. 

Avenza  and  Carrara  are  situated  about  1  and  2^  miles,  respec- 
tively, to  the  northeastward.    Avenza  is  on  the  Genoa-Pisa  railway. 

San  Giuseppe,  3  miles  southeastward  of  Marina  d' Avenza,  is  a 
group  of  houses  on  the  shore,  off  which  is  a  long  wooden  pier  with  a 
crane  on  its  head.    Fiume  Frigido  flows  into  the  sea  here. 

Light. — A  light  is  usually  exhibited  from  the  pierhead. 

Fortified  ports. — The  mouth  of  Fiume  Magra  and  Marina 
d'Avenza  are  considered  fortified  ports.    See  Regulations. 

Portino  Cinquale,  on  the  beach  2^  miles  southeastward  of  San 
Giuseppe,  is  small  and  quadrangular,  with  a  yellow  house  on  it. 

Bailroad* — ^There  is  commimication  by  rail  to  Spezia,  Pisa, 
Lucca,  Carrara,  and  all  principal  towns. 

Pietrasanta. — At  5J  miles  to  the  southward  of  Carrione  River 
is  Cinquale  Fort  (between  two  others),  at  the  mouth  of  a  stream,  1 
mile  inshore  of  which  is  Lake  Porta;  6  miles  46°  from  the  fort  is 
Mount  Altissimo.  The  town  of  Pietrasanta,  With  a  population  of 
11,000,  is  situated  2  miles  inland;  it  is  surrounded  by  walls,  has 
several  fine  churches,  and  in  the  neighborhood  there  are  quarries  of 
beautiful  marble,  besides  mines  of  lead  and  quicksilver. 

Porte  dei  Marmi,  2^  miles  southeastward  of  Fortino  Cinquale, 
is  marked  by  the  houses  of  the  village,  which  extends  along  the 
beach;  a  long  pier,  with  a  10-ton  crane  on  its  head,  and  also  a  pier 
belonging  to  the  powder  factory,  project  from  the  shore.  There  are 
some  red  and  white  spots  on  the  side  of  the  mountain  within  the 
WUage,  which  are  very  noticeable  when  the  sun  shines  fully  on  them. 

Lights. — A  fixed  red  light,  elevated  19  feet  and  visible  5  miles, 
is  exhibited  from  a  yard,  8  feet  above  the  head  of  the  loading  pier 
at  Forte  di  Marmi,  14f  miles  southeastward  of  Spezia  Breakwater. 
The  pier  is  265  yards  long;  both  it  and  the  light  belong  to  a  private 
company.     (See  Light  List.) 

A  fixed  white  light,  elevated  10  feet  above  the  sea  and  visible  5 
miles,  is  erected  on  the  extremity  of  the  new  pier  at  the  powder 
factory.     (See  Light  List.) 


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216  THE   NORTHWEST   COAST   OF   ITALY. 

Caution. — Approaching  from  the  southeastward  in  rather  thick 
weather,  with  Isola  Pahnaria  and  Porto  Venere  Mountains  not  show- 
ing clearly,  and  Isola  del  Tino  and  Punta  del  Mesco  obscured,  the 
low  Magra  Valley  has  been  mistaken  for  Golfo  della  Spezia,  and 
the  spur  from  the  high  land  terminating  in  Punta  Bianca  for  the 
western  shore  of  the  gulf. 

ViareggiOy  a  seaport  town  of  considerable  size,  is  regularly  built 
upon  the  northern  side  of  a  small  stream,  into  which  the  surround!- 
ing  level  land  and  marshy  lakes  are  drained  by  numerous  canals. 
The  port  is  formed  by  two  shore  moles,  one  on  each  side  of  the 
stream,  and  is  defended  by  several  batteries.  A  large  red  buoy  is 
moored  in  3^  fathoms  off  the  entrance  to  the  port  to  facilitate  haul- 
ing in  or  out.  A  shoal  bank  of  3  fathoms  and  imder,  extends  for  i 
mile  off  the  mole  heads  and  5  fathoms  will  be  foimd  at  twice  that 
distance.  There  is  an  export  trade  in  statuary  marble  and  the  town 
is  much  frequented  in  tiie  summer  for  sea  bathing;  the  population 
in  1903  was  10,200. 

The  North  Mole  of  Viareggio  is  403  yards  long;  from  the  head  a 
point  extends  15  yards.  The  South  Mole  is  357  yards  in  length, 
and  from  the  head  a  point  extends  6^  yards.    (See  Light  List.) 

Lights. — An  occulting  white  light,  elevated  46  feet  above  the  sea 
and  visible  9  miles,  is  exhibited  from  a  red  octagonal  tower,  39  feet 
high,  with  square  dwelling  attached,  situated  a  short  distance  north- 
ward of  the  Burlamacca  Canal  and  about  300  yards  northward  of 
the  entrance  to  the  Port  of  Viareggio. 

An  occulting  white  light,  elevated  21  feet,  and  visible  2  miles, 
is  shown  from  the  head  of  the  North  Mole,  and  a  fixed  green  light, 
elevated  21  feet,  and  visible  1  mile,  is  shown  from  the  South  Mole- 
head;  the  two  lights  are  shown  from  wooden  poles,  11  and  12  feet 
high,  respectively.     (See  Light  List.) 

Mole  under  construction — ^Lights. — ^Two  vertical  green  lights, 
the  upper  16  feet  and  the  lower  14  feet  above  the  sea,  visible  3  miles, 
have  been  established  on  the  head  of  the  new  mole  in  course  of  con- 
struction (1914),  about  512  yards  southward  of  the  canal  entrance 
at  Port  Viareggio.    During  high  seas  these  lights  are  not  exhibited. 

In  order  to  avoid  the  substructure  of  the  mole  vessels  must  not 
approach  within  164  yards  of  these  lights. 

Signal  mast. — An  iron  signal  mast,  90  feet  in  height,  has  been 
erected  near  the  seashore  southward  of  the  town. 

The  roadstead  of  Viareggio  affords  but  indifferent  anchorage,  as 
it  is  exposed  to  westerly  winds,  and  the  holding  ground  is  not  good ; 
a  berth  may  be  taken  up  about  1|  miles  westward  of  the  piers  in  7 
or  8  fathoms,  sand,  or  in  6  fathoms,  sand  and  mud,  at  J  mile  south- 
westward  of  the  red  octagonal  lighthouse. 


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THE   NORTHWEST   COAST  OF  ITALY.  217 

Artillery  practice. — Vessels  must  not  approach  the  coast  within 
2  miles  between  Viareggio  and  the  mouth  of  Fiume  Morto,  7  miles 
to  the  southward,  during  gun  firing.  When  firing  is  taking  place 
red  flags  are  hoisted  at  the  flagstaff  southward  of  Viareggio,  and 
near  the  customs  barracks  at  Migliarino  and  San  Rossore.  One 
blank  charge  is  fired  before  the  practice  begins,  or  if  heavy  guns  are 
to  be  fired,  two  volleys  1  hour  before,  and  one  charge  immediately 
before  the  commencement. 

Serchio  Siver  enters  the  sea  4^  miles  southward  of  Port  Via- 
reggio; its  mouth  is  obstructed  by  sand  banks,  which  extend  off  it 
for  nearly  i  mile. 

Midway  between  the  river's  mouth  and  Viareggio,  and  about  2 
miles  from  the  coast,  is  Lake  Massaciuccole,  about  1^  miles  in  extent, 
with  about  6  feet  of  water. 

Lucca. — The  city  of  Lucca,  renowned  for  its  manufacture  of  silk, 
is  situated  in  the  plain  lOJ  miles  inland  on  the  banks  of  the  river 
Serchio;  it  contains  a  population  of  about  74,000. 

The  Amo  Siver  rises  in  Moimt  Falterona  of  the  Apennine 
range,  25  miles  north  of  Arezzo ;  it  flows  by  a  most  circuitous  course 
to  Florence,  thence  nearly  west  through  a  very  rich  valley  to  Pisa, 
i<nd  from  thence  to  the  sea,  which  it  enters  about  7 J  miles  northward 
of  Leghorn.  Its  whole  course  is  about  150  geographical  miles,  and 
it  is  navigable  for  boats  as  far  as  Florence,  a  distance  of  60  miles. 
On  the  southern  side  of  the  entrance  is  a  fort.  Sand  banks  and  roc^ 
ledges  eirtend  off  both  points  at  the  entrance,  that  from  the  southern 
point  having  very  little  water  over  it  at  ^  mile  offshore ;  the  entrance 
to  the  river  should  not  be  approached  within  1  mile. 

Pisa. — The  ancient  city  of  Pisa  with  its  famed  campanile  or  lean- 
ing tower  is  situated  in  a  marshy  but  fertile  plain  about  6  miles 
eastward  of  the  mouth  of  the  Amo;  its  walls  are  about  5  miles 
around  and  contains  a  population  of  61,279.  It  is  the  capital  of  a 
Province,  and  possesses  a  university. 

A  nearly  straight  flat  coast  continues  southward  for  7^  miles  to 
Ijeghorn;  it  is  thickly  wooded  along  the  shore,  the  country  within 
being  low,  marshy,  and  with  several  small  lakes ;  it  is  drained  by  the 
Nuova  River  which  enters  the  sea  about  1^  miles  northward  of  Leg- 
horn. On  the  shore  nearly  halfway  between  the  Amo  and  Leghorn, 
is  a  fort. 

Leghorn  (Livorno). — This  important  seaport,  the  capital  of  a 
Province,  is  well  aiid  regularly  built;  the  streets  are  broad,  and  the 
western  part  is  intersected  by  canals.  It  is  surrounded  by  a  wall 
about  ^  miles  in  circuit,  and  defended  by  fortifications ;  there  is  also 
an  inner  line  of  defense  formed  by  broad  canals,  which  intersect  the 
city  in  various  directions.     The  city  contains  a  cathedral,  several 


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218  THE   NORTHWEST  COAST  OP  ITALY. 

churches  and  chapels,  a  monastery,  hospital,  public  library,  naval 
academy,  an  English  church  and  cemetery,  Scotch  Free  Church,  sea- 
men's bethel,  and  reading  rooms.  There  are  also  mineral  springs. 
The  population  of  Leghorn  (Livomo)  is  about  103,890,  besides  many 
English  and  foreign  residents. 

The  naval  academy,  on  the  southern  side  of  the  city,  is  surmounted 
by  a  square  tower  with  a  flagstaff.  Ardenza  Village  is  about  1  mile 
and  Antignana  village  about  2  miles  southward  of  the  city,  and, 
on  summer  evenings,  the  various  bathing  establishments  on  the  coast 
are  lighted  by  numerous  arc  lights  until  about  midnight. 

There  are  no  special  hospitals  or  homes  for  seamen;  the  civil  iios- 
pital  is  available.  The  united  hospitals  of  Leghorn  receive  seamen 
of  all  nationalities  in  cases  of  emergency. 

Consul. — ^The  United  States  is  represented  by  a  consul  and  vice 
consul. 

Trade. — ^The  principal  exports  consist  of  oil,  wine,  straw  hats, 
marble,  coral,  candied  fruit,  hides,  boracic  acid,  hemp,  mercury,  rags, 
soap,  wax,  eggs.  The  imports  are  iron,  coal,  coke,  cotton,  wool, 
wheat,  coffee,  hides,  jute,  mineral  oil,  sulphates  of  coppers  and  iron, 
tobacco,  carbonate  of  soda,  and  cured  fish. 

The  principal  industries  are  glassworks,  candied  fruit,  hemp, 
pastes,  patent  fuel,  pumice  stone,  rag  picking,  soap,  tanneries,  sienna 
earths,  metal  works,  rolling  mills,  and  ship  building,  the  firm  of 
Messrs.  Orlando  Bros.,  employing  a  large  force  of  workmen;  the 
drydock,  the  property  of  the  Italian  Government,  has  been  leased 
to  the  firm  until  the  year  1920.  Numerous  boats  are  employed  an- 
nually in  coral  fishing  on  the  coast  of  Africa. 

Commiiiiieation. — ^There  is  railroad  communication  with  Pisa, 
11 J  miles  distant,  and  thence  northward  and  eastward;  also  along 
the  south  coast  to  Rome.  The  station  is  on  the  northern  side  of  the 
town,  and  the  lines  of  rail  extend  round  the  municipal  dock.  A  line 
of  railroad  has  been  constructed  from  Leghorn  to  Vada,  thus  putting 
Leghorn  on  the  great  main  line  running  between  Turin  or  Milan, 
through  Genoa  and  Pisa,  to  Rome.  All  main-line  trains  now  stop  at 
Leghorn.  The  railroad  station  is  to  the  westward  of  the  town. 
There  is  also  a  canal  between  Tjeghorn  and  Pisa.  Steamers  formerly 
ran  regularly  to  London,  Glasgow,  Antwerp,  Marseille,  Genoa, 
Naples,  Venice,  and  other  ports,  including  the  islands  of  the  Tuscan 
Archipelago,  Sardinia,  and  Malta. 

The  port  comprises  an  inner  and  outer  harbor.  The  inner,  named 
Mediceo  Port,  is  formed  by  a  broad  mole,  Mediceo  Mole,  extending 
from  the  southern  shore  for  about  760  yards  in  a  northern  direction, 
the  space  within  being  proected  from  the  northwest  by  another  mole 


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^  THE   NORTHWEST  COAST  OF  ITALY.  219 

(Rettilinea),  projectmg  some  560  yards  in  a  south  westward  direction. 
Within  these  two  moles,  with  the  exception  of  a  portion  on  the  south- 
em  side,  a  general  depth  of  26  feet  has  been  obtained  by  dredging. 
In  the  shoaler  portion  the  depths  are  20  to  22  feet.  The  northern 
part  of  the  harbor  known  as  the  Municipal  Dock  (Darsena  del  punto 
Franco)  is  still  further  inclosed  by  small  moles,  and  has  from  19 
to  25  feet  water  over  it.  Near  a  tower  in  the  northeastern  comer 
of  the  harbor  is  the  entrance  to  the  Old  Dock,  in  which  are  depths 
of  from  13  to  18  feet  over  its  greater  part,  and  communicating  north- 
ward with  inner  basins. 

In  the  southwest  comer  of  the  harbor  is  another  entrance  (with 
swing  bridge)  leading  into  the  New  Dock  which  has  been  enlarged 
and  deepened. 

Dredging  in  progress. — Extensive  dredging  operations  have 
been  and  are  still  being  carried  out  in  the  Outer  Port. 

Dredging  operations  are  carried  on  in  the  Outer  Port  near  the 
center  part  of  the  Curvilinea  Mole  and  southern  entrance. 

A  dredger  and  rock-boring  vessel  will  be  employed  on  this  work, 
and  will  remain  in  position  during  the  night. 

Caution. — In  consequence  of  these  works  and  of  the  works  in 
progress  for  the  extension  of  the  port,  the  greatest  care  should  be 
taken  by  vessels  entering  either  by  the  northern  or  southern  entrances. 

Dredging  operations  are  now  in  progress  in  the  entrance  to  Mediceo 
Port,  and  along  the  southern  side  of  Rettilinea  Mole. 

The  mooring  chains  are  marked  by  red  flags  and  red  lights,  and 
vessels  should  take  the  greatest  care  to  avoid  them. 

Owing  to  dredging  operations  now  in  progress,  vessels  are  warned 
that,  until  further  notice,  they  should  use  the  North  Entrance  to  the 
port,  but  should  enter  or  leave  by  the  South  Entrance  only.  From 
a  report  in  1916  it  is  stated  that  the  South  Entrance  is  considered 
the  best  for  large  steamers,  and  that  the  harbor  depth  is  about  24 
feet  and  the  anchorage  good. 

Depths. — There  are  depths  of  from  17  to  30  feet  in  the  North 
Entrance  to  Porto  Nuovo,  or  New  Port,  and  of  from  3P  to  40  feet  in 
the  fairway  of  the  South  Entrance ;  in  the  port  there  are  depths  of 
from  20  to  30  feet,  but  the  water  shoals  gradually  eastward  to  Molo 
Mediceo,  alongside  which  there  are  10  and  12  feet. 

There  is  a  least  depth  of  22  feet  in  the  entrance  to  Old  Port,  and 
depths  of  from  21  to  27  feet  in  Porto  Mediceo,  of  23  feet  in  Darsena 
Mandraccio,  of  28  feet  in  Bacino  Commerciale,  of  13  to  21  feet  in 
Darsena  Vecchia,  and  of  9  to  27  feet  in  Darsena  Nuova. 

Dredger  signals. — When  the  dredger  is  at  work  it  will  display 
three  black  balls,  placed  vertically,  by  day,  and  three  fixed  red  lights, 
placed  vertically,  in  addition  to  a  fixed  white  light  at  each  end,  by 
night 

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220  THE   NORTHWEST   COAST  OF   ITALY. 

While  employed  in  the  northern  entrance  to  the  Outer  Port  the 
dredger  will  remain  outside  the  harbor  except  in  bad  weather. 

Buoyage. — Four  spar  buoys,  situated  as  imdermentioned,  are 
temporarily  established  to  mark  the  northern  channel  of  approach  to 
the  port.    They  will  be  later  on  replaced  by  lightbuoys. 

One  buoy  is  painted  red,  and  should  be  left  on  the  starboard  hand 
when  entering  the  port,  and  the  others,  which  are  in  line  on  a 
337°-157**  line  of  bearing,  should  be  left  on  the  port  hand. 

Mooring  Buoy. — ^A  cylindrical  mooring  buoy  is  placed  about 
150  yards  westward  of  the  office  of  the  captain  of  the  port. 

Harbor  works. — A  new  basin  is  imder  construction  northward  of 
the  existing  port.  The  northern  mole,  which  has  been  completed,  ex- 
tends in  a  southwesterly  direction  about  1,600  yards  from  Marzocco 
Tower;  the  western  mole  will  extend  in  a  north-northwestward  di- 
rection from  the  northern  end  of  the  Curvilinea  Mole. 

Light. — An  unwatched  red  occulting  light,  visible  3  miles,  is 
erected  on  the  outer  extremity  of  the  new  Marzocco  Mole,  about  1,554 
yards  226°  from  Marzocco  Tower. 

The  light  is  exhibited,  16  feet  above  the  sea,  from  an  iron  hut  on 
a  stone  foundation. 

Lightbuoys. — ^A  lightbuoy,  exhibiting  a  fixed  green  light,  is 
moored  at  a  distance  of  about  768  yards  339°  from  the  lighthouse 
on  the  northern  end  of  Curvilinea  Mole  in  connection  with  the  new 
harbor  works  now  in  progress.  Vessels  should  pass  at,  a  distance  of 
not  less  than  100  yards  northward  of  the  lightbuoy. 

This  buoy  marks  the  northern  extremity  of  the  works  in  progress 
for  the  construction  of  Diga  di  Tramontana. 

Docks. — ^The  amount  of  wet  dock  accommodation  is  over  12  acres, 
with  20  to  24  feet  depth  of  water  and  72  feet  breadth  at  entrance; 
within  the  basin  is  a  graving  dock  and  three  patent  slips ;  the  former, 
443  feet  long,  72^  feet  broad,  with  a  depth  of  23^  feet  water  over 
sill  at  high  water;  the  latter  are  250  long,  have  27  feet  breadth  of 
entrance,  and  are  adapted  for  vessels  of  1,500  tons  weight.  The  ton- 
nage of  the  largest  vessel  yet  docked  is  4,500  tons  and  draft  22J 
feet.    Mcoring  buoys  are  laid  down  in  Mediceo  Port. 

There  is  a  drydock  and  a  patent  slip  on  the  northern  side,  and  a 
patent  slip  on  the  southern  side  of  Darsena  Nova.  (For  particulars 
see  Appendix  I.) 

There  are  fortifications  upon  the  southern  side  of  the  harbor  and 
a  fort  at  the  Curvilinea  Mole  Head. 

On  the  beach  ^  mile  northward  of  the  city  is  the  Marzocco  Tower 
of  very  ancient  structure.  It  is  built  of  white  marble  and  has  a 
conical  red  roof;  surrounding  it  near  the  top  is  a  projecting  gallery. 


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THE   NORTHWEST   COAST   OF  ITALY.  221 

The  Outer  Harbor  is  protected  from  the  westward  by  a  detached 
curvilinear  mole  over  i  mile  in  length,  terminating  in  two  circular 
heads  on  which  are  light  towers;  it  extends  north  and  south  in  front 
of  the  entrance  to  Mediceo  Port,  the  northern  head  being  about  400 
yards  294°  from  the  entrance  to  Mediceo  Port;  in  the  channel  be- 
tween the  two  moles  (Curvilinea  and  Rettilinea)  there  is  a  depth 
of  26i  feet. 

The  southern  head  of  Curvilinea  Mole  is  about  800  yards  from  the 
shore  end  of  Mediceo  Mole,  but  the  passage  between  is  narrowed  to 
250  yards  by  Piana  Rocks  and  a  shallow  flat  which  extends  from 
them  to  the  eastern  end  of  Vegliaia  Mole.  At  200  yards  inside  this 
flat  and  about  500  yards  from  the  southern  end  of  Curvilinea  Mole 
are  the  Piana  Rocks,  on  which  is  a  lighthouse  from  which  two 
groynes  extend  in  a  334°  and  80°  direction,  respectively.  In  the 
southern  channel  is  a  depth  of  from  5  to  6  fathoms.  Over  the  greater 
part  of  the  Outer  Harbor  there  is  a  general  depth — obtained  by 
dredging — of  from  25  to  28  feet,  but  on  the  flat  ei^tending  between 
Mediceo  Mole  and  Piana  Rocks  there  are  depths  of  only  3  to  6  feet. 
In  1899  the  depths  near  the  Curvilinea  Mole  were  reported  to  have 
decreased. 

The  harbor  is  further  protected  on  the  south  by  Vegliaia,  com- 
mencing at  Vegliaia  Rock  and  extending  in  a  285°  direction.  This 
new  work  commenced  in  the  year  1889,  was  completed  in  1894 ;  it  is 
1,620  feet  long  and  46  feet  in  breadth.  The  western  extremity  of  the 
mole  is  marked  by  a  lighthouse. 

The  shore  is  faced  by  a  wall  as  far  to  the  southward  as  Cavalleggeri 
Point,  about  1  mile  from  the  mole  head ;  1^  miles  farther  is  Ardenza 
Tower,  and  between  is  the  naval  academy.  A  beautiful  drive  leads 
from  the  city  along  the  shore  and  past  the  academy  to  Ardenza  and 
Antignano,  favorite  seaside  resorts  in  summer. 

Semaphore. — To  the  northward  of  the  town  there  is  an  electric 
semaphore  station,  and  a  petroleum  reservoir  capable  of  holding 
3,000  tons  of  oil. 

Meloria  Bank  and  Tower. — This  shoal  of  sand  and  mud,  with 
occasional  patches  of  rock  and  weed  (within  the  line  of  5  fathoms), 
extends  about  4J  miles  in  a  north  and  south  direction,  and  is  from 
1  to  3  miles  broad ;  it  lies  parallel  with  the  shore,  from  which  it  is 
distant  3  miles,  sheltering  the  roadstead  from  westerly  winds. 

The  greater  portion  of  this  bank  has  only  from  9  to  12  feet  water 
on  it ;  the  shoalest  part  is  near  the  south  end,  where,  on  a  rocky  patch 
above  water,  stands  Meloria  Tower,  a  square  building,  with  arched 
openings  at  the  base,  about  200  yards  southward  of  which  is  a  light- 
house erected  on  iron  piles. 


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222  THE   NORTHWEST  COAST  OF  ITALY. 

Between  Meloria  Bank  and  the  port  are  shallow  patches  of  sand, 
mud,  and  weed,  having  over  them  depths  of  2f  and  4^  fathoms;  the 
largest,  named  the  American  Shoal  (the  most  western),  is  about  2 
miles  285°  from  the  northern  end  of  Curvilinea  Mole.  Northward 
of  the  port,  abreast  Marzocco  Tower,  there  is  a  depth  of  only  3^ 
fathoms  at  1^  miles  from  the  beach. 

Southward  of  the  port  the  water  is  deeper,  there  being  5  fathoms 
at  a  distance  of  i  mile  from  the  shore. 

Vegliaia  Sock. — Nearly  800  yards  southward  of  the  southern 
head  of  Curvilinea  Mole,  and  near  the  edge  of  the  flat  before  men- 
tioned as  extending  from  Piana  Rocks  southward,  is  the  Vegliaia,  a 
small  detached  rock.  As  previously  remarked,  a  mole  extends  from 
Vegliaia  Ecck  in  a  285°  direction. 

Fiana  Socks  lie  in  the  southern  entrance  to  the  Outer  Port ;  they 
dry  5  feet  and  are  marked  by  a  lighthouse. 

Lightvessel. — From  a  red  lightvessel  moored  in  4  fathoms  off 
the  northern  end  of  Meloria  Bank,  a  fixed  white  light,  elevated  33 
feet  above  the  sea,  and  visible  11  miles,  is  exhibitexJ  from  a  red  iron 
openwork  tower,  surmounted  by  a  red  globe. 

When  Meloria  Bank  Lightvessel  is  not  on  her  station  the  lower 
half  of  the  black  iron  openwork  tower  will  be  painted  white,  and  at 
night  the  lights  will  be  extinguished. 

The  following  day  and  night  signals  are  made: 

Day.  Night.  Signifloation. 

1.  Black  flag  with  white  ball  in    Yellow  flare  every  15  minutes Doctor  needed. 

center. 

2.  Black  and  white  checkered  flag.   Yellow  and  red  flares  alternately  every    Apparatus  damaged. 

15  minutes. 
8.  Ablaokball Red  flare  every  15  minutes Assistance  urgently  needed. 


Fogbell. — A  bell  is  sounded  in  foggy  weather  from  the  lightvessel. 

Lights — ^Meloria  Shoal. — From  a  hexagonal  iron  frame  on  the 
southern  end  of  Meloria  Shoal  a  flashing  red  light  is  exhibited  at 
an  elevation  of  60  feet  above  the  sea ;  visible  10  miles. 

Vegliaia  Mole  Light  is  a  flashing  green  light,  elevated  56  feet 
above  the  sea,  and  visible  5  miles. 

The  lighthouse,  G2  feet  high,  is  an  iron  truncated  pyramid,  painted 
white. 

(For  arc  of  visibility  see  Light  List  and  chart.) 

Fiana  Bocks. — From  a  white  cylindrical  tower  on  the  rocks  in 
the  South  Channel  a  flashing  white  light  is  exhibited  at  an  elevation 
of  154:  feet  above  the  sea;  visible  19  miles. 

Curvilinea  Mole. — A  flashing  light  with  red  sector,  visible  8 
miles,  is  exhibited  from  a  yellow  octagonal  tower  elevated  67  feet 
above  the  sea,  on  the  southern  head  of  Curvilinea  Mole. 


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THE   NORTHWEST  COAST  OF  ITALY.  223 

(For  arc  of  visibility  see  Light  List  and  chart.) 

An  occulting  light  with  green  sector,  visible  12  miles,  is  exhibited 
at  an  elevation  of  67  feet  above  the  sea  from  an  octagonal  yellow 
tower  at  the  north  head.  Vessels  will  avoid  too  close  an  approach  to 
Meloria  Bank  on  the  north  side,  by  keeping  the  green  light  in  sight. 

An  occasional  fixed  green  light,  visible  1  mile,  has  been  established 
near  the  northern  end  of  the  Curvilinea  Mole,  at  a  height  of  33  feet, 
from  the  same  tower  as  the  occulting  light. 

This  light  will  only  be  shown  when  the  lightbuoy  marking  the 
construction  work  is  not  in  position. 

(For  arc  of  visibility  see  Light  List  and  chart.) 

BrettUinea  Mole. — A  fixed  red  light  is  exhibited,  13J  feet  above 
the  water,  from  a  window  in  the  small  tower  at  the  end  of  the  mole. 

Beacon. — A  beacon,  surmounted  by  a  staff  and  cone,  painted  black 
and  white  horizontal  stripes,  has  been  erected  on  the  rocks  on  the 
eastern  side  of  the  southern  entrance  to  the  Outer  Port,  in  a  position 
bearing  258°,  distant  115  yards  from  Piana  Lighthouse. 

Leghorn  Boadstead,  between  Meloria  Bank  and  Curvilinea 
Mole,  affords  good  anchorage  in  from  4|  to  6  fathoms,  sand  and  mud 
bottom,  covered  with  weed.  The  ground  is  very  uneven,  numerous 
knolls  being  scattered  over  the  roadstead,  having  depths  of  from 
3^  to  4^  fathoms  over  them. 

With  the  wind  offshore  there  is  smooth  water,  but  heavy  squalls 
may  occasionally  be  expected. 

Vessels  generally  moor  with  the  best  bower  to  the  westward,  and 
open  hawse  to  the  southward,  from  which  direction  with  southerly 
winds  a  heavy  ground  swell  sets  in. 

If  entering  from  the  northward,  the  best  berth  is  with  Piana  Light- 
house bearing  147°  and  Meloria  Tower  bearing  237°  in  4J  fathoms; 
or  Piana  Lighthouse  bearing  130°  and  the  tower  either  237°  or  226° 
in  6  fathoms.  In  either  of  these  positions  Gorgona  Island  will  be 
well  open  northward  of  Meloria  Tower. 

Approaching  from  the  southward,  there  is  also  good  anchorage  in 
moderate  weather  between  American  Shoal  and  Curvilinea  Mole,  in 
from  5  to  7  fatlionis,  with  Meloria  Light  bearing  260°  and  the 
light  on  the  southern  end  of  the  Curvilinea  Mole  bearing  125° ;  but 
the  water  shoals  quickly  to  4^^  fathoms  northward  of  this  position, 
and  Meloria  Light  should  not  be  brought  to  bear  southward  of  the 
above  bearing. 

A  large  vessel  will  find  temporary  anchorage  in  ^  fathoms,  at 
1,000  yards  westward  of  the  southern  end  of  the  Curvilinea  Mole, 
but  a  moderate  westerly  breeze  raises  an  inconveniently  heavy  sea. 

Sea  level. — There  is  an  occasional  rise  in  the  level  of  the  water 
in  the  Port  of  Leghorn  of  1^  feet,  the  water  being  highest  with  south- 
west winds. 


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224  THE   NORTHWEST   COAST  OF   ITALY. 

A  current  is  generally  found  setting  either  to  the  northward  or 
southward  through  the  road,  and  at  times  with  considerable  strength 
to  the  northward  and  westward ;  the  direction,  however,  appears  to  be 
greatly  influenced  by  the  wind.  A  report  states  that  on  July  16, 1888, 
a  very  singular  rush  of  water  occurred  at  intervals  of  one  hour,  some- 
times every  half  hour,  raising  the  water  1  foot  to  1^  feet.  After 
remaining  for  about  15  to  30  minutes,  the  volume  of  water  would  rush 
out  of  the  harbor  again,  causing  great  difficulty  in  keeping  the  vessel 
at  her  moorings.  The  wind  was  moderate  from  west-southwest  and 
moderate  sea  outside. 

Pilots  go  out  to  vessels  on  the  usual  signal  being  made,  and  no 
vessel  should  attempt  to  enter  the  port  of  Leghorn  Without  one. 
Pilot  boats  are  painted  black  with  a  white  rim  round  the  top.  The 
pilot  flag  is  blue,  white  and  blue  with  a  blue  anchor  on  the  white 
stripe.  The  sail  is  white  with  a  black  anchor  in  the  center.  Masters 
of  vessels  should  be  careful  whom  they  take  on  board  at  night  time. 
The  authorized  pilots  carry  a  certificate  from  the  captain  of  the  port 
stating  that  they  belong  to  the  licensed  body  ("  piloti  pratice  "). 

Port  reg^ations. — Vessels  on  arrival  are  to  anchor  in  Porto 
Nuovo,  near  Diga  Curvilinea,  so  as  not  to  impede  the  entry  and  exit 
of  other  vessels.  On  receiving  pratique  they  are  to  anchor  in  the 
position  assigned  to  them  by  the  agent  of  the  captain  of  the  port. 

Vessels  under  observation  for  quarantine  are  to  moor  near  the 
northern  end  of  Diga  Curvilinea,  with  one  anchor  in  summer  and  two 
in  winter,  and  their  sterns  hauled  to  bollards  on  the  mole  by  two  or 
more  hawsers. 

If,  on  account  of  heavy  southwesterly  winds,  it  is  necessary  to  lie 
head  to  the  sea,  the  stern  hawsers  are  to  be  taken  to  the  bows,  in 
order  to  keep  the  vessel  near  the  mole,  and  to  be  able  to  secure  as 
before  on  the  wind  moderating.  ^ 

Entry  into  Porto  Vecchio  is  prohibited  to  any  vessel  subject  to 
medical  inspection. 

Naval  vessels  and  vessels  which  have  anchored  in  Porto  Nuovo  by 
order,  must  haul  their  stems  to  the  central  or  southern  portions  of 
Diga  Curvilinea,  and,  should  strong  southwesterly  winds  set  in,  shift 
the  hawsers  to  the  bows  as  above  directed. 

Vessels  placed  in  quarantine  are  to  anchor  in  Leghorn  Koad. 

Naval  vessels  and  merchant  vessels  must  land  all  munitions  of  war 
at  Fortezza  Vecchia  before  mooring  in  Porto  Vecchio. 

Vessels  on  entering  Porto  Vecchio  must  rig  in  their  jib  booms  and 
brace  their  yards  forward. 

Vessels  in  Porto  Vecchio  are  moored  at  right  angles  to  the  quays, 
except  at  the  petroleum  quay,  where  they  go  alongside.  The  outer 
part  of  Molo  Mediceo  is  reserved  for  large  steamers,  and  the  inner 
part  for  large  sailing  vessels. 


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THE  NORTHWEST  COAST  OF  ITALY.  225 

Vessels  in  Porto  Nuovo,  or  alongside  Diga  Kettilinea,  or  near  the 
captain  of  the  port's  office,  and  the  outer  vessel  or  vessels  at  the  head 
of  a  line  on  the  side  of  Porto  Vecchio  are  to  carry  an  anchor  light. 

Vessels  are  prohibited  from  anchoring  off  the  captain  of  the  port's 
office. 

Vessels  in  Porto  Mediceo  are  not  allowed  to  load  or  discharge  in- 
flammable cargoes;  this  must  be  done,  with  permission  previously 
obtained,  in  an  isolated  position  in  Porto  Nuovo,  or  alongside  the 
outer  part  of  Diga  Kettilinea,  and  a  watchman  must  be  kept  on 
board,  but  the  watchman  may  not  be  required  in  vessels  with  straw, 
hemp,  benzine,  or  spirit  or  board  packed  in  cases,  nor  in  vessels  load- 
ing or  discharging  petroleum  or  methylated  spirit  in  certain  small 
quantities. 

Darsena  Mandraccio  may  not  be  entered  without  a  special  written 
permission  from  the  captain  of  the  port. 

Vessels  granted  permission  to  go  alongside  the  quays  are  to  leave 
their  berths  at  the  time  stated  on  the  permission,  whether  they  have 
or  have  not  completed  loading  or  discharging,  and  the  completion 
must  be  done  in  the  road. 

Vessels  secure  to  Diga  Rettilinea  imder  special  regulations. 

Steamboats  within  the  port  are  to  go  at  a  slow  speed. 

No  vessel  may  remain  secured  to  a  warping  buoy,  but  mail  steamers 
may  occasionally  be  allowed  to  do  so  for  a  few  hours. 

Ashes  and  all  other  rubbish  must  be  put  into  boats  provided  for 
the  purpose  by  vessels  in  the  port. 

Pilotage  is  compulsory,  and  no  vessel  should  enter  the  port  without 
one.  The  pilot  station  is  eastward  of  Banchi  della  Meloria,  and  in- 
cludes the  ports  of  Leghorn.  The  pilot's  office  is  on  Molo  Mediceo 
near  the  southwestern  comer  of  Porto  Mediceo. 

Directions. — Vessels  bound  to  Leghorn  from  the  westward 
usually  make  the  Island  of  Gorgona,  which  being  over  800  feet  in 
height  is  a  conspicuous  landmark;  it  bears  about  west-southwest- 
ward  18  miles  from  the  port.  The  Livorno  Mountains  rise  conspicu- 
ously from  the  shore  a  little  southward  of  the  city  and  stretch 
from  thence  far  toward  the  eastward;  northward  will  be  seen  the 
isolated  Mount  Pisano,  surrounded  by  the  great  plain,  upon  which 
may  be  distinguished  the  city  of  Pisa  and  its  celebrated  tower. 

On  nearing  the  coast  Piana  Lighthouse  stands  well  out  from  the 
background,  especially  if  seen  from  the  northward;  the  cathedral 
clock  tower  and  dome  of  the  Dominican  Church  are  also  conspicuous 
objects,  as  is  the  tower  of  Marzocco,  and,  when  nearer  in,  the  tower 
on  Meloria  Rock. 

68850—17 15 


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226  THE   NORTHWEST   COAST  OF   ITALY. 

In  heavy  gales  of  wind  from  the  southward  and  westward  the  sea 
breaks  over  the  whole  of  Meloria  Bank,  and  at  such  times  vessels  are 
not  permitted  to  enter  the  inner  harbor. 

North  channel. — Pass  northward  of  Banchi  della  Meloria  Light- 
vessel,  and  bring  Liyorno  High  Light  in  range  with  the  lighthouse 
on  the  north  head  of  Diga'  Curvilinea,  155°.  Keep  this  mark  in 
range  until  Banchi  della  Meloria  Lighthouse  bears  about  210°,  when 
steer  to  one  of  the  anchorages  in  the  road.  North  channel  into  Porto 
Nuovo  is  closed  to  navigation  at  present. 

At  night. — Pass  northward  of  Banchi  della  Meloria,  enter  the 
green  sector  of  Diga  CurviMnea  North  Head  Light,  and  keep  that 
light  in  range  with  Livomo  High  Light;  anchor  in  the  road  with 
the  high  light  bearing  aboUt  137°,  when  it  is  a  little  open  southwest- 
ward  of  Diga  Curvilinea  North  Head  Light,  and  Banchi  della 
Meloria  Light  220°. 

South  channel. — Approach  the  south  channel  into  Porto  Nuovo 
with  Livorno  High  Lighthouse  in  range  with  the  campanile  of  the 
cathedral,  60°,  which  mark  leads  about  1^  miles  southeastward  of 
the  5-fathom  curve  of  Banchi  della  Meloria,  and  about  200  yards 
northward  of  Diga  della  Vegliaia  Lighthouse ;  thence  pass  about  100 
yards  southeastward  of  Diga  Curvilinea  South  Head  Lighthouse  and 
steer  northward  in  the  port. 

For  the  road,  steer  northward  passing  about  1  mile  outside  Diga 
Curvilinea,  and  anchor  in  either  of  the  berths  mentioned  below. 

At  night  approach  with  Livomo  High  Light  open  southward  of 
Diga  Curvilinea  South  Head  Light,  and  bearing  about  60°;  when 
Banchi  della  Meloria  Light  bears  330°,  steer  31°,  and  anchor  when 
Diga  Curvilinea  North  Head  Light  bears  96°,  distant  1  mile.  To 
enter  the  port,  pass  between  Diga  della  Vegliaia  Light  and  Diga 
Curvilinea  South  Head  Light,  round  the  latter  light  at  the  distance 
of  100  yards,  and  steer  northward  in  the  port. 

Diga  della  Vegliaia  Light  is  obscured  over  the  shoal  water  to  the 
eastward  of  it ;  there  is  no  ship  passage  eastward  of  the  mole. 

Caution. — Vessels  entering  the  port  by  the  South  Channel  should 
pass  northward  of  the  light  on  the  extremity  of  Vegliaia  Mole, 
keeping  within  the  arc  of  red  light  shown  from  the  southern 
extremity  of  the  Curvilinea  Mole,  until  past  Vegliaia  Mole.  There 
is  no  passage  for  vessels  eastward  of  Vegliaia  Mole. 

Telegraph. — A  submarine  cable  is  laid  between  Leghorn  and 
Macinaggio  in  Corsica,  also  between  Leghorn  and  Gorgona.  This 
latter  cable  is  landed  at  Leghorn  near  the  public  baths  and  the  Leg- 
horn-Corsica cable  house;  its  direction  is  marked  by  two  beacons. 
The  rear  beacon  is  provisionally  situated  near  the  wall  of  the  Can- 
tiere  Orlando,  and  will  probably  be  moved  to  the  Leghorn-Corsica 


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THE   NORTHWEST  COAST  OF   ITALY.  227 

cable  house.  The  front  beacon,  with  the  notice  board,  is  situated  26 
feet  seaward  of  the  Leghorn-Corsica  cable  house  and  bears  266°  from 
the  rear  beacon. 

The  cable  is  laid  264°  for  a  distance  of  1,500  yards  and  thence  236°. 

Supplies  are  abundant;  water  is  brought  off  in  tanks  and  pumped 
on  board ;  it  is  good  for  drinking. 

Coal. — ^About  6,200  tons  of  coal  are  kept  in  stock  by  various  firms 
who,  in  1911,  imported  184,500  tons;  one  firm  imported  80,000  tons  of 
patent  fuel  and  keeps  1,000  tons  in  stock.  The  usual  method  of  coal- 
ing is  from  lighters,  and  400  tons  can  be  delivered  in  a  day;  ves- 
sels can,  however,  coal  alongside  Rettilinea  Mole  in  the  Municipal 
Dock,  where  the  depth  is  22  to  24  feet.  Masters  of  vessels  have  ob- 
jected to  this  berth  on  accoimt  of  its  exposed  position  to  southwest 
winds,  causing  their  vessels  to  dump  on  a  projecting  ledge  of 
masonry ;  it  is  reported  to  be  safe  if  the  vessel  is  properly  secured. 

Tugs. — There  are  several  tugs,  but  there  is  no  fixed  charge,  so  it 
is  necessary  to  make  an  agreement  before  engaging  one. 

Repairs. — ^The  firm  of  Orlando  Bros,  have  appliances  for  exe- 
cuting any  kind  of  repairs;  at  their  works  the  battleship  Lepanto^ 
of  14,000  tons  displacement  (4,400  tons  when  launched),  was  built. 
They  possess  large  steam  hammers,  75-ton  crane,  and  have  building 
slips  enabling  vessels  of  the  following  lengths  to  be  constructc'd  at 
one  time :  1  vessel  up  to  493  feet  in  length,  2  vessels  up  to  362  feet 
in  length,  1  vessel  up  to  263  feet  in  length,  2  vessels  up  to  246  feet 
m  length.    They  have  also  made  engines  of  19,000  horsepower. 

Quarantine. — Vessels  infected  have  to  anchor  in  the  roadstead 
near  the  Meloria  Lighthouse  until  instructions  are  received  from  the 
ministry  of  marine,  when  they  are  sent  to  the  lazaretto  ancharage  at 
Asinasa,  Sardinia. 

Chronometers. — There  is  an  astronomical  observatory  at  the 
naval  academy,  and  comparisons  can  be  made,  by  request,  with  the 
clock  there. 

Isola  Qorgona  (ancient  Urges),  18  miles  west-southwestward 
of  Livomo  High  Lighthouse,  is  about  \\  miles  long  north  and  south 
and  1,700  yards  broad ;  it  is  hilly,  and  partly  wooded.  The  coasts  are 
generally  steep,  with  a  few  roclcs  in  places  within  100  yards.  The 
west  coast  is  precipitous,  and  Punta  Gorgona,  the  summit  of  the 
island,  837  feet  high,  is  about  \  mile  within  it,  and  surmounted  by  a 
semaphore;  a  conspicuous  old  tower  stands  on  the  ridge,  682  feet 
high,  northward  of  the  summit.  The  island  is  a  convict  settlement, 
and  landing  is  prohibited  except  by  permission  of  the  Prefettura 
di  Livomo.    The  finest  anchovies  are  procured  here. 

There  are  four  coves,  Cala  Maestra  on  the  northwest,  Cala  dello 
Scalo  and  Cala  Martino  on  the  east,  and  Cala  Sciro  on  the  southeast. 


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228  THE   NORTHWEST  COAST   OF  ITALY. 

Gala  dello  Scalo  is  the  principal  landing  place,  and  from  it  the  sema- 
phore bears  about  250°;  there  are  a  few  red  houses  on  the  shore 
occupied  by  fishermen.  Torre  Nuoca  is  a  high  fort  northward  of 
the  cove.  A  mooring  buoy  lies  in  22  fathoms  water  in  the  entrance 
to  the  cove. 

Gala  Martino  is  about  400  yards  southward  of  Gala  dello  Scalo. 

Gala  Sciro  is  marked  by  Torre  Garibaldi,  a  square  stone  tower, 
430  feet  above  high  water,  on  the  northeastern  side ;  there  is  anchor- 
age midway  between  the  entrance  points  of  the  cove,  in  7  fathoms, 
sand  and  weed. 

Gala  Maestra  is  semicircular,  and  its  entrance  is  about  600  yards 
wide. 

Semaphore. — ^A  semaphore  has  been  established  on  the  summit 
of  Gorgona  Island,  858  feet  above  high  water. 

Telegraph. — ^A  submarine  cable  is  laid  to  Leghorn.  The  cable 
is  landed  on  the  eastern  shore,  near  the  landing  place  northward  of 
Gala  Martino. 

The  front  beacon,  with  the  notice  board,  is  attached  to  a  house  55 
yards  from  the  water,  and  bears  86°  from  the  rear  beacon. 

The  cable  is  laid  86°  for  a  distance  of  600  yards,  and  thence  75°. 

Soundings. — To  the  westward  of  the  island  there  are  100  fath- 
oms within  2  miles  of  the  shore,  and  toward  Leghorn  the  depths  are 
from  95  to  50  fathoms,  sand  and  mud,  at  6  miles  distance ;  thence  to 
within  6  miles  of  the  port  the  soundings  gradually  decrease  to  the 
10-fathom  curve  surrounding  Meloria  Bank.  Northward  of  Gorgona 
the  100-fathom  curve  is  within  20  miles  of  the  coast  of  Italy,  ap- 
proaching within  8  miles  abreast  the  gulf  of  Specia;  thence  it 
gradually  aproaches  the  shore,  keeping  from  2  to  4  miles  dff,  right 
around  the  head  of  the  Gulf  of  Genoa. 

Directions  for  the  Gulf  of  Genoa. — In  the  summer  season  the 
wind  is  generally  from  west,  southeast,  or  southwest  with  fine 
weather;  in  August  there  may  occasionally  be  violent  northwest 
winds,  but  they  are  not  of  long  duration.  If  bound  to  Genoa  from 
the  westward  keep  the  vessel  full  when  crossing  the  Gulf  of  Lyons, 
and,  making  the  land  about  Hyeres  Islands,  pass  from  thence  in 
sight  of  the  coasts  of  Provence  and  Italy,  but  sufficiently  distant 
to  avoid  the  current  running  to  the  westward.  If  bound  to  Leghorn 
from  Hy6res  Islands,  steer  to  make  the  island  of  Gorgona.  If  bound 
to  the  southward  of  Leghorn  steer  for  Gape  Gorso,  passing  at  a 
short  distance  and  either  north  or  south  of  Elba,  according  to  the 
port  of  destination. 

Vessels  from  the  coast  of  Africa  westward  of  Algiers,  bound  to 
Genoa  or  Leghorn,  make  the  land  in  the  vicinity  of  Hy6res  Islands, 


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THE   NORTHWEST  COAST  OF  ITALY.  .229 

to  insure  their  passage  in  case  the  wind  should  haul  to  the  northwect- 
ward.  In  most  cases  the  sooner  the  coast  of  Provence  is  made  the 
more  secure  is  the  voyage,  unless,  on  leaving  the  coast  of  Algeria, 
the  wind  should  be  settled  from  southeast  to  southwest. 

In  winter,  when  westerly  winds  prevail  (between  northwest  and 
southwest) ,  vessels  as  a  rule  should  keep  near  the  coast  of  Spain  if 
bound  to  the  Gulf  of  Genoa,  for  should  the  wind  be  southwest  on 
that  coast,  with  the  appearance  of  bad  weather,  in  all  probability  a 
northwest  gale  will  be  met  with  in  the  Gulf  of  Lyons;  imder  these 
circumstances  the  Catalonian  coast  affords  excellent  shelter.  How- 
ever, vessels  may  cross  the  Gulf  of  Lyons  in  a  moderate  northwest 
gale  if  bound  to  the  coast  of  Genoa  or  to  other  Italian  ports,  and 
the  weather  must  be  very  bad  if  they  are  unable  to  reach  the  coast 
of  France  between  Hy^res  and  the  Gulf  of  Jouan.  If  when  near  the 
land  and  the  wind  from  the  northwest  reaches  to  the  eastward  of 
Toulon,  there  is  nothing  to  prevent  a  vessel  rimning  along  the  land  as 
far  as  Cape  Mele;  but  if  the  wind  moderates  and  veres  to  the  east- 
ward, with  strong  variable  squalls,  it  is  a  sure  sign  of  a  northeast  gale 
in  the  Gulf  of  Genoa.  With  the  wind  at  northwest  hauling  to  the 
west,  Genoa  will  probably  be  reached  without  difficulty,  and  if  the 
port  can  not  be  entered  an  anchorage  may  be  taken  in  the  road.  With 
a  southwest  wind  and  an  appearance  of  bad  weather,  Genoa  had 
better  be  avoided,  especially  at  night,  and  an  anchorage  taken  up  at 
Spezia,  which  is  easy  of  access  at  all  times. 

If  on  arriving  at  the  entrance  to  the  Gulf  of  Genoa  a  gale  should 
be  blowing  from  the  northeast,  the  vessel  should  wait  under  the  land 
until  the  wind  either  moderates  or  changes,  as  the  gales  from  the  gulf 
are  not  of  long  duration.  When  in  the  gulf,  if  overtaken  by  a  gale, 
try  to  get  under  the  coast  of  Genoa ;  but  if  too  far  in  the  gulf,  or  too 
far  to  leeward,  run  for  the  island  of  Elba,  where  there  is  excellent 
shelter  in  all  weathers. 

If  bound  to  Leghorn,  it  is  not  necessary,  even  in  winter,  to  keep  so 
close  to  the  coast,  unless  there  are  signs  of  a  gale  from  the  Gulf  of 
Genoa,  when  it  would  be  more  prudent  to  keep  the  coast  as  far  as 
Cape  Mele  and  cross  from  there,  for  it  is  possible  that  the  strength 
of  the  wind  and  the  velocity  of  the  current  combined  may  not  allow 
Cape  Corso  to  be  doubled.  Under  these  circumstances  vessels  have 
been  obliged  to  run  for  the  strait  of  Bonifacio,  whence  they  can  easily 
proceed  to  their  destination  with  the  southeast  winds  which  blow  to 
the  eastward  of  Corsica. 

Under  all  circumstances  when  doubling  Cape  Corso  in  winter, 
whether  with  strong  easterly  or  westerly  winds,  give  it  a  wide  berth, 
as  dangerous  whirlwinds  and  squalls  come  off  the  cape;  these,  how- 
ever, are  not  felt  more  than  6  or  8  miles  from  the  coast. 


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230  THE   NORTHWEST   COAST   OF   ITALY. 

The  coast  from  Leghorn  trends  about  south-southeastward  as  far 
as  Cape  Cavallo,  15  mile^  distant ;  the  greater  part  of  the  distance  it 
is  broken  and  rocky,  but  as  far  southward  as  Cape  Castiglioncello, 
is  clear  of  danger  within  ^  mile  of  the  shore.  Fort  Antignano  is  3 
miles  from  Leghorn,  and  that  of  Eomito  about  6  miles;  on  the  point 
between  the  forts  are  two  towers,  1^  miles  northeastward  of  which 
is  the  peak  of  Mount  Nero,  a  useful  landmark. 

Semaphore. — A  semaphore,  available  for  public  service,  is  situ- 
ated on  Montaccio,  4^  miles  southward  of  Leghorn,  at  an  elevation 
of  830  feet  above  the  sea. 

Cape  Castiglioncello  projects  about  i  mile  toward  the  south- 
west and  has  a  few  rocks  lying  close  off  it ;  on  the  cape  is  a  battery 
and  a  tower.  Three  miles  inland  eastward  of  the  cape  on  a  hill,  is 
a  conspicuous  mill,  with  the  village  of  Rosignano  a  short  distance 
southward  of  it.  On  the  southern  side  of  the  cape  is  the  small  port 
of  Vecchio,  whence 'to  Vada  passing  the  mouth  of  the  River  Fine, 
the  distance  is  about  3^  miles.  Here  the  coast  changes  its  character, 
the  country  for  more  than  2  miles  in  being  flat  and  marshy,  and  the 
coast  a  sandy  beach  with  shoal  water  extending  a  considerable  dis- 
tance from  the  shore. 

Vada. — At  Vada  or  Val  di  Vetro,  a  small  village  3f  miles  to  the 
southward  of  Cape  Castiglioncello,  are  a  fort,  a  tower,  and  a  pier. 

Vada  Biock. — A  shallow  bank  extends  from  off  the  shore  for 
about  li  miles,  having  only  5  feet  water  on  some  parts  of  it.  At  4J 
miles  240°  from  the  fort  is  a  detached  rock  with  5  feet  water  on  it, 
and  the  water  is  shoal  all  around  it  for  a  considerable  distance ;  a  bank 
having  from  6  to  10  fathoms  on  it,  connects  the  above  rock  with  the 
coast,  and  H  miles  125'^  from  the  rock  are  several  patches  of  4  and 
4f  fathoms.    The  shoal  is  the  supposed  submerged  city  of  Vada. 

Lights. — On  the  above  rock  is  an  iron  hexagonal  framework 
dwelling,  from  which,  at  an  elevation  of  55  feet  above  the  sea,  is 
exhibited  a  flashing  white  light,  visible  13  miles.     (See  Light  List.) 

The  following  signals  are  made  by  day: 

1.  A  black  flag  with  white  ball  in  center  signifies  doctor  needed. 

2.  A  black  and  white  checkered  flag  signifies  apparatus  damaged. 

3.  A  black  ball  signifies  assistance  urgently  needed. 

An  occulting  red  light  elevated  62  feet  above  the  sea  and  visible 
4  miles,  is  exhibited  from  a  white  pyramidal  tower,  with  square 
base,  situated  in  the  town  of  Vada.    (See  Light  List.) 

Anchorage. — On  the  bank,  halfway  between  Vada  Rock  and  the 
shore,  is  a  convenient  anchorage  with  offshore  winds  in  from  6  to 
8  fathoms  water,  good  holding  ground. 

Cape  Cavallo  is  2  miles  to  the  southward  of  Vada,  and  IJ  miles 
farther  in  the  same  direction  is  the  mouth  of  the  River  Cecina,  off 


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THE   NORTHWEST   COAST   OF  ITALY.  -  231 

which  are  rocky  patches  extending  ^  mile  from  the  shore;  a  short 
distance  south  of  the  river  is  Fort  Cecina.  In  the  vicinity  are  smelt- 
ing works. 

The  coast. — From  Cape  Cavallo  a  low  sandy  and  wooded  coast 
forms  a  regular  curve  to  the  point  of  the  promontory  of  Piombino 
bearing  178°,  distant  20  miles.  The  depths  shoal  gradually  towards 
the  shore,  which  may  be  approached  within  i  mile.  Beyond  the 
tower  of  Bibbona  (4  miles  from  Cecina),  and  near  Caresta  Ravine, 
the  hills  approach  nearer  the  coast.  On  the  slope  of  a  hill,  2  miles 
southeastward  of  the  entrance  to  Caresta  River,  is  Babel  Tower,  and 
IJ  miles  northeast  of  it  is  the  belfry  of  Castagneto.  On  the  shore  4 
miles  beyond  the  river,  is  St.  Vincenzo  Tower;  near  it  are  some 
cottages  and  a  ruin;  the  slopes  of  the  hills  are  well  cultivated  and 
thickly  wooded. 

The  Modane,  Turin,  Genoa. &  Rome  Railway  is  at  this  point  very 
close  to  the  coast. 

A  shoi-t  distance  southward  of  the  tower,  and  about  J  mile  from 
the  coast,  is  the  lake  or  swamp  of  Rimigliano,  about  4^  miles  in 
length  and  i  mile  in  a\'erage  width.  There  is  a  coast-guard  house 
2  miles  to  the  southward  of  the  tower,  off  the  shore  on  both  sides  of 
which  are  several  scattered  rocks.  Three  miles  farther  southward  is 
Stella  Point,  400  yards  northward  of  which  is  a  rock  above  water 
with  no  passage  between  it  and  the  shore.  In  the  bight  eastward  of 
the  point  is  a  tower  and  another  of  older  date  a  short  distance  beyond. 

Port  Baratti. — Southward  of  Stella  Point  a  rocky  elevated  coast 
trends  to  the  southward  and  westward,  forming  a  sandy  bay  between 
the  above  point  and  the  headland  of  Piombino;  the  bay  is  about  1 
mile  in  breadth  and  nearly  that  in  depth,  but  is  rocky  and  shoals 
i  mile  from  its  head;  outside  this  distance  the  depths  increase  gradu- 
ally from  5  to  10  fathoms.  On  the  southern  side  of  the  bay  is  the 
town  of  Baratti,  near  which  are  a  small  pier  and  several  cottages, 
and  on  the  shore  of  the  bay  and  wooded  hills  around,  are  a  chapel 
and  other  buildings.  On  the  cliffy  point  forming  the  southern  side 
of  the  bay  is  Populonia  Tower  and  Village,  near  which  is  the  site  of 
the  Etruscan  Town  and  Port  of  Piipluna;  the  bay  is  open  to  the 
northward. 

Tunny  fishery. — Tunny  nets  extend  in  a  north-northwest  direc- 
tion, 164  yards  from  the  land  under  Populonia  Tower  and  Port 
Baratti. 


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CHAPTER  IV. 


WEST   COAST   OF  ITALY— PIOMBINO   TO   CAPE  SPARTIVENTO— 

MESSINA  STRAIT. 

Piombino. — ^The  promontory  of  Piombino,  extending  5  miles  in 
a  southerly  direction  from  Populonia  Tower,  is  of  considerable  eleva- 
tion ;  the  land  between  it  and  the  hills  in  the  interior  being  low,  it  has, 
when  approached  from  the  north  or  south,  the  appearance  of  an 
island.  The  western  shore  of  the  promontory  is  bold  and  cliffy,  hav- 
ing 10  fathoms  at  a  short  distance.  Falcone  Rock  is  high,  and  lies 
close  off  the  southwestern  point;  rocks  lie  in  the  passage  between  it 
and  the  shore. 

The  town  of  Piombino,  population  4,000,  is  on  the  southern  side ; 
it  has  a  citadel  (on  the  west)  besides  several  other  forts,  and  on  the 
eastern  side  is  an  old  semaphore  (closed),  the  buildings  of  which  are 
painted  in  black  and  white  checks.  In  the  immediate  neighborhood 
of  Piombino  there  are  extensive  ironworks. 

La  Rocclietta  Mole^  about  200  yards  in  length,  projects  to  the 
southward  of  the  town  of  Piombino,  having  a  fort  at  the  head ;  an- 
other projection  extends  westward  from  the  inner  end  of  the  mole. 
Round  the  mole  head  are  shelving  rocks  for  a  short  distance,  and 
the  little  port  thus  formed  is  only  available  for  small  coasting  craft 
or  boats.  There  are  from  6  to  8  fathoms  within  200  yards  of  the 
outer  mole,  but  eastward  of  it  the  ground  is  foul.  There  is  a  moor- 
ing buoy  in  39  feet  of  water  in  the  entrance  to  the  port. 

Jetties. — Pontile  della  Magona,  close  westward  of  Punta  della 
Batteria,  has  a  depth  of  8  feet  at  its  head  and  13  feet  close  outside. 
Close  northwestward  of  this  jetty  is  a  similar  one.  Pontile  della 
Ferriere,  400  yards  from  Punta  della  Batteria,  has  a  depth  of  10  feet 
at  its  head.  Pontile  degli  Alti  Fomi,  the  northery  jetty,  is  about 
370  yards  long,  with  a  short  arm  extending  northward  from  about 
the  middle;  there  is  a  depth  of  11  feet  at  the  head  of  this  jetty,  on 
which  is  a  railroad,  and  near  its  root  are  some  landing  steps. 

Telegraph. — ^A  submarine  telegraph  cable  is  laid  between  Piom- 
bino and  the  island  of  Elba. 

Supplies. — Meat  can  be  obtained;  in  a  large  building  between 
Alti  Fomi  and  Ferriere  there  is  a  cooperative  store,  where  all  kinds 
of  provisions  can  be  procured. 

233 


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234  THE   WEST  COAST  OF   ITALY. 

Communication. — There  is  a  railroad  from  Piombino  and  Porto 
Vccchio  to  Campiglia,  where  it  joins  the  line  from  Genoa  to  Rome; 
the  station  is  near  the  root  of  Pontile  degli  Alti  Forni.  There  is 
telegraphic  communication. 

Light. — A  jBxed  red  light,  visible  5  miles  and  elevated  88  feet,  is 
established  on  La  Rocchetta,  southward  of  Piombino  Town.  (See 
Light  List.) 

Piombino  Channel^  between  Piombino  Promontory  and  the 
island  of  Elba,  is  5  miles  broad  at  the  western  entrance;  at  the 
eastern  it  is  narrowed  to  two-thirds  that  distance  by  the^  islets  of 
Cerboli  and  Palmajola.  The  soundings  are  irregular;  there  are, 
however,  from  18  to  25  fathoms  through.  Vessels  may  pass  between 
either  of  the  islands  or  between  them  and  either  the  mainland  or 
Elba,  keeping  in  mid-channel;  when  passing  through  the  Piombino 
Channel  take  care  to  avoid  the  shoal  off  the  northeastern  end  of 
Palmajola  Island. 

FoUonica  Bay. — About  lOf  miles  southeastward  of  Piombino  is 
Cape  Troja,  the  coast  between  forming  a  bay  about  6  miles  deep 
named  FoUonica. Bay.  The  western  shore  is  low  and  swampy,  but 
toward  the  head  of  the  bay  is  a  fine  forest  backed  by  elevated  ground ; 
the  eastern  shore  is  bolder.  Cape  Martin  is  the  rocky  termination  of 
a  range  of  mountains  extending  to  the  northeastward,  at  the  foot  of 
which  toward  the  village  of  FoUonica  are  extensive  marsh  lands. 
The  southeastern  part  of  the  bay  between  Capes  Martin  and  Troja  is 
a  sandy  beach,  the  land  at  the  back  of  which  is  thickly  wooded ;  about 
1  mile  southward  of  Cape  Martin  is  Civette  Tower  at  the  mouth  of 
Alma  River. 

Port  Vecchio  is  a  bight  in  the  northwestern  comer  of  FoUonica 
Bay  affording  good  shelter  from  westerly  winds;  there  are  a  few 
cottages  and  two  batteries  on  the  western  shore;  near  the  northern 
battery  is  the  landing  place.  The  streams  from  the  high  land  of 
Piombino  and  the  drainage  from  the  marshy  country  around  enter 
the  sea  through  a  narrow  cut  named  Cornia  Canal ;  Sale  Tower  stands 
on  the  beach  2^  miles  to  the  eastward  of  the  canal.  At  a  distance  of 
J  to  J  mile  southeastward  of  the  landing  place  there  are  depths  of 
from  5  to  8  fathoms,  muddy  bottom,  but  to  the  northeastward  are 
banks  having  only  3  or  4  fathoms  water  on  them. 

Shoal — Beacon. — ^There  is  a  least  depth  of  about  3  feet  over  the 
f-fathom  shoal  in  the  harbor  of  Vecchio  di  Piombino,  located  1,200 
yards  5°  from  the  old  semaphore.  A  large  spar  showing  about  6^ 
feet  above  water  has  been  placed  on  the  shoal. 

Northward  of  Punta  Delia  Batteria  are  five  moles,  the  northern  of 
which  has  railroad  lines  on  it. 

A  branch  line  of  railroad  connects  Piombino  and  Port  Vecchio 
with  the  main  line  at  Campiglia. 


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THE   WEST   COAST  OF  ITALY.  235 

Lights. — ^Two  fixed  red  lights,  placed  vertically,  10  feet  apart, 
and  visible  from  a  distance  of  5  miles,  are  exhibited  from  the  head 
of  the  northern  arm  of  the  railroad  mole  about  800  yards  northward 
of  Punta  della  Batteria. 

A  fixed  green  light,  elevated  31  feet  above  the  sea,  is  shown  from 
the  head  of  the  pier  of  the  company.  La  Magona  d'ltalia,  about  950 
yards  northward  of  the  old  semaphoi-e. 

Another  green  light,  elevated  31  feet,  about  16  yards  from  the  first, 
is  shown  on  the  same  pier  while  steamers  are  unloading. 

Three  large  electric  lights  are  occasionally  shown  above  the  Alti 
Fomi,  a  good  deal  to  the  right  of  the  lights  of  the  town  of  Piombino. 
These  lights  are  on  the  promontory,  and  may  serve  as  a  guide  for 
vessels  making  for  the  anchorage  of  Port  Vecchio. 

A  small  fixed  white  light  has  been  established  by  the  Elba  Railroad 
Co.  on  the  end  of  the  pier  at  FoUonica. 

The  light  is  exhibited  16  feet  above  the  water  from  an  iron  column 
8  feet  high  and  is  visible  2  miles. 

It  will  be  placed  under  the  control  of  the  Italian  Government  and 
changed  to  an  occulting  white  light  with  a  red  sector  over  Pino 
Shoal. 

Follonica. — The  village  of  FoUonica  is  situated  at  the  head  of 
the  bay  7  miles  eastward  of  Sale  Tower;  midway  on  the  beach  is 
Mozza  Tower;  the  village  contains  iron  smelting  works,  a  railroad 
station,  and  has  a  short  pier,  off  which  shoal  water  extends  about 
1,200  yards;  on  the  heights  above  the  town  is  an  ancient  fortress. 
Large  quantities  of  charcoal  are  exported  to  Malta  and  coast  ports. 
•  The  head  of  Follonica  Bay  is  shallow,  especially  off  Mozza  Tower, 
and  between  it  and  the  village,  off  which  there  is  a  depth  of  only 
1^  fathoms  at  nearly  1  mile  from  the  shore,  and  there  and  elsewhere 
in  the  bay  the  coast  should  not  be  approached  within  1  mile.  About 
1^  miles  northward  of  Cape  Martin  is  a  small  group  of  cottages, 
northwestward  of  which  there  is  anchorage  in  8  to  9  fathoms  Water. 
Between  Follonica  and  the  cottages  the  country  is  a  wooded  swamp. 

Batteria  Point — ^Light. — A  flashing  red  electric  light  is  erected 
on  Batteria  Point. 

The  light  is  exhibited  64  feet  above  the  sea  from  an  iron  candela- 
brum, painted  red,  on  a  square  masonry  base,  standing  on  a  stone 
terrace,  735  yards  14°  from  the  old  semaphore  station  at  Piombino, 
and  is  visible  7  miles.     (See  Light  List.) 

Anchorage. — The  roadstead  of  FoUonica  is  exposed  to  southwest 
winds  which,  however,  do  not  send  in  a  heavy  sea.  The  holding 
ground  is  good,  the  best  position  for  a  large  vessels  being  in  5 
fathoms,  with  the  pier  bearing  about  25°  and  Torre  Mozza  321 "". 
Small  vessels  may  anchor  in  3  fathoms  within  i  mile  of  the  pier. 


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236  THE   WEST  COAST  OF  ITALY. 

Communication. — FoUonica  is  on  the  line  of  railroad  between 
Eome  and  Genoa,  etc. 

Supplies  are  plentiful,  but  water,  though  abundant,  is  of  had 
quality. 

Cape  Troja,  the  southeastern  extremity  of  Follonica  Bay,  has  a 
double  point  with  a  tower  on  each ;  the  cape  is  elevated,  but  the  land 
between  it  and  the  slopes  of  Mount  Ballone  is  low,  marshy,  and 
wooded.  Moimt  Ballone,  the  summit  of  which  is  2,066  feet  high,  lies 
7  miles  eastward  of  the  cape. 

Troja  Islet. — Off  the  cape  are  several  islets  and  rocks, 'the  outer 
and  larger  of  which  has  a  tower  on  it,  and  lies  1  mile  260°  from  the 
southern  point  of  the  cape ;  it  is  steep-to  except  on  the  southeastern 
side,  and  in  the  channel  between  it  and  the  rocks  off  the  cape  is  a 
depth  of  6  fathoms.  This  passage,  however,  should  not  be  attempted 
by  strangers. 

The  coast. — From  Cape  Troja  a  bold  shore  extends  southeastward 
3  miles  to  Rocchetta  Fort  and  Tower,  thence  curving  southward  to  the 
mouth  of  Ombrone  River,  distant  13  miles;  |  mile  westward  of  Roc- 
chetta is  Galera  Tower,  and  within  the  rocky  point  eastward  of  it  is 
a  small  boat  harbor. 

Castig^lione  della  Pescaja  is  situated  4  miles  102°  from  Roc- 
chetta Fort,  near  the  mouth  of  a  canal  which  receives  the  Bruna 
River  and  drains  the  lake  and  maarshy  land  in  the  vicinity ;  the  town 
is  partly  inclosed  by  a  wall  connected  with  a  castle  on  an  eminence 
facing  the  shore. 

The  canal  is  entered  between  two  short  moles;  it  has  a  general 
depth  of  about  6  feet,  but  about  700  yards  within  it  is  crossed  and 
closed  by  a  bridge  with  three  arches;  the  depths  in  the  canal  vary 
considerably,  and  boats  of  over  5  feet  draft  should  only  enter  with 
a  smooth  sea. 

Marze  Tower  is  If  miles  125°  from  Castiglione;  it  is  partly  built 
in  the  sea  and  near  it  is  a  shipping  place  for  wood.  Four  miles 
beyond  it  is  St.  Rocco  Tower,  and  between  is  a  canal  crossed  by  a 
wooden  bridge;  from  St.  Rocco  the  coast  trends  south  to  Ombrone 
River.  The  shores  of  the  bay  are  low  and  wooded,  fronting  a  large 
extent  of  low  marshy  land;  they  are  steep-to,  there  being  a  depth  of 
5  fathoms  i  mile  from  the  beach  in  the  northern  part  of  the  bay; 
the  southern  part  toward  the  mouth  of  Ombrone  River  should  not 
be  approached  nearer  than  1  mile. 

Lights. — An  occulting  green  light,  visible  5  miles,  is  exhibited 
from  a  hut  on  the  outer  end  of  the  South  Mole. 

A  -fixed  red  electric  light  is  erected  near  the  root  of  the  Northern 
Mole.    (See  Light  List.) 

Ombrone  River,  having  its  outlet  through  a  low  projecting 
wooded  point,  on  both  sides  of  which  are  small  lakes,  flows  in  a 

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THE  WEST  COAST  OP  ITALY.  237 

southwesterly  direction,  and  is  only  navigable  for  boats.  Half  a  mile 
out  the  water  is  very  shallow.  Off  the  mouth  of  the  river  are  ruins 
and  remains  of  ancient  constructions;  and  the  land  being  very  low, 
the  point  must  at  all  times  be  cautiously  approached.  A  good  road 
leads  to  the  walled  town  of  Grosseto  8J  miles  distant ;  Grosseto,  con- 
taining a  population  of  about  7,300,  has  a  fine  cathedral  and  a  rail- 
road station.  At'the  jimction  of  two  roads,  2^  miles  from  the  river's 
mouth,  is  Fort  Trappola. 

Feme  Cove. — ^The  sandy  coast  continues  for  3  miles  to  the  east- 
ward of  the  mouth  of  the  Ombrone  as  far  as  an  old  square  tower 
nearly  in  ruins,  which  stands  on  a  cliff;  here  the  coast  becomes  rocky 
and  hills  border  the  shore.  Fomo  Cove  is  IJ  miles  from  the  tower, 
and  is  formed  by  a  bight,  about  200  yards  in  depth  running  south- 
est,  and  sheltered  from  the  westward  by  a  rocky  point  on  which  is 
a  tall  square  tower;  at  the  entrance  there  are  5  fathoms  gradually 
shoaling  to  a  sandy  beach  at  the  upper  part.  There  is  a  customhouse 
and  pratique  office,  and  fresh  water  is  procurable.  Off  the  shore 
between  the  cove  and  Ombrone  River  shallow  water  extends  ^  mile 
out,  but  from  the  cove  southward,  the  coast  is  bold  until  near  Cape 
d'Uomo;  a  small  rock  lies  a  short  distance  south  westward  of  tho 
tower. 

On  the  wooded  heights  above,  northward  of  Forno,  are  the  con- 
spicuous towers  of  a  convent. 

Canella  Tower  stands  on  a  point  2  miles  southward  of  Fomo  Cove; 
it  is  white  and  square,  and  there  is  deep  water  close  to  the  point. 
Cape  d'Uomo,  about  2  miles  farther  southward,  has  a  conspicuous 
round  tower  on  it ;  hence  a  rocky  but  tolerably  bold  shore  continues 
to  the  western  point  of  Talamone  Bay ;  for  some  distance  northward 
of  this  point  shallow  water  extends  400  yards  from  the  shore. 

Talamone  consists  of  a  few  houses  and  a  castle  situated  on  the 
last-mentioned  point  and  is  surrounded  by  a  wall;  the  castle  is 
a  high  building  facing  the  southwest.  Talamone  Bay  lies  eastward 
of  the  point;  on  the  eastern  shore  is  a  ruined  castle  and  tower,  and 
the  beach  on  that  side  should  not  be  approached  nearer  than  400 
yards,  as  off  it  the  water  is  very  shallow.  Small  vessels  which  resort 
here  to  load  with  charcoal  (quantities  of  which  are  shipped)  and 
sulphur,  anchor  in  3  or  4  fathoms,  but  the  anchorage  off  Talamone 
is  much  exposed.  A  small  shoal,  with  4f  fathoms  on  it,  lies  on 
Talamone  Bay  with  the  lighthouse  bearing  297°,  distant  800  yards. 

Buoys. — ^Two  red  cylindrical  mooring  buoys  lie  about  400  yards 
northeastward  of  the  tower,  and  are  used  by  steamers  when  loading 
with  minerals. 

Idglit. — ^A  flashing  white  light,  elevated  72  feet  above  the  sea  and 
visible  8  miles,  is  exhibited  from  a  masonry  shrine,  36  feet  in  height. 


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238  THE   WEST  COAST  OF   ITALY. 

situated  on  the  extremity  of  Talamone  Castle  wall.  (For  arc  of 
visibility,  see  Light  List.) 

Anchorage  may  be  had  anywhere  in  the  bay,  taking  care  to  avoid 
the  submarine  cable,  the  best  position  being  close  to  Talamone  Point. 

Fortified  port. — Talamone,  including  the  coast  from  Fiume  Om- 
brone  to  Porto  Ercole,  is  a  fortified  port.    (See  Regulations.) 

Telegraph  cable. — A  cable  is  laid  to  Caprera  Island;  the  point 
where  it  is  landed  in  Talamone  Bay  is  near  the  fort ;  the  position  is 
marked  by  beacons  and  notice  board.  Anchoring,  fishing,  or  any 
other  operation  which  might  damage  the  cable  is  prohibited. 

The  line  of  the  beacons  always  indicates  the  direction  of  the  first 
portion  of  the  cable. 

Salines. — From  Talamone  ^  miles  lOS""  is  Lividonia  Point,  the 
coast  between  forming  a  deep  bay  the  shores  of  which,  excepting  on 
the  southern  side,  are  low  and  wooded.  The  depths  are  regular 
over  the  bay  decreasing  gradually  toward  the  beach,  which,  however, 
should  not  be  approached  within  1  mile  where  there  are  depths  of 
from  7  to  9  fathoms.  In  the  middle  of  the  bay,  about  i  mile  from 
the  beach,  is  Salines  Tower. 

Albegna  River,  the  entrance  of  which  is  close  to  Salines  Tower, 
is  navigable  for  boats  for  about  2  miles  from  its  mouth.  The  river 
is  shoal  off  the  entrance,  there  being  only  about  3  feet  water  over  the 
bar.  When  entering  leave  a  stake  on  the  shoal  point  on  the  starboard 
hand. 

A  short  distance  southward  of  the  river  a  large  lake,  which  is  sepa- 
rated from  the  sea  by  only  a  narrow  neck  of  land,  extends  4  miles  to 
the  southward. 

Mount  Argentario  is  the  sunmiit  of  a  bold  promontory  6^  miles 
long  (in  a  north-northwestward  and  south-southeastward  direction) 
and  4  miles  broad,  attaining  an  elevation  of  2,083  feet.  This  mass  of 
high  land  is  joined  to  the  main  by  narrow  necks  of  low  wooded  land 
inclosing  extensive  lakes,  and  when  seen  at  a  great  distance  it  appears 
like  an  island.  The  coast  is  rugged  and  broken  into  several  small 
bays,  on  the  points  between  which  are  several  towers. 

Semaphore. — A  semaphore  signal  station  and  electric  telegraph 
is  situated  on  the  Torre  de  Gala  Grande,  on  the  western  side  of  the 
promontory,  at  an  elevation  of  347  feet  above  the  sea. 

Porto  Santo  Stefano. — Punta  della  Madonnetta  lies  1  mile  west- 
northwestward  of  Punta  Nera,  and  Porto  Santo  Stefano  extends 
about  800  yards  southward  between  them,  forming  two  bights.  The 
town  is  on  a  small  projection  between  the  bights,  and  there  is  a  little 
old  square  fort  behind  it;  there  are  houses  around  the  bights;  the 
campanile  of  the  church  is  square  and  yellow  in  color.  Molo  Acetina 
extends  about  60  yards  northeastward  from  the  ea.stern  side  of  the 
town,  and  is  being  lengthened  40  yards;  there  are  two  quays  which 

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THE   WEST   COAST  OF   ITALY.  239 

form  a  basin  for  fishing  boats  at  the  head  of  the  east  bight.  A  mole 
extends  40  yards  eastward  from  the  health  oflSce,  which  is  on  the 
north  point  of  the  west  bight,  and  a  quay  borders  the  shore  south- 
ward of  it. 

Tunny  fishery. — Tunny  nets  extend  164  yards  from  the  shore  in 
an  east-northeastward  direction,  to  the  eastward  of  Calvello  I'ower. 

Supplies  can  be  obtained  from  Orboteilo,  and  water  can  be  pro- 
cured here  from  two  fountains. 

Lightbuoy. — ^A  lightbuoy,  showing  a  fixed  white  light,  marks 
the  works  for  extending  the  mole  to  the  southeastward  of  Santo 
Stefano,  and  is  moved  outward  as  the  works  progress.  Vessels 
should  not  pass  within  a  distance  of  130  feet  from  this  buoy,  nor 
between  it  and  the  head  of  the  mole.  If  the  light  of  the  buoy  is 
extinguished,  vessels  should  give  the  fixed  green  light  on  the  mole- 
head  a  berth  of  at  least  200  yards. 

Buoys. — A  yellow  iron  mooring  buoy  lies  about  250  yards  north- 
ward of  the  east  point  of  the  east  bight.  A  yellow  cylindrical  iron 
mooring  buoy  lies  about  200  yards  northeastward  of  the  health  oflSce ; 
a  red  iron  mooring  buoy  and  a  yellow  iron  mooring  buoy  lie  south- 
ward of  the  health  office  mole. 

Lights. — On  Lividonia  Point,  Santo  Stefano,  is  a  white  cylindri- 
cal tower  at  the  comer  of  a  two-storied  dwelling,  23  feet  high,  from 
which,  at  an  elevation  of  108  feet  above  the  sea,  is  exhibited  an  occult- 
ing white  light,  visible  8  miles. 

From  the  extremity  of  the  mole  extending  seaward  from  the  health 
office  at  Santo  Stefano,  at  an  elevation  of  18  feet  above  the  sea,  is 
exhibited  an  occulting  green  light  visible  4  miles;  shown  from  an 
iron  frame  on  masonry  base,  16  feet  in  height. 

A  fixed  green  light  is  shown  from  the  extremity  of  the  mole  in 
course  of  construction,  and  is  moved  outward  as  the  works  progress. 
(See  Light  List.) 

Anchorage. — Large  vessels  may  anchor  off  Santo  Stefano,  but 
the  holding  ground  is  not  good  and  the  anchorage  is  much  exposed 
to  northwest  and  northerly  gales,  but  affords  shelter  to  southeast  and 
southerly  gales. 

Argentarola  Islet  is  about  2  miles  215°  from  Lividonia  Point 
and  250  yards  offshore;  in  the  channel  between  is  a  depth  of  28 
fathoms.  Southward  of  the  islet,  about  J  mile,  is  Bove  Point,  on 
which  is  Gala  piatti  Tower,  and  about  700  yards  215°  from  the  tower 
is  a  shoal  and  rock  awash.  With  this  exception  the  shores  of  the 
promontory  are  bold-to,  there  being  16  and  18  fathoms  at  300  yards 
from  the  cliff.  Three-quarters  of  a  mile  south-southeastward  of 
Gala  piatti  Tower  is  the  Torre  d'Uomo,  south  westward  of  which  is 
Rossa  Islet.    Between  Rossa  Islet  and  Giana  Tower  1^  miles  136° 


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240  THE  WEST  COAST  OF  ITALY. 

is  a  bay  in  the  center  of  which  is  Cannelle  Tower,  near  which  the 
telegraph  cables  from  Sardinia  and  Giglio  are  landed. 

Telegraph  cable. — ^The  cable  to  Giglio  is  landed  near  the  Sar- 
dinia cable  house;  its  direction  is  marked  by  two  beacons,  the  front 
beacon  with  the  notice  board  is  attached  to  a  house  northward  of  the 
Orbotello-Sardinia  cable  house. 

Caution. — ^Anchorage  in  the  vicinity  of  the  telegraph  cables  is 
prohibited ;  the  landing  places  are  marked  by  beacons  with  balls  and 
notice  boards. 

^voltore  Point,  the  southern  point  of  the  promontory,  has  a 
tower  on  it.  Nearly  IJ  miles  52°  from  Avoltore  Point  is  Isolotto, 
a  tolerably  high  islet  about  500  yards  offshore ;  in  the  channel  between 
it  and  the  shore  are  3^  fathoms,  rocky  bottom. 

Port  Eroole  or  Hercules  is  a  small  port  on  the  eastern  side  of  the 
promontory ;  the  entrance,  which  is  about  i  mile  wide,  lies  between 
two  high  points,  on  the  northern  of  which  is  Fort  Philip  and  on  the 
southern  Fort  Rocca ;  the  latter  stands  over  the  town,  which  is  built 
on  the  steep  side  of  the  hill  and  is  inclosed  between  two  walls,  having 
a  bastion  at  the  eastern  angle  named  Santa  Barbara. 

At  the  entrance  to  the  port  are  depths  of  7  and  8  fathoms;  off  the 
.pratique  oflSce  and  a  fishing  village  farther  northward,  shoal  water 
extends  some  distance  offshore.  A  shoal  on  which  is  2 J  fathoms  water 
having  8  fathoms  round  it  lies  300  yards  off  St.  Catherines  Point; 
from  it  Fort  Philip  bears  about  280° ;  the  fairway  into  the  port  is 
southward  of  the  shoal.  Small  vessels  anchor  off  the  town  in  from 
IJ  to  3  fathoms,  weedy  bottom.  With  southeasterly  winds  a  heavy 
swell  is  thrown  into  the  port.    Porto  Ercole  is  a  fortified  port. 

New  g^oin. — A  masonry  groin  has  been  constructed  at  Port 
Ercole,  commencing  at  a  point  on  the  shore  820  yards  304°  SO'  from 
the  lighthouse  on  Fort  Kocca  and  extending  43  yards  91°. 

Tunny  fishery. — Tunny  nets  are  laid  in  an  easterly  direction, 
100  yards  from  the  shore  between  it  and  Santa  Caterina  Shoal. 

Water. — ^There  is  a  fountain  near  the  town,  from  whence  water 
may  be  obtained. 

Supplies. — Provisions  are  scarce,  but  could  be  obtained  at  Orbe- 
tello. 

Communication. — There  is  a  mail  service  daily  to  Orbetello  rail- 
road station,  distant  4^  miles,  and  also  telegraphic  communication. 

Lights. — At  the  northeast  bastion  of  Rocca  Fort,  Port  Ercole, 
is  a  circular  gray  tower  62  feet  in  height,  from  which  at  an  elevation 
of  300  feet  above  the  sea  an  occulting  white  light  is  exhibited,  which 
is  visible  24  miles.    Partly  obscured.     (See  Light  List.) 

From  a  lantern  on  a  red  stone  pillar  on  the  north  bastion  of  Santa 
Barbara  Battery  a  fixed  red  light  is  exhibited,  elevated  43  feet  above 
the  sea,  and  visible  4  miles. 


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THE   WEST  COAST  OP  ITALY.  241 

A  fixed  green  light,  visible  3  miles,  is  erected  on  the  head  of  the 
n^w  groin,  820  yards  304°  30'  from  Fort  Rocca  Lighthouse. 

The  light  is  exhibited  13  feet  above  the  sea  from  an  iron  post  10 
feet  high.     (See  Light  List.) 

Orbetello  is  a  fortified  town  situated  between  two  lakes  of  the 
same  name  which  nearly  occupy  all  the  lowland  between  the  prom- 
ontory of  Argentario  and  the  hills  3  miles  eastward  of  it.  At  the 
foot  of  the  promontory  the  two  lakes,  which  are  nearly  united,  are 
2 J  miles  across;  the  eastern  side,  between  Salines  and  Ansedonia,  is 
nearly  6  miles  in  length.  These  salt  lakes  are  about  7  and  8  feet  deep 
and  abound  in  eels  and  other  fish.  In  the  southwestern  comer  a 
narrow  outlet  communicates  with  the  sea.  Orbetello  has  a  popula- 
tion of  4,800,  and  near  it  are  the  ruins  of  ancient  Cosa. 

Ansedonia  Point  lies  3^  miles  from  Port  Ercole,  the  interme- 
diate coast  forming  an  open  bay,  the  shore  of  which  is  a  sandy 
beach  fronting  a  wooded  strip  of  lowland,  on  the  northern  side  of 
which  is  Lake  Orbetello.  A  depth  of  5  fathoms  is  found  at  about  i 
mile  offshore;  the  point  is  a  moderately  high  bluff  with  steep  and 
rocky  sides,  having  a  rounded  hill  within  on  which  are  some  ruins;  a 
tower  in  ruins  stands  on  a  point  to  the  southeast,  another  in  a  bight 
on  lowland  within,  and  to  the  westward  is  a  third  standing  in  a 
battery  near  the  water.  There  is  deep  water  surrounding  the  point 
and  towers  at  a  short  distance  off. 

Formico  di  Burano^  a  small  rock  about  12  feet  above  water,  lies 
2  miles  142°  from  Ansedonia  Point,  and  4^  miles  103°  from  Port 
Ercole;  shallow  water  extends  a  short  distance  off  its  northeastern 
and  southwestern  ends,  and  there  are  depths  of  10  and  12  fathoms 
at  i  mile  from  it  on  all  sides. 

The  coast. — From  Ansedonia  Point  a  low  sandy  and  wooded 
coast  curves  eastward  and  southward  35  miles  to  Cape  Linaro,  and 
may  be  approached  anywhere  within  1  mile.  Buranaccio  Tower 
stands  on  the  beach  4  miles  eastward  of  Ansedonia  Point;  a  salt  lake 
extends  from  near  the  latter  point  to  1^  miles  eastward  of  the  tower 
and  runs  nearly  parallel  with  the  coast,  from  which  it  is  less  than  1 
mile  distant;  it  is  5  miles  long  and  about  i  mile  broad.  Montalto 
Tower  is  a  low  square  building  near  which  are  a  few  houses.  About 
200  yards  northward  of  the  tower  is  the  entrance  to  the  Fiora  River, 
navigable  for  boats  for  a  short  distance.  The  railroad  from  Civita 
Vecchia  crosses  the  river  here. 

On  a  hill  about  If  miles  from  the  mouth  of  the  river  is  the  small 
town  of  Montalto. 

Morelle  or  Danger  Pointy  If  miles  to  the  southeastward  of  Mon- 
talto Tower,  is  a  low  point  off  which  rocks  and  shallow  water  extend 
68850—17 16 


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242  THE  WEST  COAST  OF   ITALY. 

i  mile;  a  short  distance  southward  of  the  point  is  an  inlet  where 
boats  may  obtain  shelter. 

Shoal  to  southwaxd. — ^A  shoal  with  a  least  depth  of  22  feet  over 
it  lies  about  1^  miles  southward  of  Montalto  Tower,  on  the  bearings : 
Montalto  Tower,  10° ;  Trincere  Tower,  123°. 

Nine  miles  frcmi  Montalto  Tower  are  large  salt  works  on  which 
convicts  are  employed,  and  near  the  convict  establishment  are  a  boat 
camber  and  short  pier.  On  the  Italian  chart  this  is  called  Porto 
Clementino. 

On  a  hill  about  3  miles  northeastward  is  the  city  of  Cometo;  its 
Grothic  cathedral  and  several  other  towers  and  buildings  render  it 
conspicuous.  Between  Guaglia  and  Agostino  Points,  the  coast  forms 
a  shallow  bay  where  a  river,  which  is  navigable  for  boats  for  a  dis- 
tance of  2^  miles,  enters  the  sea.  In  the  center  of  the  bay,  which 
affords  shelter  to  none  but  small  coasting  vessels,  is  a  shoal  of  2f 
fathoms. 

Water  can  be  obtained  from  St.  August in's  well  at  the  ruins  of 
an  old  convent. 

Civitavecchia  (ancient  Centum  Cellse)  was  the  principal  seaport 
of  the  late  Roman  States,  and  is  strongl}'  fortified.  The  principal 
buildings  are  a  palace,  cathedral,  several  churches,  an  arsenal,  mu- 
seum, aqueduct,  and  lazaretto,  and  the  population  is  about  20,900. 

At  the  town  hospital  seamen  are  kept  and  attended  to,  paying  a 
fixed  charge. 

The  port  is  formed  by  a  curved  mole  (named  the  Bicchiere)  ex- 
tending about  820  feet  in  a  northwest  direction  from  Fort  Michel- 
angelo (on  the  southern  side  of  the  town),  and  by  another  on  the 
northern  side  of  the  town  extending  about  560  feet  toward  the  south- 
westward:  on  the  latter  is  the  lazaretto;  both  moles  have  circular 
forts  on  their  outer  ends.  The  Bicchiere  Mole  is  to  be  lengthened  60 
feet  and  widened  to  250  feet. 

Fronting  the  entrance  between  the  above  moles,  which  is  about 
230  yards  wide,  is  a  breakwater  (Antemurale)  20  feet  high,  and  115 
feet  broad ;  on  the  northern  end  is  Marzocco  Fort. 

This  breakwater  has  been  extended  from  Marzocco  Fort  in  a  293° 
and  323°  direction  for  a  farther  distance  of  about  470  yards,  and 
from  the  southern  end  a  breakwater  has  been  constructed,  which 
extends  in  a  133°  direction  240  yards,  85°  for  310  yards,  and  from 
thence  73°  to  the  shore,  thus  closing  the  former  south  channel.  An 
inner  quay  has  been  completed  along  this  southern  breakwater. 

The  channel  between  the  breakwater  and  the  Lazaretto  Mole  is 
about  150  yards  wide,  but  the  navigable  part  which  has  been  dredged 
to  a  depth  of  26  feet,  is  only  80  yards  wide.  The  darsena  or  basin, 
about  5  acres  in  extent,  is  within  the  fortifications  on  the  northern 
side  of  the  harbor:  it  is  entered  by  a  narrow  passage  with  10  feet 

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THE  WEST   COAST  OF  ITALY.  243 

of  water,  but  within  there  is  a  depth  of  20  feet  over  the  greater  part 
of  it;  it  has  been  selected  as  one  of  the  principal  torpedo  boat 
stations  in  the  Kingdom  and  is  used  exclusively  for  naval  purposes; 
the  arsenal  and  health  o£Bce  are  on  the  southeastern  side  of  the  port. 

A  small  pier  about  200  feet  long,  for  the  use  of  the  Sardinian  mail 
steamers,  is  in  course  of  construction,  extending  in  a  west-northwest 
direction  from  the  Health  Office  Pier.  Moorings  for  torpedo  boats 
have  been  laid  down  in  the  harbor. 

Over  the  harbor  dredging  operations  are  in  progress;  the  depths 
are  from  19  to  26  feet. 

In  southwest  gales,  which  frequently  blow  in  the  winter,  the  sea 
sweeps  completely  over  the  breakwater,  causing  vessels  in  the  port 
to  ride  uneasily  and  renders  the  roadstead  outside  the  breakwater  a 
very  imsafe  anchorage  at  that  season. 

Vessels  inside  the  breakwater  anchor  and  secure  astern  lo  the 
breakwater.  In  bad  weather  this  is  not  considered  a  safe  berth. 
Hemp  hawsers  are  recommended  on  account  of  the  uneasy  motion 
when  there  is  any  sw^ell.  Vessels  should  be  provided  with  a  double 
set ;  for  although  the  authorities  supply  large  hawsers  gratuitously 
in  cases  of  emergency,  they  expect  payment  for  any  damage. 

Although  much  improvement  has  taken  place  in  dredging,  the 
harbor  is  still  inadequate  to  accommodate  more  than  six  or  seven 
steamers,  many  more  having  to  wait  outside  at  great  risk.  New 
quays  are  now  under  construction  to  facilitate  and  hasten  the  un- 
loading of  vessels. 

Dredging. — While  dredging  is  in  progress  in  the  outer  port  the 
dredger  will  be  at  its  post  only  during  the  day.  Owing  to  its  sys- 
tem of  mooring  it  will  not  be  able  to  leave  completely  free  the  pas- 
sage to  vessels  moving  in  that  port,  and  it  is  necessary  that  in  enter- 
ing steamers  should  steer  115°,  passing  about  44  yards  from  the  light 
at  the  head  of  the  breakwater,  and  in  the  opposite  direction  when 
leaving.  For  sailing  vessels,  during  the  day,  there  will  be  a  tug 
at  their  disposal,  which  will  tow  them  gratuitously  when  entering 
and  leaving  the  port. 

Lights. — On  the  southeastern  extremity  of  the  Antemurale 
Breakwater,  from  a  gray  cylindrical  tower,  105  feet  in  height,  is 
exhibited,  at  an  elevation  of  122  feet,  a  flashing  white  group  light, 
visible  16  miles. 

An  occulting  green  light,  elevated  33  feet  above  the  sea  and  visible 
7  miles,  is  exhibited  from  a  circular  turret,  standing  about  52  feet 
from  the  northern  extremity  of  the  North  Breakwater. 

From  a  support  on  a  square  base,  10  feet  in  height,  on  the  ex- 
tremity of  the  mole  extending  northeastward  from  Marzocco  Fort, 
a  flashing  green  light  is  exhibited,  at  an  elevation  of  20  feet,  visible 
5  miles,  except  where  obscured. 


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244  THE   WEST  COAST  OF   ITALY. 

A  flashing  red  light,  elevated  19  feet  above  the  sea  and  visible 
9  miles,  is  exhibited  from  a  masoniy  support  at  the  extremity  of 
Lazaretto  Mole.     (See  Light  List.) 

Buoy. — A  warping  buoy  has  been  established  50  yards  southwest- 
ward  of  the  health  oflSce. 

Anchorage. — Vessels  of  heavy  draft  will  find  good  anchorage  in 
fine  weather,  about  500  yards  outside  the  breakwater,  with  the 
northern  extremity  of  Bicchiere  Mole,  in  line  with  southern  ex- 
tremity of  breakwater  55°,  in  20  fathoms,  stiff  mud;  vessels  unable 
to  enter  may  anchor  in  any  convenient  depth  off  either  end  of  the 
breakwater,  within  i  mile  of  the  harbor. 

Vessels  anchor  inside  the  outer  mole,  and  secure  their  sterns  to  the 
mole,  but  in  bad  weather  this  is  not  considered  a  safe  berth;  hemp 
hawsers  are  recommended  on  account  of  the  motion  when  there  is 
any  swell,  and  a  double  set  should  be  provided,  for  although  the 
local  authorities  supply  large  hemp  hawsers  gratuitously  in  cases  of 
emergency,  any  damage  must  be  paid  for. 

In  southwesterly  gales,  which  are  frequent  in  winter,  the  sea  breaks 
completely  over  the  outer  mole  and  causes  vessels  in  the  port  to  ride 
uneasily;  the  anchorage  outside  the  outer  mole  is  unsafe  at  that 
season. 

Pilots.— The  pilot  boats  lie  under  the  shelter  of  the  outer  mole, 
and  in  fine  weather  pilots  board  vessels  at  a  distance  of  4  miles  from 
the  port ;  in  bad  weather  the  pilot  boats  do  not  go  out  of  harbor,  and 
signals  to  that  effect  are  made  from  the  flagstaff  at  Torre  del  Bic- 
chiere watch  station.  The  pilots^  lookout  house  is  in  Fortino  del 
Marzocco  and  their  office  is  on  Principe  Tommaso  Quay. 

Directions. — From  a  distance  the  locality  of  Civitavecchio  will 
be  recognized  by  the  conspicuous  city  of  Cometo  on  the  elevated 
land  10  miles  to  the  northward,  and  by  the  prominent  point  of  Cape 
Linaro  and  its  tower  about  5  miles  southward  of  the  town ;  the  tall 
chimney  of  the  soap  works  at  the  northern  extremity  of  the  town 
is  one  of  the  most  conspicuous  objects,  especially  if  there  is  any 
haze;  on  nearing  the  port  the  high  lighthouse  on  the  breakwater 
will  soon  be  distinguished.  When  entering  the  port  pass  northward 
of  the  breakwater  (occulting  green  light),  and  steer  for  the  end 
of  the  Lazaretto  Mole,  keeping  in  the  dredged  channel  of  26  feet. 
At  night  steer  for  the  flashing  red  light  on  Lazaretto  Mole,  bearing 
about  114°,  which  will  lead  to  the  entrance  of  the  dredged  channel, 
until  the  flashing  green  light  near  Marzocco  Fort  is  abeam,  when 
haul  in  for  the  port,  and  when  in  the  port  anchor  as  convenient. 

Trade. — The  principal  articles  imported  in  1911  were  coal,  fire 
bricks,  grain,  phosphates,  pig  iron,  pitch,  and  timber ;  the  chief  ex- 
ports were  alum,  coal,  charcoal,  staves,  calcium  carbide,  and  cheese. 


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THE   WEST   COAST  OF  ITALY.  245 

Supplies. — Provisions  are  rather  plentiful;  drinking  water  is 
supplied  in  water  boats. 

Sepairs. — Small  repairs  to  vessels  can  be  effected. 

CoaL — No  coal,  patent  fuel,  or  oil  fuel  is  kept  in  stock  at  Civita- 
vecchia. The  consumers  of  practically  all  the  coal  imported  are  the 
State  railroads  and  a  Roman  gas  company. 

Communicatioii. — A  railroad  connects  the  port  with  Rome  (dis- 
tant 45^  miles),  Leghorn,  Naples,  and  Terni  (where  there  are  large 
steel  works),  and  a  daily  service  of  steamers  to  Capo  Figari  (Sar- 
dinia). A  small  steamer  runs  six  times  monthly  from  Genoa  and 
Leghorn  to  Rome,  and  two  steamers  between  Sicily,  Naples,  Civita 
Vecchia,  and  Rome.    There  is  telegraphic  communication. 

A  railroad  is  to  be  constructed  giving  direct  communication  with 
Terni,  in  the  interior. 

Signal  station. — On  Fosso  Cupo,  about  1^  miles  northward  of 
the  cape,  is  a  semaphore  tower,  466  feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea, 
and  painted  black  and  white  in  squares. 

Quarantine. — Vessels  with  infection  on  board  undergo  quaran- 
tine at  Asinari,  Sardinia,  where  there  is  a  lazaretto. 

The  coast — Cape  Idnaro. — From  Civitavecchia  a  rock}'^  coast, 
rising  toward  the  south,  trends  for  above  4  miles  153^  to  Cape 
Linaro;  midway  is  the  tower  of  Marangone.  Shoal  patches  extend 
in  some  places  i  mile  off;  the  land  should  therefore  not  be  ap- 
proached nearer  than  1  mile,  at  which  distance  there  are  from  15  to 
20  fathoms.  From  Cape  Linaro  the  coast  curves  to  the  east  and 
south-southeastward  for  28  miles  to  the  mouths  of  the  River  Tiber; 
it  is  low  and  wooded,  and  for  about  half  the  distance  is  backed  by 
hills  of  considerable  elevation,  their  summits  being  from  3  to  4  miles 
inland;  numerous  streams  run  through  the  several  valleys;  none  of 
them,  however,  are  of  any  magnitude. 

About  1^  miles  eastward  of  the  cape  are  the  village,  church,  and 
castle  of  St.  Marinella,  with  a  short  mole  extending  to  the  eastward, 
affording  shelter  to  small  craft;  between  the  village  and  the  cape 
rocky  patches  extend  nearly  i  mile  off  the  shore. 

Nearly  5^  miles  southeastward  of  St.  Marinella  is  Macchia  Tonda 
Tower,  situated  near  a  stream ;  the  village  of  St.  Severa  stands  on  the 
shore  about  1  mile  northward  of  it,  and  4 J  miles  58*^  from  the  tower 
is  Mount  Santo,  1,411  feet  in  height.  Flavia  Tower  stands  on  the  low 
beach,  4  miles  to  the  southeastward  of  Macchia  Tonda  Tower,  and  2} 
miles  farther  to  the  southeastward  is  the  village  of  Palo,  having  a 
small  boat  harbor;  near  it  is  an  ancient  castle.  On  a  hill  nearly  4 
miles  northward  of  Palo  is  the  village  of  Cerveteri,  the  site  of  an 
ancient  Etruscan  city,  the  remains  of  which  still  exist. 

Macchia  Tonda  Banks. — Off  Macchia  Tonda  Tower  rocky 
patches  of  from  3  to  4^  fathoms,  with  from  6  to  10  fathoms  between 

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246  THE  WEST  COAST  OF  ITALY. 

them,  extend  nearly  2  miles  from  the  shore,  skirting  the  coast  north- 
ward toward  St.  Marinella.  * 

Flavia  Banks. — Off  Flavia  Tower  similar  rocky  patches  extend 
quite  2  miles  from  the  shore  in  a  southwestern,  direction;  between 
these  patches  and  Macchia  Tonda  Banks  are  depths  of  8  and  10 
fathoms. 

Palo  Banks  are  rocky  patches  of  from  3  to  5  fathoms  extending 
IJ  miles  offshore  from  the  village  of  Palo;  between  them  and  Flavia 
Banks  are  depths  of  from  6  to  8  fathoms. 

Bate  Banks^  with  4J  to  4f  fathoms,  lie  IJ  miles  to  the  southward 
of  Palo. 

Caution. — The  coast  between  Cape  Linaro  and  the  village  of 
Palo  should  not  be  approached  in  vessels  of  heavy  draft  nearer  than 
2^  miles. 

Tiber  River  (ancient  Tiberis),  the  Tevere  of  the  Italians,  rises 
in  the  Tuscan  Apennines,  5  miles  northward  of  Pieve-San-Stef ano ; 
it  flows  in  a  southern  direction  to  within  3  miles  of  Rome,  then  turns 
to  the  west-southwestward,  receiving  many  tributaries,  and  after  a 
course  of  185  miles  it  enters  the  Mediterranean  about  17  miles  below 
the  city  by  two  branches  which  inclose  the  wooded  delta  named  Sacra 
Isola.  Except  in  certain  seasons  of  the  ye^r  the  river  is  sluggish, 
but  in  the  spring  it  is  subject  to  sudden  and  destructive  freshets,  the 
water  sometimes  rising  from  20  to  30  feet  above  its  usual  level;  it 
derives  the  name  of  "  yellow  Tiber "  from  the  color  of  the  deposit 
brought  down  by  the  stream. 

Harbor  works. — A  small  harbor  is  to  be  constructed  at  the  en- 
trance to  the  river  and  connected  by  electric  tram  with  Rome.  Two 
piers  for  a  railroad  bridge  are  being  built,  and  the  channel  between 
them  is  marked  by  two  buoys  painted  black  and  white  in  horizontal 
stripes.  A  stone  bridge  is  being  constructed  to  join  Termini-Traste- 
vere.  About  131  yards  of  quay  to  the  left  of  the  new  harbor  under 
construction,  below  the  said  bridge,  is  finished  and  open  for  landing 
purposes. 

Fiumicino  Canal^  the  northern  entrance  to  the  Tiber,  is  the 
deepest  of  its  two  mouths,  and  is  protected  by  piles  which  extend  a 
short  distance  from  the  shore,  and  form  two  piers,  the  channel  be- 
tween, which  is  about  45  feet  wide,  increasing  a  short  distance  up,  the 
general  width  of  the  canal  being  145  feet.  On  the  northern  side,  a 
little  within  the  entrance,  is  a  tower,  near  which  are  the  health  oiBBce 
and  other  buildings  composing  the  village  of  Fiumicino,  and  nearly 
i  mile  higher  up  is  a  swing  bridge;  near  the  junction  of  the  canal 
with  the  main  branch  of  the  river  is  the  village  of  Porto.  Extensive 
ruins  lie  on  the  northern  side  of  Fiumicino  Canal  in  the  vicinity  of 
which  can  be  traced  the  limits  of  the  ancient  ports  of  Claudius  and 
Trajan. 


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THE  WEST   COAST  OF  ITALY.  247 

The  southern  pier  at  the  entrance  to  this  canal  has  been  extended 
about  100  yards. 

Depths. — From  10  to  20  yards  outside  the  piers  at  the  entrance 
to  the  canal  is  a  bar  300  yards  in  extent,  on  which  are  depths  of  from 
8  to  10  feet  water;  inside  the  bar  and  for  about  i  mile  up  there  are 
from  16  to  18  feet;  beyond  this  the  navigation  of  the  river  is  ob- 
structed by  remains  of  old  walls,  piles,  and  trees  buried  in  the  mud. 
Small  vessels,  however,  proceed  some  distance  up,  but  most  of  the 
traffic  with  Kome  is  carried  on  in  barges.  The  ordinary  strength  of 
the  stream  is  from  1^  to  2  knots  an  hour. 

In  the  central  part  of  Fiumicino  Canal  shoals  of  1  and  1^  fathoms 
are  situated,  necessitating  great  caution  in  navigation.  In  1908  an 
Italian  destroyer  proceeded  up  the  river  to  Rome,  but  was  obliged  to 
remain  some  time  for  sufficient  water  to  return.  On  account  of  per- 
sistent floods  the  channel  is  (February,  1915)  believed  to  have  so 
altered  as  to  be  dangerous.  It  is  proposed  to  deepen  the  Tiber  to  a 
depth  of  8f  feet. 

Dredging. — Dredging  operations  are  in  progress  in  Canale  di 
Fiumicino  and  Tiber  River. 

Current. — ^The  current  in  Porto  Canale  is  variable,  and  the  great- 
est, but  not  extraordinary,  rate  is  7  knots.  Issuing  from  Porto 
Canale  the  current  generally  turns  gradually  north-northwestward 
parallel  to  the  coast. 

As  considerable  overfalls  are  caused  by  the  outgoing  current  from 
both  mouths  of  the  Tiber  caution  is  necessary  in  boats,  especially 
with  winds  from  seaward. 

The  coast  in  the  vicinity  of  the  mouths  of  the  Tiber  is  said  to  be 
extending  westward. 

Anchorage. — The  5-fathom  curve  is  about  1  mile  offshore,  and 
the  depth  decreases  gradually  inside  it;  there  is  anchorage  with  off- 
shore winds,  in  a  convenient  depth,  stiff  mud,  and  good  holding 
ground,  southward  of  the  entrance  to  Porto  Canale,  so  as  not  to  be  in 
the  current. 

Isola  Sacra,  between  the  mouths  of  the  Tiber,  is  low,  and  covered 
with  woods,  but  only  partly  cultivated. 

Cape  Due  Bami  to  Borne — ^Buoyage. — Buoys  numbered  from 
1  to  69,  each  cylindrical  with  conical  topmark,  mark  the  channel  from 
Cape  Due  Rami  to  Rome.  The  starboard  hand  buoys  have  been 
painted  black  and  the  port  hand  buoys  red  with  white  numbers. 

Caution.— Owing  to  exceptional  freshets  in  the  Tiber  River  in  the 
spring  of  1915,  some  of  the  pile  work-  near  and  within  the  mouth  of 
Porto  Canale  has  given  way,  and  the  channel  is  obstructed  in  places. 

Pilots. — Pilotage  for  all  vessels  over  11  tons  net,  except  fishing 
vessels  and  vessels  employed  in  coral  fishing,  either  entering  or  leav- 
ing Porto  Canale  di  Fiumicino,  and  in  Tiber  River.    The  pilots  of 


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248  THE  WEST  COAST  OF   ITALY. 

Porto  Canale  are  under  the  authority  of  the  minister  of  marine,  and 
those  of  the  river  navigation  under  the  genio  civile  of  Rome.  The 
jurisdiction  of  the  Porto  Canale  pilots  extends  from  the  entrance  to 
the  swing  bridge. 

When  weather  conditions  ^  not  allow  pilots  to  leave  the  port  to 
pilot  vessels  arriving,  a  red  flag  will  be  hoisted  on  the  pilots'  hut. 
In  that  case  vessels  should  not  attempt  to  enter,  pilotage  being 
obligatory. 

Signals. — Cape  Due  Rami  is  the  north  inner  entrance  point  of  the 
canal,  and  in  its  vicinity  is  a  signal  station  which  has  telephonic 
communication  with  Fiumicino.  A  ball,  upper  half  red  and  lower 
half  white,  hoisted  at  the  signal  staff,  33  feet  high,  indicates  that 
Canale  di  Fiumicino  is  occupied  by  an  ingoing  vessel ;  vessels  coming 
down  the  Tiber  should  then  secure  in  the  mooring  berth  immediately 
above  Cape  Due  Rami;  when  the  canal  is  clear  the  ball  is  hauled 
down. 

For  entrance  into  the  channel  port  of  Fiumicino,  the  following 
signals  are  hoisted  on  the  mast  on  the  pilots'  tower,  situated  on  the 
South  Mole,  near  the  side : 


Signal.  Signification. 


Red  flag ,  With  a  calm  sea,  the  depths  are  not  sufficient  to 

pass  the  bar,  and  with  a  rough  sea  entry  is  dan- 
K^rous. 

A  flag  with  vertical  blue  bands  at  the  ends  and  Await  the  pilot;  the  passage  of  the  channel  is  not 
white  in  the  middle  with  the  letter  "  P. "  free. 


Fiume  Grande^  2  miles  southward  of  the  Fiumicino  Canal,  is 
the  wider  of  the  two  mouths.  The  entrance  is,  however,  completely 
blocked  up  by  sand  banks  which  at  600  yards  distance  have  only  1 
foot  water  on  them ;  inside  the  bar  are  depths  of  1^,  3,  and  in  some 
places  5  fathoms.  At  1  mile  from  the  entrance  is  St.  Michael's 
Tower,  an  octagonal  building  used  as  a  lighthouse,  and  3  miles 
farther  on  is  the  junction  with  the  Fiumicino  Canal. 

Dredg^ing. — Dredging  operations  are  now  in  progress  in  Fiumi- 
cino Channel,  and  vessels  must  conform  to  the  undermentioned  regu- 
lations : 

Regulations. — 1.  All  steamers  wishing  to  pass  the  dredger  must 
ask  for  a  clear  passage  by  means  of  a  whistle.  This  whistle  must 
be  answered  from  the  dredger,  which  will  then  allow  such  passage 
as  will  rfot  interfere  with  the  carrying  on  of  the  work. 

2.  The  dredger,  when  at  work,  will  carry  a  ball  at  the  masthead, 
and  the  channel  must  not  be  considered  to  be  clear  until  the  ball  has 
been  lowered. 

3.  Vessels,  wli^  passing  the  dredger,  should  maintain  a  moderate 
speed  relatively  to  the  current  in  the  river. 


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THE   WEST   COAST  OF  ITALY.  249 

4.  During  the  night  the  dredger,  if  in  the  channel,  will  show  the 
regulation  lights,  and  haul  in,  as  far  as  possible,  toward  the  river 
bank. 

5.  Should  the  dredger  be  moored  across  the  river  by  hawsers  or 
chains  a  red  flag  by  day  and  a  red  light  by  night  will  be  shown  on 
the  side  on  which  the  channel  is  blocked. 

6.  In  case  of  fog,  the  regulation  signals  will  be  made  from  the 
dredger  by  means  of  a  whistle  and  bell. 

Lights.— The  light  on  St.  Michael's  (S.  Michele)  Tower  has 
been  discontinued. 

From  a  white  tower  surmounting  a  white  house,  the  whole  197 
feet  high,  on  Isola  Sacra,  about  li  miles  271°  from  San  Michele 
Tower,  a  flashing  white  light  with  red  sector  is  exhibited  41  feet 
above  the  sea. 

The  red  light  is  visible  7  miles  and  the  white  12  miles.  The  red 
sector  marks  the  shoals  recently  formed  at  the  mouth  of  the  river. 

At  38  yards  from  the  extremity  of  the  North  Pier  at  the  Fiumicino 
a  fixed  red  light  is  exhibited  from  an  iron  pillar,  at  an  elevation  of 
28  feet  above  the  sea,  visible  5  miles. 

Sheers  used  in  connection  with  an  extension  of  the  North  Mole 
partially  obscure  the  fixed  red  light. 

At  110  yards  from  the  extremity  of  the  South  Pier  a  fixed  white 
light  is  exhibited  from  an  iron  pillar,  at  an  elevation  of  28  feet, 
visible  7  miles.  These  lights  are  only  visible  in  the  direction  for 
entering  the  port. 

The  white  light  on  South  Pier  is  137  yards  from  the  extremity. 

A  fixed  green  light,  elevated  10  feet,  is  shown  from  the  head  of 
the  South  Pier;  it  can  not  be  shown  in  bad  weather.  (See  Light 
List.) 

Anchorage. — With  favorable  winds  and  in  the  summer  season 
anchorage  may  be  taken  up  about  3  to  5  miles  west-northwestward 
of  St.  Michael's  Tower  in  from  6  to  11  fathoms,  stiff  mud,  and  good 
holding  ground.  As  the  outset  of  the  current  often  creates  consid- 
erable overfalls  at  the  mouth  of  the  Tiber,  boats  should  approach 
with  caution,  especially  with  the  wind  from  seaward. 

Ostia  lies  about  ^  miles  69°  from  the  south  entrance  of  the  Tiber, 
and  is  situated  on  the  left  bank  of  a  former  bend  of  the  river's 
course,  ^  mile  to  the  eastward  of  the  present  stream ;  near  it  are  a 
tower  and  cathedral.  Westward  and  nearer  the  river  are  the  ex- 
tensive ruins  of  the  ancient  city  and  Roman  port  of  Ostium,  founded 
034  B.  C. ;  the  artificial  works  of  the  port,  constructed  by  Claudius, 
are  said  to  have  covered  a  space  of  130  acres;  it  was  early  abandoned, 
«s  was  also  that  of  Trajan,  built  half  a  century  later,  in  consequence 
of  the  rapid  alluvial  deposit,  and  the  port  transferred  to  the  open 
coast  of  the  Civitavecchia.     The  deposit  from  the  river  is  reported 


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250  THE  WEST  COAST  OF  ITALY. 

still  to  be  extending  the  shore  westward  at  the  rate  of  several  feet 
annually. 

Borne  is  about  13  miles  by  road  from  the  Fiumicino.  This  famous 
city,  once  the  capital  of  the  Boman  Empire  and  of  the  world,  and 
subsequently  that  of  the  States  of  the  Church  under  the  sovereign 
Pontiff,  has,  since  1870,  been  annexed  to  Italy  and  again  become  its 
capital.  Besides  innumerable  relics  of  antiquity  it  contains  upward 
of  350  churches,  and  in  1914  a  population  of  576,435.  The  Tiber  is 
crossed  by  seven  bridges,  one  of  which  is  a  suspension  bridge,  and 
the  river  above  is  navigated  by  passenger  steamers.  Railroads  con- 
nect Eome  with  Florence,  Ancona,  Civitavecchia,  Port  Anzio,  and 
Naples. 

The  towns  and  villages  near  Rome  have  now  a  regular  electric 
tramway  service. 

Consul. — ^The  United  States  is  represented  by  a  consul  and  vice 
consul. 

The  coast. — From  the  Fiume  Grande  a  low,  sandy,  and  nearly 
straight  coast  trends  south-southeastward  25  miles  to  Port  Anzio; 
the  land  at  the  back  is  of  moderate  elevation  and  thickly  wooded. 
At  about  14  miles  from  the  coast  are  the  Alban  Mountains,  a  remark- 
able group,  the  summit  of  which,  Mount  Cavo,  is  3,114  feet  high,  just 
below  the  summit  are  two  lakes,  craters  of  an  extinct  volcano.  Va-^ 
janica  Tower  stands  on  the  beach  12  miles  from  the  Tiber,  and  about 
2  miles  northward  of  it  are  the  ruins  of  a  palace.  On  the  hills  2i 
miles  to  the  eastward  of  the  palace  are  the  village  and  tower  of 
Pratica. 

San  Lorenzo  Tower  stands  on  the  beach  6  miles  southvrard  of 
Vajanica;  a  belt  of  brushwood  borders  the  sandy  beach,  and  within, 
the  land  is  marshy  and  interspersed  with  large  clumps  of  trees.  At 
2  miles  southward  of  the  tower,  clay  cliffs  commence  and  continue  as 
far  as  Port  Anzio,  over  which  at  4J  miles  from  San  Lorenzo  is  the 
round  white  tower  of  Caldara. 

Port  Anzio  (ancient  Antium),  also  called  Port  Innocent  XII, 
lies  i  mile  eastward  of  Anzio  Point,  and  is  formed  by  a  mole  pro- 
jecting about  400  yards  from  the  shore  in  a  southerly  direction  and 
then  bending  eastward  for  half  that  distance  and  again  to  the  south- 
eastward 200  yards,  inclosing  depths  of  from  7  to  21  feet  water  with 
a  sandy  bottom.  The  port  is  defended  by  a  fort  on  the  mole  and  a 
battery  on  the  north  shore ;  off  the  latter  are  ruins  of  an  ancient  mole, 
and  similar  remains  are  scattered  over  the  west  side  of  the  harbor, 
extending  nearly  600  yards  southward  of  the  angle  of  the  mole,  for- 
merly inclosing  the  ancient  port  of  Nero. 

The  town,  containing  a  population  of  about  2,000,  is  small  and 
chiefly  inhabited  by*  fishermen,  but  it  is  becoming  a  bathing  place. 
There  are  four  villas  or  palaces;  one  f  mile  northeastward  of  the  vil- 

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THE  WEST   COAST  OF  ITALY.  251 

lage,  is  the  first  building  seen  when  standing  in  for  the  port.  The 
trade  consists  chiefly  of  corn,  timber,  staves,  and  charcoal. 

The  Hospital  di  Frate  Orsenigo,  a  long  building  surmounted  by 
an  aero  motor,  is  conspicuous. 

Socks  and  shoal  water  extend  over  i  mile  off  Anzio  Point,  and 
between  it  and  Caldara  Tower  (northward)  upward  of  800  yards  off- 
shore; vessels  therefore  should  not  approach  the  coast  between  the 
above  tower  and  the  port  nearer  than  1  mile. 

Harbor  works. — ^Innocenziano  Mole  is  being  extended. 

Mole  constructed. — A  masonry  mole  has  been  built  at  Port 
Anzio.  The  mole  extends  75  yards  120^  from  a  point  located  610 
yards  314°  from  the  light  on  the  head  of  the  breakwater. 

Beacon. — A  post  16  feet  high,  surmounted  by  a  black  open  tri- 
angle, stands^bn  the  shore  of  Port  Anzio,  about  766  yards  332°  from 
the  light  on  the  mole.  It  is  in  the  alignment  of  the  two  outer  buoys. 
The  beacon  is  painted  black  and  white  in  horizontal  bands. 

Buoys. — ^Three  buoys  mark  the  deepest  water  into  Port  aVnzio; 
the  two  outer  are  black  conical ;  the  inner  is  a  white  warping  buoy. 

A  red  bell  buoy  marked  "Anzio"  is  moored  at  about  175  yards 
79°  from  the  light  at  the  head  of  Innocenziano  Mole. 

Vessels  entering  the  port  should  leave  the  red  bell  buoy  on  the  port 
hand  and  steer  for  the  white  warping  buoy,  leaving  the  outer  and 
inner  black  buoys  on  the  starboard  hand.  Dependence  should  not  be 
placed  on  the  buoys  being  in  position. 

Lights. — On  Anzio  Point,  at  about  700  yards  westward  of  the 
mole,  is  a  circular  tower,  painted  white  and  red  in  horizontal  bands, 
from  which,  at  an  elevation  of  92  feet  above  the  sea,  an  occulting 
white  light  is  exhibited. 

From  an  iron  post  situated  at  the  outer  extremity  of  Innocenziano 
Mole  a  flashing  red  light  is  shown,  elevated  35  feet  above  the  sea, 
visible  6  miles.    The  mole  is  being  extended.    (See  Light  List.) 

Shoal  reported. — A  shoal,  awash,  lies  southward  of  the  entrance 
to  the  old  Port  Nero,  600  yards  225°  from  the  light  on  the  molehead. 

Caution  is  necessary  in  entering  the  port  owing  to  the  changes 
which  occur  in  the  depths  at  the  entrance. 

Inquiry  should  be  made  from  the  port  office  before  entering,  and 
entry  should  not  be  made  when  the  sea  is  heavy. 

Pilots. — There  are  no  licensed  pilots.  When  possible  a  seaman  of 
the  port  will  direct  a  vessel  from  a  boat  or  from  the  head  of  Molo 
Innocenziano,  but  he  does  not  go  on  board ;  the  service  is  gratuitous. 

Anchorage  can  be  obtained  about  ^  mile  southeastward  of  the 
head  of  Molo  Innocenziano,  in  5^  fathoms,  sand,  but  it  is  very  open, 
and  should  only  be  used  temporarily  and  in  fine  weather. 

Water  can  be  obtained  from  a  fountain  in  the  angle  between  Moli 
Neroniano  and  Innocenziano.    There  is  a  small  tank  boat. 


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252  THE   WEST  COAST   OF   ITALY. 

Coininunication. — There  is  a  railroad  to  Rome  and  to  Nettuno; 
there  is  also  telegraphic  communication. 

Life-saving  station. — A  station  for  affording  assistance  in  case 
of  shipwreck  is  maintained  at  the  port. 

Semaphore. — A  semaphore  signal  station  is  established  on  Anzio 
Point,  about  400  yards  to  the  north-northwestward  of  the  light- 
house. 

Nettuno. — The  town  of  Nettuno,  so  called  frona  the  ruins  of  the 
ancient  temple  of  Neptune,  lies  1^  miles  eastward  of  Port  Anzio,  with 
which  it  is  connected  by  a  good  road.  There  is  also  a  line  of  railroad 
to  Rome,  from  Anzio  and  Nettuno. 

Astura. — A  low  coast,  on  which  are  sandy  hummocks,  trends 
southeastward  for  5^  miles  to  the  small  village  and  tower  of  Astura. 
The  ruins  of  a  fortress  anciently  known  as  insulse  Asturse  is  con- 
nected to  the  mainland  by  a  bridge;  a  reef  extends  from  it  nbout  400 
yards  in  a  southeast  direction,  but  there  are  5  fathoms  water  at  a 
little  more  than  i  mile  off.  Eastward  of  the  tower  is  the  mouth  of 
the  Astura  River,  which  rises  in  the  Alban  Mountains. 

The  coast. — From  Astura  a  low  sandy  beach,  behind  which  is 
a  chain  of  narrow  lakes,  trends  to  the  southeastward  to  Cape  Circeo, 
distant  16^  miles.  The  country  between  the  Alban  Mountains  and 
Mount  Circeo  is  a  swampy  plain  known  as  the  Pontine  Marshes. 
On  the  shore  are  the  towers  of  Foce  Verde  and  Fogliano,  and  at  the 
termination  of  the  sandy  beach  under  Mount  Circeo  is  the  ancient 
port  of  Circe.  Between  Astura  and  Circeo  the  coast  should  not  be 
approached  nearer  than  1  mile. 

On  the  coast  are  three  towers:  Torre  Paolo,  on  the  northwestern 
side,  and  Torre  del  Fico,  on  the  southeastern  side,  are  circular,  high,- 
whitish,  and  conspicuous;  Torre  Vittoria,  on  the  beach  eastward  of 
the  mount,  is  square  with  windows. 

A  submerged  old  jetty  extends  about  200  yards  westward  of  the 
vicinity  of  Torre  Paola.  A  bank  with  2J  fathoms  and  less  water 
extends  about  f  mile  southeastward  of  Torre  Vittoria. 

Mount  Circeo  is  a  lofty  isolated  mass  with  a  rocky  uneven  sum- 
mit rising  immediately  over  the  sea  and  forming  a  conspicuous  head- 
land 3|  miles  in  length;  near  the  summit  (1,775  feet  above  the  sea) 
are  the  ruins  of  the  temple  of  Circe.  Situated  at  the  southern  ex- 
tremity of  the  Pontine  marshes.  Mount  Circeo,  when  seen  from  a  dis- 
tance, has  the  appearance  of  an  island. 

Telegraph  cable. — The  cable  from  Ponza  Island  is  landed  close 
eastward  of  Toitc  del  Fico;  two  beacons  mark  its  direction,  with 
the  usual  notice  regarding  prohibited  anchorage. 

Light. — From  a  circular  white  tower  in  Cervia  Battery,  Fico 
Point,  Cape  Circeo.  at  an  elevation  of  125  feet  above  the  sea,  an 


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THE   WEST   COAST  OF   ITALY.  253 

occulting  white  light  is  exhibited,  which  is  visible  17  miles.  (See 
Light  List.) 

Fonza  Islands. — ^Palxnarola^  the  most  western  of  the  group, 
lies  19i  miles  207°  from  Mount  Circeo;  it  is  IJ  miles  in  length,  in  a 
north  and  south  direction,  and  about  |  mile  wide  at  its  broadest 
part.  The  island  is  high,  steep,  and  nearly  inaccessible,  except  in 
the  center,  where  there  is  a  remarkable  break,  the  two  elevated  por- 
tions, 771  and  860  feet  high,  being  connected  by  a  low  sandy  beach. 

The  landing  place  is  an  open  sandy  beach  about  the  middle  of  the 
western  side  of  the  island;  Palmarola  is,  however,  only  frequented 
for  bushwood,  with  which  it  is  thickly  covered. 

Galore  Socks  lie  a  short  distance  off  Sconcillo,  the  northwestern 
point  of  the  island,  and  off  the  western  shore  are  several  others,  high 
and  steep-to. 

Fratelli  Islets^  four  in  number  and  nearly  500  feet  high,  lie  off 
the  southwestern  point,  and  from  these  a  reef  extends  J  mile  to  the 
south  westward ;  and  a  sunken  rock  with  12  feet  over  it  lies  about 
the  same  distance  off,  but  rather  southward. 

Zirri  Sock^  another  sunken  rock  with  3  feet  on  it,  lies  700  yards 
148°  from  the  southeastern  point  of  the  island. 

Mezzogiomo  Bank^  about  1  mile  westward  of  the  Fratelli,  is 
a  rocky  patch  of  8  fathoms;  except  in  this  direction,  from  15  to 
20  fathoms  are  found  at  ^  mile  from  the  shore. 

Ponza  Island^  the  largest  of  the  group,  lies  nearly  4  miles  109** 
from  Palmarola;  it  is  high,  uneven  and  irregular  outline,  being  4J 
miles  in  length  and  varying  from  300  yards  to  a  mile  in  breadth. 

The  high  southern  end  of  the  island  terminating  in  Guardia  Point, 
slopes  on  the  northern  side  to  a  narrow  ridge  of  rock  which  separates 
Luna  Bay  on  the  west,  from  Port  Ponza  on  the  east ;  this  ridge  has 
been  artificially  perforated,  and  was  part  of  an  aqueduct  of  consider- 
able extent  for  the  supply  of  water  to  the  town  in  the  time  of  the 
Romans.  In  Luna  Bay  there  is  a  depth  of  4  fathoms  at  300  yards 
from  the  beach  and  Guardia  Point,  on  which  is  a  lighthouse,  can  be 
boldly  approached. 

Semaphore. — On  the  highest  part  of  the  island  (over  the  south- 
em  point)  is  an  electric  telegraph  semaphore  915  feet  above  the  sea. 

Gavl  Islet^  off  the  northern  end  of  the  island  and  separated  from 
it  by  only  a  boat  passage,  is  high  and  steep  on  all  sides. 

Papa  Point,  at  the  northern  side  of  the  island,  and  on  which  is 
a  fort,  is  1 J  miles  from  Gavi  Islet ;  there  is  a  sandy  bay  on  the  south- 
ern side  of  the  point  and  a  watering  place  not  far  from  it. 

FaragUoni  Bocks. — The  Faraglioni  Eocks,  some  of  which  are 
high,  lie  1^  miles  southward  of  Papa  Point,  and  the  shore  continues 
foul  to  Bianco  Point  1  mile  to  the  southward.    About  600  yards  249° 


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254  THE   WEST  COAST  OF  ITALY. 

of  the  outer  Faraglioni  Kock  is  Mattoni  Shoal,  of  7  feet  with  deep 
water  around  it  and  11  fathoms  between  it  and  the  rocks. 

Formiche  BockS;  lying  69°  IJ  miles  from  Guardia  Point,  are 
about  400  yards  in  extent,  with  deep  wat^  all  around.  To  pass  east- 
ward of  them  the  light  tower  on  Madonna  Hill  (the  southern  point 
of  entrance  to  Port  Ponza)  should  not  be  brought  to  the  northward 
of  300° ;  and  to  pass  southward  of  the  rocks  do  not  bring  Guardia 
Light  to  bear  to  the  southward  of  266°. 

Port  Ponza  is  a  bay  on  the  southeastern  side  of  the  island  about 
600  yards  wide,  nearly  i  mile  deep,  and  open  to  the  eastward.  Near 
the  southern  entrance  point  are  Madonna  Islets;  they  are  nearly 
connected  and  are  high  and  bold-to.  At  200  yards  northeastward  of 
the  point  is  Rosso  Island,  equally  steep ;  in  the  channel  between  are 
depths  of  from  8  to  10  fathoms.  On  the  noithern  side  of  the  entrance 
is  Ravia  Island  (on  which  is  a  fort)  about  200  yards  offshore,  to 
which  it  is  connected  by  a  reef;  two  rocky  patches  (Ravia  Rocks)  of 
13  feet  lie  eastward  100  and  150  yards  distant:  between  them  and 
Ravia  Island  is  a  depth  of  7  fathoms. 

The  town,  containing  a  population  of  about  3,200,  is  situated  on 
the  southern  side  of  the  bay.  There  is  a  government  house  and  penal 
establishment,  and  the  inhabitants  of  the  island  are  chiefly  engaged 
in  salt  works  and  fisheries,  and  in  the  valleys  com  and  various  fruits 
are  cultivated.  Many  of  the  poorer  people  reside  in  the  ancient  exca- 
vations and  caves.  Those  within  Madonna  Islets  being  called  the 
"  pilot's  baths."  The  island  was  originally  colonized  by  the  Phoeni- 
cians and  in  later  times  by  hardy  and  industrious  people  from  Torre 
del  Greco.  Under  the  Romans  the  Ponza  Islands  were  used  as  places 
of  exile. 

A  mole  extends  IGO  yards  279''  from  the  town,  J  mile  within  the 
entrance  of  the  bay ;  inside  the  mole  are  depths  of  3^  to  2^  fathoms, 
but  the  accommodation  is  limited  in  space.  Outside  of  the  mole  is 
a  breakwater  extending  about  130  3^ards  in  the  same  direction. 

There  is  a  depth  of  16  fathoms  at  the  entrance  to  the  bay,  shoaling 
gradually  to  a  sandy  beach  at  the  head  at  a  little  more  than  200  yards 
from  which  is  a  depth  of  18  feet.  About  200  yards  328^  fi-om  the 
mole  ai-e  depths  of  4  and  4J  fathoms,  and  there  are  from  12  to  18  feet 
water  alongside  the  quays. 

On  a  point  about  f  mile  northward  of  the  port  is  Foii  Frontone, 
standing  on  a  high  position  with  steep  walls  on  the  land  side.  About 
^  mile  northward  of  this  is  a  cove  whence  water  may  be  procured ; 
it  can  be  readily  approached  by  boats  in  favorable  weather. 

Lights— Guardia  Point.—A  flashing  w^hite  light,  elevated  370 
feet  above  the  sea  and  visible  25  miles,  is  exhibited  from  a  red 
octagonal  tower  above  yellow  dwelling,  58  feet  high,  situated  on 


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THE  WEST  COAST  OP  ITALY.  255 

Giiardia  Point,  the  southern  point  of  Ponza  Island.     (For  arcs  of 
visibility  and  obscuration  see  Light  List.) 

Madonna  Point  light. — A  fixed  red  light,  visible  5  miles,  has 
been  established  on  a  hut  at  the  foot  of  Guardia  Point  Light  Tower. 

The  light  is  elevated  315  feet  above  the  sea  and  shows  over  an  arc 
of  30°,  covering  Formiche  Rocks. 

An  occulting  light  is  erected,  27  feet  above  the  ground  and  184  feet 
above  the  sea,  on  a  hut  at  the  foot  of  Madonna  Point  Light  Tower. 
This  light  shows  over  an  arc  of  40°,  covering  Formiche  Rocks.  (For 
arc  of  visibility  see  Light  List.) 

Anchorage. — Anchor  in  the  area  included  between  a  line  drawn 
from  Rotonda  della  Madonna  Lighthouse  to  Scoglio  Ravia,  and  from 
the  Mole  Lighthouse  to  the  middle  of  Spiaggia  di  Santa  Maria,  in 
from  6  to  11  fathoms,  mud.    A  small  vessel  can  moor  inside  the  mole. 

Telegraph  cables. — Cables  from  Monte  Circeo  and  Isola  Ven- 
totene  are  landed  on  Spiaggia  di  Santa  Maria,  and  two  beacons  in 
line  mark  their  direction.    Anchorage  is  prohibited  in  their  vicinity. 

Communication. — !§teamers  run  twice  a  week  between  Naples 
and  Ponza,  calling  at  Ventotene  Island. 

Supplies  in  moderate  quantities  may  be  procured.  In  the  sum- 
mer and  dry  season  the  water  is  neither  good  nor  plentiful  at  the 
town,  but  on  the  north  side  of  the  bay  it  can  be  obtained  from  tanks; 
and  in  the  cove  before  mentioned,  which  lies  about  1^  miles  to  the 
northward  of  the  bay,  an  abundant  supply  can  be  procured. 

Directions. — The  worst  winds  affecting  the  anchorage  are  those 
from  the  northeast  and  eastward;  squalls  from  the  northwest  also 
come  heavily  down  the  valleys.  The  best  berth  for  a  large  vessel  is 
in  about  the  middle  of  the  bay  in  9  to  11  fathoms  water;  if  intend- 
ing to  moor,  have  open  hawse  to  the  eastward ;  should  it  come  on  to 
blow,  a  vessel  of  moderate  size  could  haul  in  under  the  shelter  of 
the  mole  and  secure  to  it. 

Entering  the  bay  from  the  northward,  Ravia  Rocks  will  be  cleared 
by  keeping  the  western  extremity  of  Rosso  Island  in  range  with  the 
eastern  extremity  of  Madonna  Islets  until  the  mole  head  (or  light) 
bears  230°,  when  a  vessel  may  steer  for  the  anchorage. 

The  port  is  much  frequented  by  vesvsels  seeking  shelter  from  con- 
trary winds. 

Tide. — ^A  rise  and  fall  of  from  2  to  3  feet  has  been  observed. 

Zannone  Island,  nearly  2J  miles  northeastward  of  Isolotto  di 
Gavi,  is  about  3  niile  long  east  and  west  and  nearly  I  mile  broad, 
the  shore  being  steep,  with  deep  w^ater  close-to.  The  highest 
part  (604  feet  above  the  sea)  is  on  the  northern  side,  whence  the 
island  slopes  gradually  toward  the  opposite  direction;  it  is  covered 
with  small  wood,  and  affords  pasture  to  a  few  sheep  and  goats. 


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256  THE  WEST  COAST  OF  ITALY. 

Landing  can  be  effected  either  eastward  or  westward  of  Cape 
Nero,  or  at  II  Varo  on  the  south  coast,  whence  footpaths  lead  to  the 
lighthouse. 

Mariolo  and  Varo  Bocks. — The  north  side  of  the  island  is  foul 
within  300  yards  of  the  shore.  On  the  west  side  is  a  small  islet, 
about  2  feet  above  water,  200  yards  outside  which  is  Mariolo  Rock 
with  12  feet  on  it ;  ^  mile  to  the  southward  is  Varo  Rock,  with  8  feet 
water  over  it ;  a  patch  of  6J  fathoms  lies  with  Mariolo  Rock  bearing 
25°,  1,200  yards. 

When  passing  between  Ponza  and  Zannone  keep  closer  to  Grosso 
than  Zannone  to  avoid  Varo  Rock. 

Light. — From  a  yellow  octagonal  lighthouse  situated  on  Cape 
Nero  (northward  point  of  Zannone  Island),  is  exhibited  at  an  eleva- 
tion of  125  feet  above  the  sea,  a  flashing  white  light.  The  light 
should  be  visible  in  clear  weather  from  a  distance  of  15  miles.  It  is 
obscured  by  Palmarola  Island.    (For  arc  of  visibility  see  Light  List.) 

GrossO;  Plana^  and  Scoglietello. — In  the  channel  between 
Ponza  and  Zannone  the  depths  are  very  irregular.  Three  smaU 
islets,  named  Grozzo,  Plana,  and  Scoglietello,  lie  nearly  in  a  line 
between;  the  former,  about  12  feet  above  the  sea,  is  1^  miles  from 
Zannone  and  a  little  more  than  1  mile  from  Gavi  Islet,  and  is  steep-to 
all  aroimd;  Plana,  about  6  feet  in  height,  lies  ^  mile  238°  from 
Grosso,  in  the  channel  between  which  is  a  depth  of  19  fathoms; 
Scolietello  (composed  of  several  rocky  heads  which  appear  above 
water)  lies  i  mile  from  Plana  and  about  i  mile  from  Gavi  Islet; 
between  them  and  the  former  is  a  depth  of  16  fathoms,  and  in  the 
channel  between  them  and  the  latter  are  14  fathoms  water. 

Shoals. — A  rocky  shoal  with  26  feet  over  it  lies  eastward  of  Gavi 
Island,  with  Plana  Rock  bearing  30°  distant  1,200  yards.  Another 
patch  of  9  fathoms  lies  with  Plana  Rock  bearing  103°  distant  800 
yards. 

Botte  Bock  lies  7J  miles  109°  from  the  southern  point  of  Ponza, 
and  Si  miles  165°  from  the  summit  of  Zannone;  it  is  65  feet  above 
the  sea  and  is  steep:to  on  all  sides,  there  being  50  fathoms  within 
}  mile  of  it. 

Ventotene  Island  (ancient  Pandaria),  the  highest  part  of 
which  (Arco  Point,  the  southwestern  extremity)  lies  14 J  miles  103° 
from  Botte  Rock,  is  1^  miles  long,  and  from  300  yards  to  |  mile 
broad;  it  has  an  irregular  outline,  and  slopes  from  an  elevation  of 
456  feet  (at  Arco  Point)  down  to  the  low  ground  about  Port  Nicolo 
on  the  northeast.  The  island  is  well  cultivated  and  the  inhabitants 
of  the  small  town  of  Port  Nicolo  are  principally  fishermen. 


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THE   WEST   COAST  OP  ITALY.  257 

Off  the  northwestern  side  of  the  island  reefs  of  rocks,  some  of 
which  are  above  water,  extend  600  yards  offshore,  they  are  named  the 
Sconciglio,  and  one  will  readily  be  distinguished  'from  its  size;  a 
sunken  rock  lies  about  200  yards  off  Arco  Point,  the  southern  shore 
of  the  island  is  foul  at  300  yards  off,  a  patch  of  26  feet  lies  with  the 
prison  on  San  Stefano  Island  bearing  75®,  distant  1,850  yards;  the 
other  parts  of  the  coast  are  tolerably  bold,  and  the  island  generally 
is,  except  at  the  port,  unapproachable  to  boats. 

Telegraph  cable.— The  cable  to  Ponza  Port  is  landed  on  the 
west  coast,  800  yards  southwestward  of  Nevola  Point,  in  Pareta 
Grande  Bay;  its  direction  is  marked  by  two  beacons  in  range  with 
the  usual  notice  board  attached.  The  cable  is  laid  268°  for  600 
yards,  thence  291°. 

Light. — ^An  occulting  white  light,  elevated  59  feet  above  the  sea 
and  visible  13  miles,  is  exhibited  from  a  shed  and  iron  support,  26 
feet  in  height,  situated  on  the  southern  side  of  entrance  to  Port 
Nicolo  Ventotene  Island.    (For  arcs  of  visibility  see  Light  List.) 

San  Stefano  Island  lies  f  mile  to  the  eastward  of  Ventotene; 
it  is  about  1^  miles  in  circumference,  surrounded  by  craggy  cliffs,  and 
indented  by  two  deep  ravines.  On  the  summit  of  the  island,  223 
feet  above  the  sea,  is  a  circular  building,  formerly  a  State  prison. 
There  is  also  a  well  of  good  water. 

Shoals. — A  patch  of  5^  fathoms  lies  with  San  Stefano  Prison 
bearing  84°,  distant  800  yards,  and  at  200  yards  36°  is  another  patch 
of  4  fathoms. 

In  mid-channel  between  Ventotene  and  San  Stefano  are  depths  of 
from  7  to  11  fathoms. 

The  Gulf  of  Gaeta  lies  between  Mount  Circeo  and  the  Islands 
of  Ischia  and  Procida  (off  the  northern  extremity  of  the  Bay  of 
Naples),  between  which  it  is  45  miles  across  and  about  20  miles 
deep.  The  shores  are  alternately  extensive  swampy  plains  and  high 
ranges  of  hills,  the  latter  disappearing  southward  of  the  town  of 
Gaeta,  which  is  situated  on  a  prominent  rock  point  about  the  middle 
of  the  gulf;  southward  of  Gaeta  the  country  is  very  flat.  The  water 
is  deep  throughout,  and  the  shore  may  be  safely  approached  within 
1  mile. 

Port  Badino. — From  Giano  Point  (the  southeast  point  of  Mount 
Circeo)  a  sandy  coast  trends  about  east-northeastward  6  miles  to 
Port  Badino,  at  the  entrance  to  the  Morticino  and  Botte  Canal ;  it  is 
marked  by  the  two  following  buildings,  on  its  right  bank : 

Torre  di  Badino,  near  the  sea,  does  not  show  as  a  tower  from  the 
offing  as  there  is  a  house  with  an  inclined  roof  against  its  eastern 
side;  on  the  tower  is  a  remarkable  masonry  structure  bearing  the 
iron  cage  from  which  a  light  was  formerly  exhibited;  a  reddish 
building  with  a  campanile  stands  a  little  farther  inland. 

68850—17 ^17  C"i^r^n](> 

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258  THE  WEST  COAST  OF   ITALY. 

The  Porto  Canale,  which  is  entered  between  two  moles,  is  only 
suitable  for  small  vessels  of  light  draft.  The  canal  is  crossed,  a 
little  inside  the  tower,  by  a  floating  bridge,  which  is  opened  when 
required. 

At  200  yards  outside  the  entrance  there  are  depths  of  from  6  to 
9  feet,  deepening  to  5  f athom?  at  i  mile  from  the  shore. 

Lights. — Two  fixed  lights  are  exhibited  at  Badino,  elevated  20 
feet  above  the  sea,  one,  red,  placed  44  yards  from  the  extremity  of 
the  West  Jetty  Head,  and  one,  green,  30  yards  from  the  East  Jetty 
Head;  both  lights  are  visible  6  miles,  and  are  shown  from  iron 
brackets  on  stone  buildings. 

Shoal. — ^A  shoal,  with  a  depth  of  |  fathom,  extends  about  150 
yards  north-northeastward  from  the  mole. 

Terracina  is  a  small  town  with  a  population  of  11,000,  pictur- 
e^uely  situated,  partly  on  the  declivity  of  a  rugged  eminence,  and 
partly  on  the  low  ground,  at  the  entrance  to  the  canal  built  by  Pope 
Pius  VT  for  the  purpose  of  draining  the  Pontine  Marshes.  It. was 
anciently  called  Anxur^  the  temple  and  ruins  of  which  can  be  seen  on 
the  heights  above.  On  the  hill  on  which  is  the  old  city,  isolated  and 
conspicuous,  are  the  ruins  of  a  temple  of  Venus,  and  immediately 
below  them,  near  the  large  masonry  arch  of  Porta -Napoli,  is  a  re- 
markable rocky  monolith.  Gregoriano  Palace,  an  old  large  yellow 
building,  is  in  the  western  part  of  the  new  town,  near  the  beach. 

The  port  is  within  a.  mole,  now  being  lengthened,  but  it  is  only 
suitable  for  small  craft.  A  sandbank,  with  5  feet  water,  extends 
about  180  yards  north-northeastward  from  the  present  head  of  the 
mole.  Near  the  root  of  the  mol^  is  the  mouth  of  the  Porto  Canale  di 
Terracina,  which  has  masonry  sides,  but  little  depth  of  water. 

Light. — An  occulting  white  light  is  exhibited,  at  23  feet  above 
high  water,  from  an  iron  standard  with  a  hut,  about  55  yards  from 
the  molehead. 

Anchorage  can  be  obtained  during  winds  between  west-southwest 
and  north-northeast,  eastward  of  Monte  Circeo  and  distant  about 
1^  miles  from  Torre  Vittoria,  in  7  fathoms  water,  or  east-northeast- 
ward of  Terracina  mole  in  the  same  depth,  but  these  anchorages  must 
be  left  on  southerly  winds  setting  in.  The  mountains  northward  of 
Monte  Circeo  covered  with  clouds  indicate  southeasterly  winds,  and 
clouds  to  the  eastward  of  the  mountains  of  Terracina  south  to  south- 
westerly winds. 

Tide. — A  rise  and  fall  of  tide  of  several  feet  has  been  reported 
as  observed  here. 

Wreck — Light. — ^The  wreck  of  the  schooner  Nelly^  with  masts 
above  water,  lies  sunk  in  Terracina  Harbor,  440  yards  30°  from  the 
lighthouse  on  the  mole. 


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THE   WEST   COAST  OF   ITALY.  259 

When  the  weather  permits  a  white  light  is  exhibited  from  the 
wreck. 

The  coast. — From  Terracina  the  coast  trends  to  the  southeast- 
ward 15^  miles  to  Gaeta;  as  far  as  the  village  of  Sperlonga,  8  miles 
distant,  the  shore  is  low  and  sandy  and  the  country  marshy;  east- 
ward of  Sperlonga  the  coast  is  a  succession  of  bold  cliflfy  points  and 
sandy  beaches,  backed  by  an  elevated  and,  in  some  places,  well- 
wooded  country.  Mount  Magno,  1,595  feet  above  the  sea,  lies  1^  miles 
from  the  beach  northeastward  of  Sperlonga. 

Between  Terracina  and  Sperlonga  is  lake  Fondi  having  two  outlets 
to  the  sea ;  one  at  the  foot  of  the  hills  1^  miles  eastward  of  Terracina, 
the  other  2J  miles  farther  eastward ;  on  the  beach  near  the  latter  out- 
let is  a  square  tower.  Sperlonga  stands  on  elevated  ground  a  short 
distance  inland. 

On  the  rocky  points  between  Sperlonga  and  Gaeta  are  five  towers ; 
that  in  the  middle  (San  Agostino)  having  several  houses  near  it. 

Oaeta  (ancient  Caieta)  is  a  strongly  fortified  town  facing  the 
sea,  and  occupying  the  eastern  and  northern  slopes  of  an  elevated 
promontory  (548  feet  high),  separated  from  the  wooded  country 
westward  of  it  by  a  low  and  narrow  isthmus. 

The  southern  side  of  the  promontory  is  formed  of  inaccessible  cliffs 
and  on  the  north  and  west  (land  side)  are  strong  defensive  works. 

Gaeta  contains  a  cathedral  (St.  Erasmo),  several  churches,  con- 
vents, citadel,  hospital,  arsenal,  and  naval  depot;  the  population  is 
about  5,625.  The  large  castle,  now  a  prison,  m  the  eastern  part  of 
the  town,  is  noticeable,  and  the  town  appears  from  the  anchorage 
to  be  surrounded  by  fortifications,  within  which  the  campanile  of 
Sant'  Erasmo  cathedral  and  the  church  of  Santo  Francesco  are  con- 
spicuous. 

Elena,  the  old  suburb  of  Gaeta,  extends  along  the  western  shore  of 
the  bay  northward  of  Gaeta,  and  on  the  road  leading  to  Formia ;  its 
houses  are  low  and  white.  The  population  is  about  11,169  and 
Giano  Tower  forms  a  bay  about  4^  miles  broad  and  2  miles  deep; 
the  shore  of  the  bay  should  not  be  approached  nearer  than  ^  mile. 
On  the  northern  side,  and  immediately  within  the  eastern  extremity 
of  Gaeta,  is  the  port,  formed  by  a  mole  300  feet  long,  extending  in  a 
northwestern  direction  from  the  southeastern  part  of  the  town.  The 
depths  decrease  from  7  fathoms  at  the  entrance  to  7  feet  alongside 
the  quay ;  the  port  is  about  200  yards  square. 

Torre  Atratina,  on  the  north  part  of  Monte  Atratina,  about  400 
yards  inland  and  westward  of  Elena,  is  red,  circular,  and  conspicu- 
ous; and  Convento  dei  Cappuccini,  a  white  building,  about  400  yards 
farther  northward,  is  also  noticeable. 

Several  small  piers  extend  off  the  towns ;  the  largest  is  II  Pizzone, 
at  the  northern  end  of  Elena. 


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260  THE  WEST  COAST  OF  ITALY. 

Semaphore. — On  the  summit  of  Mount  Orlando,  548  feet  above 
the  sea*,  there  is  a  semaphore  station. 

Lights— Santa  Caterina.— A  group  flashing  white  light,  ele- 
vated 244  feet  above  the  sea  and  visible  18  miles,  is  exhibited  from  a 
white  tower,  74  feet  high,  with  octagonal  top  and  cylindrical  base,  at 
the  southern  angle  of  the  military  hospital  on  the  southeastern  ex- 
tremity of  the  promontory  of  Gaeta,  partly  abscured  by  Mount  Or- 
lando.    (See  Light  List.) 

Stendardo  Point. — An  occulting  red  light,  elevated  62  feet  above 
the  sea  and  visible  5  miles,  is  exhibited  from  the  white  hexagonal 
tower  of  Santa  Maria,  near  the  entrance  to  the  port  of  Gueta.  (See 
Light  List.) 

Buoy. — A  warping  buoy,  for  the  use  of  fishing  boats  and  small 
sailing  vessels,  is  moored  about  550  yards  57°  from  Altratina  Tower, 
before  Elena  Village. 

Point  S.  Antonio — Works  in  progress — ^Buoys. — Four  buoys 
are  moored  near  Point  S.  Antonio,  to  mark  works  in  progress. 

Socks. — Three  small  rocks  exist  in  Gaeta  Bay  close  inshore.  One 
with  5  feet  of  water  over  it,  situated  off  San  Antonio  Point,  with 
Orlando  tower  bearing  184°,  distant  900  yards;  the  others  have  6 
feet  of  water  over  them ;  one  is  situated  with  the  end  of  II  Pizzone 
bearing  251°,  distant  200  yards,  and  the  other  with  Arzano  Palace 
bearing  298°.  distant  200  yards. 

La  Colonna  Shoal — ^Beacon. — Lies  opposite  the  town  of  Elena, 
109  yards  from  the  shore;  it  is  marked  by  a  beacon  consisting  of  an 
iron  tripod  and  staff  with  topmark,  painted  black  and  white. 

Anchorage. — ^The  bay  of  Gaeta  affords  excellent  anchorage  dur- 
ing winds  from  south  around  by  west  to  northeast ;  it  is  most  exposed 
to  the  southeast,  and  vith  northeast  winds  there  is  a  considerable 
p.urf  in  the  port ;  the  wind,  however,  seldom  blows  home,  but  the  swell 
is  at  times  heavy.  The  western  side  of  the  bay  is  the  most  sheltered, 
and  anchorage  may  be  taken  up  in  from  8  to  13  fathoms  water,  over 
black  nmd  and  clay,  which  holds  well.  It  is  advisable  to  frequently 
sight  the  anchors.  Twelve  sets  of  mooidngs,  for  the  use  of  Italian 
naval  vessels,  are  laid  in  the  bay,  the  two  outer  lines  being  for  ves- 
sels of  heavy  tonnage,  the  inner  for  smaller  vessels  of  not  more  than 
4.000  tons,  during  the  winter  gales.  No.  12  buoy  is  a  mooring  buoy, 
to  which  large  vessels  can  shackle  direct;  the  other  buoys  are  small 
and  conical,  and  only  support  the  buoy  chain  attached  to  the  bridle, 
which  must  be  hove  in.  A  red  mooring  buoy  lies  about  200  yards 
from  the  shore,  off  the  southern  end  of  Elena,  with  the  semaphore  on 
Mount  Orlando  bearing  175°,  distant  1,200  yards. 

Anchorage  is  prohibited  in  the  immediate  neighborhood  westward 
of  Stendardo  Point,  this  part  being  used  by  torpedo  boats. 


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THE  WEST   COAST  OF  ITALY.  261 

Torrente  Pontone— Pier.— A  wooden  pier  extends  about  220 
yards  southeastward  from  the  shore  about  100  yards  south  westward 
of  the  mouth  of  Torrente  Pontone,  which  flows  into  the  bay  nearly 
1  mile  northeastward  of  II  Pizzone. 

Current. — ^A  current  sets  southward  on  the  west  shore  of  the  bay 
during  southerly  winds;  on  the  wind  veering  to  northwest  it  turns 
to  the  opposite  direction. 

Supplies. — ^Provisions  are  abundant.  Water  is  scarce,  but  a  float- 
ing tank  supplies  water,  obtained  at  Formia,  to  naval  vessels.  There 
is  no  coal  on  sale. 

HospitaL — ^The  civil  hospital  has  400  beds,  and  receives  medical 
and  surgical  cases,  provided  they  are  neither  venereal,  chronic,  nor 
infectious. 

CoTnniuTiication. — ^There  is  a  branch  railroad  from  Gaeta,  via 
Formia,  to  Sparanise,  where  it  connects  with  the  line  from  Rome  to 
Naples. 

There  is  also  telegraphic  communication. 

Buoys. — A  white  iron  cylindrical  mooring  buoy  lies  northward  of 
Punta  dello  Stendardo,  and  eleven  white  conical  mooring  buoys,  dis- 
posed in  three  lines  running  north  and  south,  are  placed  in  the  bay, 
the  outer  line  consisting  of  three,  the  middle  of  five,  and  the  inner  of 
three  buoys.  The  two  outer  lines  are  for  large  vessels,  and  the  inner 
for  vessels  not  over  4,000  tons,  in  winter.  The  cable  can  be  shackled 
direct  to  the  cylindrical  buoy,  but  the  conical  buoys  only  support  the 
chain  attached  to  the  bridle.  These  buoys  are  for  the  use  of  Italian 
naval  vessels. 

Two  white  conical  mooring  and  working  buoys  lie  in  the  port  of 
Magnamanica  for  the  use  of  torpedo  vessels. 

Pier. — A  pier,  655  feet  long,  has  been  constructed  at  the  mouth  of 
Pontone  River,  1^  miles  northeastward  of  Elena. 

Light. — From  the  head  of  this  pier,  at  an  elevation  of  12  feet,  is 
exhibited  a  fixed  red  light,  visible  1  mile. 

Tide. — It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  about  7  hours  15 
minutes,  the  rise  about  1  foot;  the  tides,  however,  are  not  regular, 
and  strong  westerly  winds  raise  the  wnter  1  foot  higher  than  usual. 

Winds.— ^n  fine  weather  the  prevailing  winds  at  night  are  from 
northwest  to  northeast  which  continue  until  after  sunrise;  it  then 
becomes  calm  and  about  9  o'clock  the  sea  breeze  sets  in  from  the 
south-southeast,  gradually  veering  (by  south,  to  west-southwest  and 
continues  to  blow  fresh  until  the  evening  when  it  dies  away  and  is 
succeeded  by  the  land  breeze.  In  unsettled  weather  there  are  often 
during  the  night  heavy  squalls  from  the  north,  with  rain,  lightning, 
and  thunder. 

Supplies — Coal — Communication. — Refreshments  of  all  kinds, 
also  wood  and  water,  can  be  readily  obtained  in  any  quantity.    The 

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262  THE   WEST  COAST  OF   ITALY. 

Italian  Government  keeps  a  stock  of  about  20,000  tons  of  Welsh  coal. 
There  is  frequent  steam  communication  with  the  principal  ports  of 
Italy,  and  it  is  connected  with  the  railroad  to  Naples. 

Formia  (ancient  Formiae),  some  of  the  ruins  of  which  still 
remain,  stands  on  the  beach  in  the  middle  of  the  bay  about  3  miles 
northeastward  of  Gaeta ;  the  population  amounted  to  8,700. 

La  Pila  BrOck. — The  depth  on  La  Pila  Rock  over  the  foundation 
of  an  old  beacon  is  3  feet,  and  deep  water  close  outside,  lies  with 
Formia  Point  bearing  29°,  distant  750  yards. 

Light. — A  flashing  red  light  is  erected  on  the  extremity  of  the 
west  mole  at  Formia. 

The  light  is  exhibited  from  an  iron  column  19J  feet  high  located 
930  yards  217°  from  S.  Teresa  Church  and  is  visible  3  miles.  (See 
Light  List.) 

Buoy. — A  buoy  marking  the  southern  edge  of  the  shoal  extend- 
ing from  La  Pila  Rock  is  moored  in  a  position  from  which  the  steeple 
of  Santa  Teresa  Church  bears  7"*,  distant  about  1,150  yards. 

Giano  and  Scavori  Towers  stand  on  the  point  forming  the  eastern 
boundary  of  Gaeta  Bay;  immediately  over  them  is  an  isolated  hill 
and  between  them  another  tower. 

Garigliano  River  (the  ancient  Liris)  rises  near  the  town  of 
Tagliacozzo,  and  flows  toward  the  southeast,  receiving  as  tributaries 
the  Sacco  and  Melf a ;  at  a  distance  of  8  miles  from  the  shore  it  turns 
to  the  westward,  and  passing  through  the  plain  of  Sasso,  enters  the 
Gulf  of  Gaeta,  after  a  course  of  75  miles.  About  IJ  miles  from  the 
entrance  it  is  crossed  by  a  wire  suspension  bridge,  near  which  are  the 
ruins  of  the  ancient  Mintumse;  on  the  southern  bank,  a  short  distance 
within  the  mouth  of  the  river,  is  a  tower. 

The  coast  between  the  Garigliano  and  Voltumo  Eivers  is  a  low 
sandy  beach,  the  country  behind  being  flat  and  marshy.  Limatola 
and  Mondragone  Towers  stand  on  the  beach  about  midwa}^  and  be- 
tween them  is  a  group  of  hills;  a  depth  of  5  fathoms  will  be  found 
at  1  mile  from  the  shore,  which  should  not  be  approached  nearer  than 
that  distance. 

Voltumo  River  (the  ancient  Voltumus)  rises  in  the  Apennines 
in  the  Province  of  Campo  Basso,  and  flows  to  the  southeastward 
until  its  junction  with  the  Calore  from  the  eastward,  at  about  22 
miles  from  the  coast ;  it  then  turns  toward  the  west,  and  passing  the 
fortified  city  of  Capua,  enters  the  Gulf  of  Gaeta,  14  miles  southward 
of  the  Garigliano  Eiver,  after  a  course  of  90  miles.  The  river  has  a 
broad  entrance,  but  is  encumbered  by  sand  banks,  and  the  bar  has 
only  3  feet  water  over  it;  there  is,  however,  an  occasional  rise  of  tide 
of  from  2  to  3  feet. 

On  the  southern  point  of  entrance  to  the  river  is  a  tower,  and  on 
the  same  bank  IJ  miles  from  its  mouth  is  Castelvoltumo  with  a 

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THE   WEST   COAST  OF  ITALY.  263 

chapel  surrounded  by  ruins.  The  country  is  very  fertile  and  is 
famous  for  its  grapes  and  wine. 

Light. — A  flashing  white  light  is  erected  at  the  entrance  to  the 
Voltumo  River. 

The  light  is  exhibited  27  feet  above  sea  and  21  feet  above  the 
ground  from  a  skeleton  iron  tower  on  a  concrete  foundation  and  is 
visible  11  miles. 

The  coast. — Patria  Tower  stands  on  the  beach  7^  miles  south- 
ward of  the  entrance  to  Voltumo  River,  near  the  entrance  to  a  lake 
of  the  same  name,  and  farther  southward  is  the  entrance  to  Lake 
Licola,  a  narrow  sheet  of  water  1^  miles  in  length  lying  parallel  with 
the  shore;  at  the  southern  end  of  the  lake,  near  the  beach,  are  the 
ruins  of  the  ancient  Greek  city  of  Cuma.  The  country  southward 
to  Cape  Miseno  is  undulating  and  of  moderate  elevation. 

At  3 J  miles  southward  of  the  entrance  to  Lake  Licola  is  Gaveta 
Tower  on  a  rocky  point  at  the  termination  of  the  low  sandy  beach 
and  wooded  shore  extending  southward  from  the  Garigliano  River; 
a  short  distance  southward  of  the  tower  is  the  entrance  to  Lake 
Fusaro,  the  land  southward  of  which  rises  to  the  rugged  headland 
of  Mount  Procida.  Fumo  Point,  the  southwestward  termination  of 
Mount  Procida  has  a  tower  on  it,  between  which  and  Cape  Miseno, 
21  miles  distant,  the  shore  trends  to  the  eastward,  forming  a  low 
narrow  isthmus  with  a  sandy  beach  named  Miniscola,  between  the 
eastern  foot  of  Mount  Procida  and  the  rocky  promontory  of  Cape 
Miseno.  All  this  coast  is  skirted  by  rocks,  shallow  water  extending, 
in  some  places,  600  yards  offshore. 

At  Gaveta  Tower,  which  is  the  terminus  of  a  line  of  railroad  from 
Naples,  it  is  intended  to  construct  a  harbor,  where  steamers  will  be 
able  to  ship  passengers  for  the  islands  in  all  weathers. 

Measured  distance. — Marks  indicating  a  measured  distance  for 
speed  trials  are  now  placed  on  the  shore  northward  of  Procida. 

A  pyramid  33  feet  high,  checkered  black  and  white,  in  line  with 
the  chimney  on  the  summit  of  a  hill,  are  the  southern  marks. 

Two  pyramids  similar  to  above  form  the  middle  marks. 

Patria  Tower  in  line  with  a  similar  pyramid  are  the  northern 
marks. 

From  the  southern  to  the  middle  marks  the  distance  is  6,174  feet, 
and  from  the  middle  to  the  northern  marks  11,772. 

The  running  course  is  148°,  with  Gaveta  Tower  on  the  same 
bearing. 

San  Martino  Bock  lies  600  yards  from  the  shore,  1  mile  205° 
from  Gaveta  Tower;  southward  of  it  foul  ground  extends  some 
distance  from  the  shore,  and  off  Fumo  Point  shoal  water  extends 
upward  of  1,400  yards  in  a  southwesterly  direction. 


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2ft4  THE  WEST  COAST  OF  ITALY. 

Cape  Miseno  is  a  high,  bold  rocky  promontory,  shelving  to  the 
southward,  and  may  be  safely  approached  within  i  mile;  on  it  are 
two  towers,  and  the  smnmit  is  crowned  by  ancient  ruins.  About 
200  yards  from  the  shore  on  the  western  side  of  the  cape  are  the 
ruins  of  a  submerged  town. 

Light. — From  the  southern  and  highest  of  the  two  towers  (octag- 
gonal  yellow  above  dwelling)  on  Cape  Miseno,  at  an  elevation  of 
292  feet  above  the  sea,  is  exhibited  a  fixed  and  flashing  white  light 
visible  22  miles,  and  the  fixed  light  10  miles.  (For  arc  of  visi- 
bility see  chart  and  Light  List.) 

Mezzogiomo  Bank^  1^  miles  southward  of  Cape  Miseno,  is  about 
800  yards  long  northeast  a»d  southwest,  300  yards  broad,  with  14 
fathoms  least  water,  and  from  23  to  49  fathoms  around.  Banco 
Benta  Palumno,  2^  miles  southeastward  of  Cape  Miseno,  is  small 
with  23  fathoms  water,  and  about  1,200  yards  southward  of  it  is  a 
similar  bank  with  27  fathoms  water;  there  are  depths  of  from  33 
to  47  fathoms  in  the  vicinity  of  these  banks. 

Procida  Channel^  between  the  highland  of  Mount  Procida  on 
the  mainland  and  the  island  of  Procida,  is  1^  miles  wide,  but  the 
navigable  portion  is  much  contracted  by  the  foul  ground  extending 
south  westward  from  Fumo  Point  (under  Mount  Procida)  and  Tor- 
rione  Shoal,  and  by  similar  ^oal  patches  from  the  northern  side 
of  Procida  Island.  The  channel  between  these  shoals  is  only  800 
yards  wide  and  carries  depths  of  from  4f  to  7^  fathoms,  sandy 
bottom. 

Buoy. — A  red  lightbuoy  marks  the  southern  extremity  of  Tor- 
rione  Shoal,  northern  side  of  Procida  Channel.  The  light  is  flash- 
ing red,  elevated  10  feet  above  the  sea,  and  visible  7  miles. 

Note. — ^Reported  missing  in  1915. 

Shoal. — A  small  rocky  shoal,  with  1^  fathoms  of  water  on  it,  lies 
220°  about  i  mile  from  Gaveta  Tower. 

Procida  Island  (ancient  Prochyta)  lies  1^  miles  194°  from 
Fumo  Point;  it  is  If  miles  in  length  and  varies  between  ^  and  1^ 
miles  in  breadth,  of  a  very  irregular  outline,  and  of  evident  volcanic 
origin.  The  island  is  of  moderate  elevation  and  covered  with  or- 
chards and  vineyards.  The  population  is  13,446,  chiefly  sailors  and 
fishermen  engaged  in  the  tunny  and  coral  fisheries.  Procida,  the 
chief  town,  covers  a  considerable  extent  of  ground  on  the  north- 
eastern side  of  the  island ;  above  it  rises  the  castle  with  a  semaphore, 
now  a  royal  palace. 

Lingua,  the  northeastern  point,  is  bold;  a  group  of  rocks  above 
water  lies  a  short  distance  southeastward  of  it,  with  5  fathoms  at 
about  200  yards  off.  The  eastern  side  of  the  island  is  divided  into 
two  bays  of  nearly  equal  siee  by  Pizzaca  Point;  the  northern  has 
a  depth  over  it  of  from  4  to  15  fathoms  and  is  open  to  the  south- 


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PHE  WEST  GOAST  OF  ITALY.  266 

eastward.  The  southern  bay  is  deeper  and  more  exposed;  close  over 
the  northern  shore  is  Mount  Solaro,  the  highest  point  of  the  island. 

The  water  is  deep  around  Socciaro  (the  southeastern)  Point,  and 
a  good  boat  harbor  is  formed  between  it  and  the  southwestern  point, 
partly  sheltered  by  the  island  of  Vivara.  On  the  western  side  of 
Procida  rocks  and  shallow  water  extend  i  mile  offshore.  Upon 
Piopetto,  the  northern  point,  there  is  a  light  tower  51  feet  high. 

The  northern  side  between  Piopetto  and  Lingua  Points  is  shoal, 
extending  near  the  latter  point  nearly  600  yards  from  the  shore.  A 
patch  of  hard  ground  with  only  6  feet  water  over  it  lies  323^  nearly 
I  mile  from  Lingua  Point  (in  which  direction  the  water  is  shallow 
for  a  distance  of  400  yards  beyond)  and  1,200  yards  95°  from  the 
lighthouse. 

Tunny  fishery. — ^Tunny  nets  extend  nearly  1  mile  from  the  shore 
in  a  northwestern  direction,  on  the  western  side  of  Procida,  i  mile 
to  the  southward  of  Vove  Point. 

Semaphore. — At  the  castle  previously  mentioned  is  an  electric 
semaphore  station  by  which  passing  vessels  can  communicate.  The 
buildings  are  painted  in  black  and  white  checkers. 

Pioi>etto  Point. — An  occulting  white  light,  elevated  67  feet  above 
the  sea  and  visible  14  miles,  is  exhibited  from  a  yellow  square  tower 
above  octagonal  dwelling,  43  feet  high,  situated  near  the  northern 
extremity  of  Piopetto  Point,  the  northern  extremity  of  Procida 
Island.    (See  Light  list.) 

Vivara,  a  small  island  358  feet  high,  about  1^  miles  in  circuit, 
covered  with  brushwood,  and  having  an  old  tower  on  its  summit,  lies 
off  the  southwestern  end  of  Procida,  to  which  it  is  nearly  connected. 
A  bay  about  800  yards  wide  is  formed  between  it  and  Procida  Island, 
affording  shelter  for  coasting  vessels  from  all  but  southeasterly 
winds. 

The  Formiche  di  Vivara  lies  i  mile  284°  from  the  western 
extremity  of  Vivara  and  1  mile  37°  from  Ischia  Castle  Point;  over 
it  are  2  fathoms  water,  with  from  9  to  12  fathoms  around  it  The 
bottom  in  the  vicinity  is  very  uneven,  there  being  patches  of  9,  8,  and 
4J  fathoms,  with  16  and  25  fathoms  b^ween  them. 

Lightbuoy. — A  lightbuoy  showing  an  occulting  red  light  is 
moored  on  the  western  side  of  Formiche  di  Vivara. 

Ischia. — This  beautiful  island,  known  to  the  ancients  as  Anne, 
^naria,  and  Pithecusa,  lies  1^  miles  to  the  westward  of  Vivara ;  it 
is  in  the  form  of  an  irregular  parallelogram,  5^  miles  long  east  and 
west,  and  from  3^  to  4^  miles  broad.  The  sm-face  of  the  island  is 
mountainous  and  bears  evidence  of  volcanic  convulsions;  the  highest 
peak  (Mount  Epomeo),  on  which  is  the  hermitage  of  San  Nicolo, 
elevated  2,598  feet,  is  an  extinct  volcano,  and  there  are  several  other 


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266  THE   WEST  COAST  OF   ITALY. 

extinct  craters  on  the  island.  No  eruption  has  been  recorded  since 
the  year  1301.  An  earthquake,  accompanied  by  great  loss  of  life 
occurred  in  1881,  and  again  in  1883  and  1887,  by  which  the  village 
of  Casamicciola  and  others  near  it  were  entirely  destroyed. 

Although  the  country  is  in  many  places  strewed  with  large  masses 
of  rock,  itwis  nevertheless  most  fertile,  producing  an  abundance  of 
grapes,  figs,  and  other  fruits,  and  on  the  hilly  ground  are  the  oak, 
ilex,  chestnut,  and  copses  of  evergreen  shrubs.  There  are  many  hot 
mineral  springs,  especially  near  the  village  of  Casamicciola,  on  the 
north  side  of  Mount  Epomeo,  which  are  much  resorted  to. 

A  pottery  clay  is  found  and  manufactured  into  pitchers  and  tiles. 
A  large  number  of  the  population  are  chiefly  occupied  in  fishing  and 
agriculture;  brickmaking  and  straw  work  are  local  industries. 

The  chief  towns  are  Ischia  on  the  northeast  coast,  Forio  on  the 
west.  La  ceo  (partly  destroyed  by  earthquake)  on  the  north,  and 
Panza,  Fontana,  and  Barano  on  the  south. 

The  town  of  Ischia  extends  along  the  coast  between  the  root  of 
the  dike  and  Porto  d'Ischia,  IJ  miles  northwestward,  and  has  a  small 
cathedral ;  there  is  a  population  oi  about  7,000. 

The  coast  is  chiefly  rocky  and  in  some  places  bold  and  very  pre- 
cipitous, especially  on  the  southeastern  side;  off  the  north  and  west 
side,  however,  shoal  water  and  rocks  extend  nearly  ^  mile  from  the 
shore. 

Castello  dlschia  is  on  a  high  circular  rock,  named  Negrone,  otf 
the  eastern  side  of  the  island,  and  connected  to  it  by  a  dike  400 
yards  long,  through  whidi  is  a  boat  passage  with  an  arch  over  it. 
The  eastern  side  of  the  rock  is  steep-to,  but  a  bank  extends  nearly 
400  yards  from  the  coast  both  northward  and  southward  of  the 
dike,  and  on  the  southern  side  are  Scogli  di  Sant'  Anna,  a  group  of 
rock$  above  water.  Coasting  vessels  moor  northward  and  southward 
of  the  rock  according  to  the  wind. 

Light — ^Ischia  Castle. — A  flashing  white  light,  elevated  131  feet 
above  the  sea,  and  visible  11  miles,  is  exhibited  from  an  iron  frame- 
work on  Ischia  Castle.     (See  Light  List.) 

Cominunicatioii. — There  is  daily  communication  to  Naples  and 
Pozzuoli. 

Fort  BagnOy  1^  miles  to  the  northward  of  the  Castle  of  Ischia,  is 
a  small  basin  with  a  very  narrow  entrance,  open  to  the  northeastward. 
On  the  outside  it  is  protected  from  the  northwest  by  a  curved  mole 
of  about  300  yards  in  length,  which  incloses  a  depth  of  from  2  to 
3  fathoms ;  400  yards  beyond  the  mole  head  is  a  depth  of  5  fathoms, 
outside  which  the  water  rapidly  deepens. 

About  i  mile  southwest  of  the  port  is  a  deep  crater. 


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THE   WEST   COAST  OF  ITALY.  267 

Vessels  entering  should  not  keep  too  close  to  the  mole,  as  a  bank 
of  sand,  with  less  than  6  feet,  extends  a  short  distance  from  it. 

Banks  of  ^seaweed  at  times  accumulate  off  Port  Bagno,  which  are 
suflBciently  dense  to  impede  the  progress  of  a  vessel. 

Lights. — On  the  extremity  of  the  mole  at  Port  Bagno  is  a  red 
circular  tower,  36  feet  high,  with  gray  rectangular  base,  frim  which 
is  exhibited,  at  an  elevation  of  44  feet  above  the  sea,  a  flashing  white 
light  visible  12  miles.  Light  may  easily  be  confused  with  the  lights 
of  the  town.     (See  Light  List.) 

The  entrance  to  the  port  is  marked  by  a  fixed  green  light  on  the 
western  side,  and  a  fixed  red  light  on  the  east;  both  are  elevated  14 
feet,  and  are  visible  1  mile. 

Casamicciola. — One  mile  westward  of  the  port  is  Serofa  Point, 
the  coast  between  being  rocky;  If  miles  farther  on  is  Vico  Point, 
between  which  and  Serofa  the  shore  is  chiefly  a  sandy  beach,  in  the 
middle  of  which  and  on  the  slopes  of  Mount  Epomeo  (i  mile  in- 
shore) stands  the  large  village  of  Casamicciola,  with  a  population  of 
3,500.  At  the  western  extremity  of  the  beach  is  the  town  of  Lacco. 
Between  Port  Bagno  and  Vico  Point  the  shore  should  not  be  ap- 
proached within^  mile. 

Tunny  fishery. — Tunny  nets  exteod  1,422  yards  in  a  northerly 
direction  from  the  coast  off  Lacco. 

Comacchia  Point,  the  northern  extremity  of  the  island,  is  the 
eastern  point  of  a  bold  headland,  faced  with  cliffs,  i  mile  in  extent, 
which  projects  to  the  northwest;  on  the  point  is  Zale  Tower,  and 
on  the  summit  of  the  headland  is  a  conspicuous  building. 

Porio. — ^Imperatore  Point,  the  southwest  point  of  the  island 
is  about  3  miles  194"^  from  Caruso  Point,  the  southwestern  ex- 
tremity of  the  above  headland.  On  a  low  point  nearly  midway  is  the 
town  of  Forio.  In  the  bay  northward  of  the  town  shallow  water 
extends  i  mile  offshore,  but  off  the  town  and  in  the  bay  to  the  south- 
ward (between  Forio  and  Imperatore  Point)  shallow  rocky  patches 
extend  ^  mile  out.  There  is  a  small  pier  on  the  northern  side  of  the 
town  and  there  are  mineral  springs  in  the  neighborhood;  the  vine  is 
extensively  cultivated  in  the  neighborhood. 

Light. — A  fixed  and  group  flashing  white  light,  elevated  588  feet 
above  the  sea,  and  visible  flash  26  and  fixed  light  22  miles,  is  ex- 
hibited from  a  lantern  with  red  top  surmounting  a  white  dwelling, 
situated  near  the  extremity  of  Imperatore  Point.  (For  arc  of 
visibility,  see  Light  List.) 

San  Angelo  Point. — From  Imperatore  Point  a  bold  coast,  close 
off  which  are  several  high  rocks,  trends  southeastward  21  miles  to 
the  prominent  point  of  San  Angelo.  It  is  connected  to  the  shore  by 
a  narrow  sandy  isthmus  and  on  the  summit  is  a  ruined  tower.    In  the 


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a68  THE  WEST  COAST  OF  ITALY. 

bay  on  the  western  side  of  San  Angelo  are  two  rocky  patches  of  9 
and  12  feet  water  800  yards  from  the  shore  and  in  the  bay  on  the 
eastern  side  off  a  sandy  beach  1^  miles  in  extent  shallow  water 
extends  J  mile,  but  the  point  is  steeeprto. 

From  Grosso  Point,  the  eastern  point  of  the  above  bay,  an  in- 
dented shore  faced  by  high  cliffs  and  steep-to,  trends  1.3  miles  eart- 
ward  to  San  Pancrazzio  Point,  on  which  is  a  chapel,  and  tiience  a 
similar  coast  turns  to  the  northeastward  and  north-northeastward 
If  miles  to  the  Castle  of  Ischia. 

Ischia  Channel^  between  Yivara  Island  and  Ischia,  is  1^  miles 
wide,  and,  with  the  exception  of  the  Formiche  di  Vivarai,  is  deep 
and  clear  of  danger.  From  the  northward  steer  through  the  channel 
with  Castello  d'Ischia  bearing  180°  until  Punta  Socciaro  is  open 
southward  of  Punta  Mezzodi.  the  southern  point  of  Vivara,  when 
turn  southeastward;  from  the  southward  pass  J  mile  northeastward 
of  Castella  d'Ischia,  and  steer  about  342°.  Porto  d'Ischia  Mole 
Lighthouse  bearing  270°  leads  northward  of  Formiche  di  Vivara. 
Banks  of  seaweed  at  times  accumulate  in  Ischia  Channel  sufficient 
to  impede  the  progress  of  a  vessel. 

Winds. — ^The  western  side  of  Monte  Epomeo,  covered  with  clouds, 
indicates  southerly  and  southeasterly  winds;  Monte  Circeo  showing 
very  clearly  indicates  westerly  winds. 

Currents. — The  currents  along  the  coasts  of  Isola  d'Ischia  are 
weak,  and  usually  set  with  the  wind.  In  Canale  d'Ischia  the  currents 
attain  considerable  rates,  which,  and  the  directions,  are  uncertain. 
In  fine  settled  weather  the  direction  changes  every  six  hours,  the 
streams  becoming  tidal. 

The  Gulf  of  Naples  lies  between  Cape  Miseno  and  the  islands 
of  Procida  and  Ischia,  on  the  north,  and  Campanella  Point  and  Capri 
Island,  on  the  south;  the  main  entrance,  named  the  Bocca  Grande, 
is  between  Ischia  and  (>apri  and  is  14  miles  wide,  the  gulf  extending 
thence  17  miles  in  an  east-northeast  direction.  The  water  is  deep 
throughout  and  the  shore  may  be  approached  anywhere  within  a  mile. 

At  the  head  of  the  gulf  is  Mount  Vesuvius  (4,206  feet  in  height), 
its  conical  form  being  the  more  conspicuous  from  the  surrounding 
country  in  the  immediate  vicinity  being  low.  The  northern  shore  of 
the  gulf  is  high  and  the  country  is  covered  with  craters  of  extinct 
volcanoes.  The  promontory  forming  the  southern  shore  has  a  ridge 
of  lofty  mountains  extending  its  whole  length,  the  highest  peak  of 
which.  Mount  San  Angelo  (4,734  feet  high)  falls  abruptly  on  its 
northern  side  to  the  low  land  between  it  and  Mount  Vesuvius. 

Porto  Miseno  is  f  mile  northward  of  Cape  Miseno;  the  entrance, 
between  the  spits  extending  from  Punti  Terone  on  the  south  and 


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THE  WEST  OOAST  OF  ITALY.  269 

Pennata  on  the  north,  is  about  100  yards  wide,  with  depths  of  from 
4  to  6  fathoms,  and  dmdng  a  strong  breeze  from  the  southeastward 
the  sea  breaks  right  across  it.  The  part  of  the  port  outside  Punta 
Scarparella,  which  is  situated  600  yards  northwestward  of  Punta 
Terone,  is  bordered  by  banks  with  shoal  water,  leaving  a  space  in 
the  middle  nearly  400  yards  wide  with  depths  of  from  4  to  6  fathoms. 
The  inner  part  of  the  port  is  a  circular  basin,  with  depths  decreas- 
ing from  2  fathoms  in  the  entrance.  The  port  formerly  included 
Mare  Morto,  a  lake  to  the  westward,  and  was  then  about  1  mile  in 
extent;  they  are  now  separated  by  a  causeway,  which  is  crossed  by 
an  iron  swing  bridge,  supported  by  three  large  stone  pillars.  A 
wooden  pier  with  a  masonry  head,  near  which  is  a  depth  of  about 
10  feet  water,  extends  130  yards  from  the  southern  shore  of  the  inner 
part  of  the  port ;  it  is  furnished  with  rails  and  cranes. 

Bacoli  Village  lies  on  the  north  shore  of  the  port,  and  between  it 
and  Mare  Morto  is  a  Roman  cistern  in  good  preservation. 

Beacons. — The  entrance  to  the  port  is  marked  by  two  beacons; 
one,  painted  black  and  white  in  horizontal  stripes,  is  on  the  end  of 
the  spit  extending  about  200  yards  northeastward  from  Punta 
Terone;  the  other,  painted  red,  on  the  end  of  the  spit  extending  about 
100  yards  southeastward  from  Punta  Pennata;  the  latter  has  been 
washed  away  by  the  sea,  but  is  being  rebuilt  (1916). 

Buoys. — ^The  end  of  a  spit  extending  southwestward  nearly  200 
yards  from  Punta  Pennata,  is  marked  by  a  red  buoy;  a  red  buoy, 
marked  "  Segnale  di  Secca,"  lies  near  the  northern  end  of  the  shoal 
ground  about  100  yards  northwestward  of  Punta  Scarparella.  There 
is  a  white  mooring  buoy,  marked  "  Boa  da  Ormeggio  "  in  black  let- 
ters, in  the  middle  of  the  port,  and  a  similar  buoy  off  the  magazines 
in  the  inner  part. 

Directions. — Enter  the  port  with  the  yellow  customhouse  at  the 
head  of  the  port,  southward  of  the  canal  leading  into  Mare  Morto, 
bearing  290"^,  when  it  will  be  in  line  with  the  mooring  buoy  in  the 
middle  of  the  port,  which  leads  into  the  port  and  southward  of  the 
red  buoy  at  the  end  of  the  spit  extending  southwestward  from  Punta 
Pennata. 

The  southern  part  of  the  port  is  reserved  for  military  purposes. 

Communication. — Bacoli  has  telegraphic  communication. 

Fozssuoli  Bay,  lying  between  Capes  Miseno  and  Caraglia,  is  4J 
miles  wide  at  the  entrance  and  extends  in  a  northwest  direction  for 
Si  miles.  On  the  northern  part  of  the  western  shore  is  a  castle,  and 
the  remains  of  the  ancient  city  of  Baia ;  on  the  opposite  shore  nearly 
eastward  of  it  is  the  town  of  Pozzuoli,  and  near  the  eastern  point  of 
entrance  the  island  of  Nisida.  The  whole  intermediate  country,  and 
.  also  extending  beneath  the  sea  for  some  distance  from  the  shore,  is 
strewed  with  ancient  ruins. 


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270  THE   WEST  COAST  OF   ITALY. 

Fumosa  Beef. — The  head  of  Pozzuoli  Bay  is  shallow  for  1  mile 
out;  Fumosa  Reef,  a  rocky  patch  with  only  3  feet  water  on  it,  lies 
213°  nearly  i  mile  from  Canuso  Point  and  nearly  the  same  distance 
from  the  beach  at  the  head  of  the  bay.  To  pass  southward  of  the 
reef  keep  a  white  house  (300  yards  inshore  of  Baia  Mole)  in  range 
with  the  southern  side  of  the  ruins  of  the  Temple  of  Venus. 

Beacon* — A  stone  beacon,  colored  vertically  with  alternate  stripes 
of  white  and  red,  is  erected  upon  the  Fumosa  Reef. 

A  rock,  with  2f  fathoms  water,  lies  150  yards  southwe^tward  of 
the  beacon. 

Baia. — ^The  castle  of  Baia,  Baja  of  the  Italians,  is  2  miles  north- 
ward of  Cape  Miseno;  it  is  situated  on  a  steep  point  and  covers  a 
considerable  space,  and  on  a  low  point  under  it  is  Tenaglia  Fort  On 
the  northern  side  of  the  fort  is  a  small  bay  around  the  head  of  which 
are  the  ruins  of  the  ancient  city ;  a  mole  projects  from  the  shore  near 
the  main  part  of  the  ruins. 

The  head  of  Pozzuoli  Bay  is  divided  into  small  bays  by  Epitaph 
Point;  in  the  middle  of  the  northern  beach  is  the  outlet  of  Lake 
Lucrino. 

Lago  di  LucrinOy  the  outlet  from  which  is  through  the  beach 
about  i  mile  northeastward  of  Point  Epitaph,  was  formerly  con- 
nected by  a  canal  with  Lago  Avemo,  about  600  yards  to  the  north- 
ward.   These  lakes  formed  Portus  Julius  of  Agrippa. 

Lago  Avemo  is  about  i  mile  in  extent,  and  has  depths  of  more 
than  40  fathoms,  the  water  level  being  about  4  feet  above  that  of  the 
sea.  It  is  surroimded,  except  in  the  vicinity  of  the  canal,  by  wooded 
hills,  and  it  contains  various  kinds  of  fish.  The  canal  and  a  large 
part* of  Lago  di  Lucrino  were  filled  in  by  an  eruption  of  Monte 
Nuovo  in  1538. 

Monte  Nuovo,  about  800  yards  northeastward  of  Lago  di  Lucrino, 
is  an  extinct  volcano,  460  feet  high,  the  crater  of  which  is  about  400 
yards  in  diameter  and  about  440  feet  deep ;  it  is  covered  with  small 
green  wood. 

Monte  Barbaro,  1  mile  northeastward  of  it,  is  a  crater  about  f  mile 
in  extent  and  1,079  feet  high ;  its  slopes  are  covered  with  vines,  and 
on  the  northwest  peak  is  the  church  of  Sant'  Angelo  della  Corvara. 
About  i  mile  southeastward  of  Monte  Barbaro  is  Monte  Cigliano,  a 
small- crater. 

Bambinella,  about  1,400  yards  eastward  of  Lago  di  Lucrino,  is 
marked  by  a  fallen  building  on  the  beach,  with  some  of  the  ruins  in 
the  sea.  There  is  a  pier  westward  of  Bambinella,  130  yards  long, 
with  a  depth  of  7  feet  at  its  head,  and  furnished  with  rails. 

Light. — At  Tenaglia  Fort  is  a  white  iron  octagonal  tower  31  feet 
in  height,  from  which,  at  an  elevation  of  51  feet  above  the  sea,  an 
occulting  red  light  is  exhibited,  visible  7  miles.     (See  Light  List.) 

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THE  WEST  COAST  OF  ITALY.  271 

Buoys.  —A  red  cylindrical  warping  buoy  is  moored  in  12  fathoms 
water  about  300  yards  southwestward  of  the  beacon,  and  a  similar 
mooring  buoy  is  moored  in  7  fathoms  water  300  yards  westward  of 
the  beacon.  A  white  buoy  is  moored  in  12  fathoms  water,  about 
700  yards  southeastward  of  the  beacon,  with  four  red  buoys  about 
250  yards  around  it,  for  swinging  vessels  to  adjust  compasses. 

Fozzuoli. — This  town  occupies  a  point  If  miles  eastward  of  Baia, 
and  contains  a  population  of  about  22,840.  The  extensive  ruins  in 
the  neighborhood  testify  to  its  opulence  previous  to  1538,  when  it 
was  overwhelmed  by  the  eruption  of  Mount  Nuovo.  It  is  still  an 
Episcopal  town,  contains  a  cathedral,  and  in  the  neighborhood  are 
mineral  springs,  small  quantities  of  sulphur  being  also  procured 
from  near  the  semiextinct  volcano  of  Solf atora,  1  mile  to  the  north- 
eastward of  the  town.  Arrangements  have  been  made  to  supply  the 
town  with  water. 

At  Pozzuoli  the  firm  of  Sir  W.  Armstrong,  Mitchell  &  Co.  have 
extensive  works  and  all  appliances  necessary  for  manufacturing  the 
heaviest  class  of  artillery.  The  works  stand  on  about  50  acres  of 
land  with  a  sea  front  over  i  mile  in  length.  Molo  Armstrong  is 
furnished  with  rails;  there  is  a  crane  capable  of  lifting  160  tons  on 
its  head,  and  smaller  ones  along  it. 

The  materials  used  are  almost  entirely  of  Italian  production,  and 
all  the  operatives,  without  exception,  are  Italians. 

A  village  has  been  built  for  the  purpose  of  housing  the  workmen. 

A  pier  225  yards  long,  with  a  depth  of  water  at  its  head  of  29^ 
feet,  has  been  built  about  800  yards  to  the  northward  of  Pozzuoli, 
and  having  thereon,  at  its  extremity,  a  pair  of  hydraulic  shears  capa- 
ble of  lifting  160  tons.  Four  smaller  hydraulic  cranes  are  placed  at 
different  points  of  the  pier. 

Buoys. — A  buoy  is  moored  in  9  fathoms  400  yards  239°,  a  second 
in  6  fathoms  200  yards  262°,  a  third  in  7  fathoms  300  yards  172°, 
and  a  fourth  in  8  fathoms  300  yards  211°  from  the  above  pier. 
There  are  also  two  buoys  on  each  side  of  the  pier. 

Communication. — There  is  a  railroad  from  Naples  (Monte 
Santo)  to  Gaveta  Tower,  with  intermediate  stations  at  Fuorigrotta, 
Bagnoli,  Pozzuoli,  and  Baia.  Steamers  run  daily  from  Pozzuoli  to 
Procida  and  Casamicciola  (Ischia). 

A  mole^  constructed  upon  the  ancient  arched  piers  called  the 
bridge  of  Caligula,  runs  out  400  yards  in  the  direction  of  Baia,  and 
has  a  depth  of  over  4  fathoms  on  south  side.  These  piers,  of  which 
several  remain,  are  of  brick  faced  with  stone ;  their  date  is  unknown, 
for  although  their  construction  has  been  popularly  ascribed  to  Ca- 
ligula, the  bridge  which  he  made  for  crossing  the  head  of  the  bay 
was  one  of  boats.    This  is  now  restored  and  rebuilt  and  forms  an 


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272  THE  WEST  COAST  OF  ITALY. 

inclosed  and  safe  harbor  for  the  shipping,  which  it  is  expected  will 
largely  resort  to  this  port  in  consequence  of  the  erection  of  Arm- 
strong's works. 

Light. — At  the  eirtremity  of  the  Caligoliano  Mole  of  Pozzuoli, 
from  a  white  circular  turret  over  square  building,  27  feet  in  height, 
is  exhibited  an  occulting  green  light,  elevated  37  feet  above  the  sea, 
visible  6  miles.     (See  Light  List.) 

Bagnoli  Village,  with  numeix>us  bathing  establishments,  is 
situated  on  the  beach  about  2  miles  from  Pozzuoli ;  and  at  Miranda, 
southeastward  of  it,  are  two  glass  works  and  large  metal  works. 

Piers. — ^In  front  of  a  large  red  building  between  the  two  glass 
works,  is  an  iron  pier  330  yards  long,  with  16  feet  water  near  its  head, 
and  furnished  with  rails  and  electric  hoists  for  rapidly  discharging 
vessels  with  coal. 

A  little  farther  southward  is  a  wooden  pier,  130  yards  long,  with 
13  feet  water  near  its  head;  a  third  pier,  about  32  yards  long,  with 
7  feet  water  at  its  head,  extends  from  the  beach  near  the  health  office. 

Buoys. — ^There  are  mooring  buoys  at  the  sides  and  near  the  head 
of  the  iron  pier. 

Port  Paone  is  a  small  circular  basin,  having  steep  rocky  sides 
with  a  mouth  about  80  yards  wide  and  open  southwestward,  which 
is  divided  into  two  parts  by  a  rock;  the  passage  southeastward  of 
the  rock  is  50  yards  wide,  with  depths  of  5^  fathoms.  The  depths  in 
the  port  are  from  2^  to  1^  fathoms,  rocky  bottom,  and  the  port  is 
but  little  visited ;  it  becomes  untenable  with  southwesterly  winds. 

Coast. — From  Pozzuoli  a  rocky  coast  with  steep  slopes  trends 
above  2  miles  to  the  sandy  beach  of  Bagnoli,  fronting  a  broad  and 
cultivated  valley;  on  the  shore  are  a  cluster  of  houses  and  warm 
mineral  springs.  Bagnoli  is  full  of  bathing  establishments,  in  which 
the  thermal  springs  of  this  neighborhood  are  utilized. 

About  li  miles  northeastward  of  Pozzuoli  is  the  largest  and  most 
perfect  crater  in  the  district,  called  Astroni ;  the  rim  is  about  3  miles 
in  circuit,  the  descent  to  the  floor  is  J  mile,  aroimd  which  is  a  car- 
riage drive.  At  the  bottom  are  three  small  lakes,  and  the  interior 
is  covered  with  forest  trees.  A  little  to  the  southeastward  is  the 
lake  of  Agnamo,  of  an  irregular  outline  of  2  miles,  and  not  far  from 
its  bank,  in  the  same  direction,  is  the  celebrated  Grotto  del  Cane. 
Between  the  craters  of  Astroni  and  Barbaro  is  the  smaller  one  of 
Monte  Cigliano. 

Nisida  (ancient  Neses)  is  a  steep  islet  about  i  mile  from  the  shore, 
to  which  it  is  connected  by  a  shallow  flat  of  from  IJ  to  2|  fathoms 
water;  it  is  about  IJ  miles  in  circuit,  and  from  its  formation  is  evi- 
dently an  ancient  crater,  the  southwest  rim  broken  down  and  form- 
ing an  entrance  to  a  small  basin  called  Port  Paone.  On  tiie  north- 
western summit  is  an  ancient  palace  now  converted  into  a  prison. 

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THE   WEST   COAST  OF  ITALY.  273 

Close  off  the  shore,  on  the  northwestern  and  southeastern  sides  of 
the  island,  are  two  conical  rocks  called  "  the  Obelisks " ;  and  except- 
ing off  the  point  eastward  of  the  entrance  to  Port  Paone  there  is  deep 
water  all  round  seaward.  Halfway  between  Nisida  and  the  shore  is 
a  flat  island  on  which  is  the  old  lazaretto ;  it  is  connected  with  Nisida 
by  a  mole,  at  the  inner  end  of  which  is  the  new  lazaretto ;  between  the 
old  lazaretto  and  the  mainland  there  is  no  passage  except  for  boats. 

The  port  on  the  northeastern  side  of  the  island  is  formed  by  an 
irregularly  curved  mole  extending  about  600  feet  to  the  northward; 
a  quay  extends  round  the  shore  to  the  inner  end  of  the  lazaretto  mole, 
a  distance  of  430  yards.  The  port  has  accommodation  for  a  few  small 
vessels  drawing  8  or  9  feet.  The  depths  in  the  port  are  variable,  but 
the  general  depth  is  from  1|  to  2J  fathoms,  a  space  in  the  middle 
having  3J  fathoms  water. 

Light. — On  the  extremity  of  the  mole  on  the  northern  side  of 
Nisida  Island  is  a  white  circular  tower,  58  feet  in  height,  from  which 
at  an  elevation  of  76  feet  above  the  sea  is  exhibited  an  occulting  white 
light,  visible  13  miles.     (See  Light  List.) 

Anchorage. — Pozzuoli  Bay  is  well  sheltered  except  from  the  east- 
ward (between  east-southeast  and  south-southwest),  but  the  sea  is  not 
very  heavy  from  this  direction  although  occasionally  there  is  a  con- 
siderable surf  on  the  shore.  There  is  good  anchorage  for  vessels  of 
moderate  size  off  Baia  about  300  to  500  yards  northward  of  Tenaglia 
Fort,  in  6  or  7  fathoms,  mud.  Larger  vessels  anchor  farther  out  in 
16  or  18  fathoms,  700  yards  14°  from  the  lighthouse  in  Tenaglia 
Fort;  and  with  a  clump  of  trees  on  the  hill  slope,  in  range  with  a 
white  house  on  the  shore  bearing  245.°;  inside  this  anchorage  the 
water  shoals  quickly  to  5  fathoms,  and  the  bottom  becomes  hard  sand 
and  rock. 

As  a  general  rule,  when  standing  toward  the  head  of  the  bay,  do 
not  go  beyond  the  line  of  Pozzuoli  Mole,  Caligula,  or  if  farther  in,  not 
northward  of  the  mark  given  for  clearing  the  Fumosa  Reef.  The 
same  mark  also  clears  the  Caruso  Rock,  600  yards  180°  from  the  point 
of  the  same  name. 

Measured  distance. — A  distance  of  6,043  feet,  for  ascertaining 
the  speed  of  vessels,  has  been  measured  to  the  southward  of  Pozzuoli. 
The  running  course  is  a  wliite  pillar  on  the  northern  bastion  of 
Castello  di  Baia  in  range  with  the  lightning  conductor  of  Fortino 
Tenaglia  Lighthouse,  bearing  270°.  The  western  limit  is  marked  by 
a  masonry'  pyramid,  painted  black  and  white  in  chequers,  on  the 
shore  westward  of  the  root  of  Molo  Armstrong,  in  range  with  the 
lighthouse  on  Molo  Caligoliano,  0°.  The  eastern  limit  is  marked  by 
68850—17 18 


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274  THE   WEST  COAST  OF  ITALY. 

a  beacon,  painted  black  and  white  in  chequers,  situated  southward  of 
San  G^nnaro  church,  in  range  with  a  beacon,  painted  black  and 
white  in. chequers,  on  a  little  house,  situated  on  the  coast  about  f  mile 
eastward  of  Pozzuoli,  0°.  The  depths  on  the  course  are  from  18  to 
21  fathoms. 

Supplies,  which  can  not  be  got  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  anchor- 
age can  be  readily  obtained  from  Naples ;  water  is  procured  near  the 
shore  between  Baia  Castle  and  the  mole,  but  it  is  neither  verj' 
abundant  nor  particularly  good. 

Cape  Caraglia,  the  eastern  boundary  of  Pozzuoli  Bay,  is  a  broken 
rocky  point  with  cliffs  of  about  430  feet  in  height;  on  the  western 
fall  of  Posillipo  Ridge  and  J  mile  northward  of  the  cape  is  the 
village  of  Santo  Strato,  and  at  the  foot  of  the  ridge  close  to  the 
point  is  the  small  church  of  Sta.  Maria  del  Faro.  Close  off  the  cape 
is  Gaiola  Rock,  on  which,  and  along  the  shore  both  above  and  under 
water,  are  enormous  ruins  of  every  description. 

Cavallara  Shoal. — There  are  5  fathoms  close  off  the  points  in 
the  bight  formed  between  Nisida  and  Gaiola  Rock;  the  Cavallara 
Shoal,  on  the  outer  edge  of  which  is  a  dopth  of  3J  fathoms,  extends 
600  yards  to  the  southward  of  the  rock. 

Lightbuoy* — A  lightbuoy  is  moored  on  the  southwestern  ex- 
tremity of  Cavallara  Shoal;  it  exhibits  an  occulting  red  light  and 
is  visible  6  miles.  The  lightbuoy  is  painted  red  and  is  in  shape  a 
truncated  cone,  surmounted  by  a  platform  and  lantern  10  feet  above 
the  sea. 

Naples  Bay  (ancient  Cratur  Sinus)  is  included  between  Cape 
Caraglin  on  the  west  and  Torre  del  Greco  at  the  foot  of  Mount 
Vesuvius  on  the  east. 

There  is  a  considerable  depth  of  water  over  the  bay,  which  shoals 
from  50  to  60  fathoms  at  the  entrance  to  5  fathoms  at  about  400 
yards  from  the  shore,  beyond  which  there  are  no  hidden  dangers; 
the  bottom  is  chiefly  mud  with  patches  of  sand,  rock,  and  cinders 
over  toward  the  eastern  shore. 

About  1  mile  65°  from  Gaiola  Rock  is  Cape  Posillipo,  and  1^ 
miles  25°  from  the  latter  is  Sannazzaro  Point,  on  which  is  the  church 
of  Sta.  Maria  del  Parto.  The  shore  is  backed  by  the  ridge  which 
gives  the  name  to  the  cape ;  on  its  eastern  fall  is  the  entrance  to  the . 
famous  grotto  of  Posillipo  which  perforates  the  hill  in  a  western 
direction  for  2,244  feet,  and  near  which  is  the  tomb  of  Virgil. 

Sunken  ruins  extend  a  short  distance  from  the  shore,  a  depth  of 
5  fathoms  being  found  400  yards  off. 

A  slightly  curved  mole  about  300  yards  long  extends  off  Sannaz- 
zaro Point  to  the  northeastward. 


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THE   WEST   COAST  OF  ITALY.  275 

The  shore  from  the  port  curves  eastward  IJ  miles  to  Ovo  Fort  and 
is  bordered  by  a  sea  wall;  it  is  known  as  Riviera  di  Chiaia,  and 
Eada  di  Mergellina,  off  it,  affords  good  summer  anchorage,  but  open 
to  the  southward.  Large  vessels  anchor  about  500  yards  offshore  in 
about  14  fathoms  water,  sand.  There  are  two  landing  places  along 
the  sea  wall,  protected  by  small  moles;  they  cannot  be  approached 
during  bad  weather  from  seaward. 

Naples. — Napoli  of  the  Italians,  and  Neapolis  of  the  ancients,  was 
first  colonized  from  the  Greek  city  of  Cuma5.  The  population  of 
Naples  is  about  724,000.  It  rises  from  the  shore  in  the  form  of  an 
amphitheater,  divided  into  two  unequal  crescents  by  the  hill  of  Mar- 
tino,  that  to  the  eastward  containing  the  greater  portion  of  the  city. 
On  the  north  it  is  bounded  by  the  Capodimente  Hills,  on  which  are  a 
royal  palace  and  observatory.  On  the  west  is  the  Hill  of  Chiaja  ap- 
proaching nearer  the  shore,  beyond  which  at  the  back  are  the  far 
extended  suburbs;  some  magnificent  streets  are  in  process  of  con- 
struction on  ground  recovered  from  the  sea;  this  is  the  quarter  in 
which  all  the  best  hotels  are  situated,  and  the  promenade  is  along  the 
new  sea  wall.  On  the  east  is  the  fertile  plain,  of  Campania ;  and 
crowning  a  height  in  the  center  of  the  city  is  the  conspicuous  castle  of 
St.  Elmo.    The  shore  is  fronted  by  terraced  gardens  and  long  (luays. 

The  city  is  intersected  by  several  long  streets,  one  of  which,  the  Via 
Iloma  (formerly  Toledo),  runs  about  1^  miles  north  and  south  be- 
tween the  museum  and  the  plaza  facing  the  royal  palace,  and  divides 
the  old  town  from  the  more  recently  built  district.  It  includes  many 
public  edifices,  among  which  the  cathedral,  palace,  exchange,  record 
office,  museum,  naval  and  military  colleges,  the  new  gallery  "  Um- 
berto  I,"  and  the  theater  of  San  Carlo  are  the  principal. 

At  the  head  of  the  military  port  is  Castello  Nuovo,  and  on  the 
island  southwestward  of  the  above,  which  is  connected  to  the  shore 
by  an  arched  causeway,  is  Ovo  Fort,  on  the  height  over  which  is  St. 
Elmo  Castle.  There  is  a  royal  dockyard,  an  arsenal,  and  a  foundry 
for  ordnance,  besides  shipbuilding  yards. 

Trade. — At  Naples  there  are  iron  and  glass  works,  tanneries, 
manufactories  of  soap,  chocolate,  gloves,  hats,  earthenware,  and 
fancy  goods.  The  creation  of  a  tax-free  zone  for  the  industrial  de- 
velopment of  Naples  has  resulted  in  the  institution  of  a  large  number 
of  other  industries.  The  exports  consist  of  wine,  hemp,  chemicals, 
medicine,  perfumery,  silk,  cotton  and  woolen  manufactures,  timber, 
paper,  books,  live  animals  and  animal  produce,  grain,  drugs,  leather 
goods,  metals,  stone,  earthenware,  glass,  etc.  The  imports  are  dry 
goods  of  every  description,  coal,  cotton,  dyes,  dried  fish,  machinery, 
iron,  cereals,  drugs,  wine,  chemicals,  timber,  stone,  earthenware, 
glass,  etc. 


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276  THE   WEST  COAST  OF   ITALY. 

Ck>nsul. — The  United  States  is  represented  by  a  consul  and  vice 
consul. 

Climate. — The  climate,  compared  with  Eome,  is  bracing,  and 
from  September  to  December  resembles  an  English  summer ;  in  Feb- 
ruary and  March  the  winds  from  the  eastward  are  cold  and  drying ; 
July  and  August  are  the  hottest  months,  and  the  early  part  of  Sep- 
tember the  most  wet.  The  thermometer  seldom  rises  to  above  84°  in 
summer,  or  falls  below  40°  in  winter,  and  snow  rarely  remains  on  the 
ground. 

Barometer  and  thermometer. — According  to  observations 
made  during  a  period  of  10  years,  the  mean  annual  height  of  the 
barometer  at  Naples  is  29.99 ;  the  mean  monthly  height  in  January — 
the  highest — is  30.07,  and  the  lowest — April — ^29.90.  The  mean  an- 
nual temperature  is  60.9°;  the  mean  monthly  temperature  in  Jan- 
uary— the  lowest — 47.7°,  in  July,  and  August — ^the  highest — 76.2*^. 

Rainfall. — The  mean  annual  rainfall  at  Naples  is  32.72  inches. 
Little  rain  falls  in  the  four  months,  May  to  August,  only  5  inches. 
The  heaviest  fall,  4.66  inches,  is  in  November  and  the  least  is  in  July, 
0.65  inch. 

The  city  is  supplied  with  plenty  of  excellent  water  from  the 
Serino ;  a  new  system  of  drainage  is  in  progress. 

Port  of  Naples  (Porto  di  Napoli). — Molo  San  Vincenzo  extends 
1,650  yards  eastward  from  about  200  yards  northward  of  the  entrance 
to  Porto  del  Molosiglio ;  a  metal  trellis  tower,  painted  red  and  white 
in  stripes,  stands  near  the  head  of  the  mole;  400  yards  from  the 
head  of  the  mole  is  an  old  lighthouse,  and  on  the  inner  side  400 
3'ards  from  its  root  is  a  naval  dock.  Diga  Curvilinea  commences 
400  yards  eastward  of  the  head  of  Molo  San  Vincenzo,  and  extends 
500  yards  northeastward,  whence  Diga  Eettilinea  trends  east-south- 
eastward, parallel  to  the  shore,  about  1,100  yards,  in  depths  of  10 
fathoms,  but  the  southeastern  part  of  this  mole  is  being  constructed. 

The  port,  within  the  moles  just  mentioned,  is  divided  into  Avam- 
])ort(),  Porto  Militaire,  Darsena  Militaire,  Porto  Mercantile,  Darsena 
dei  Bacini,  and  Darsena  Vittorio  Emanuele  II. 

The  port  of  Naples  is  formed  by  massive  moles. 

Depths. — The  depths  in  the  entrance  to  the  port  is  18  fathoms,  in 
Avamporto  from  6  to  15  fathoms,  in  Porto  Militaire  from  3  to  10 
fathoms,  in  Darsena  Militaire  from  2  to  3^  fathoms,  in  Porto 
Mercantile  from  3  to  5  fathoms,  in  Darsena  dei  Bacini  30  fe^t,  and 
Darsena  Vittorio  Emanuele  28  feet. 

Inner  moles. — Molo  Angioino  extends  eastward  about  400  yards 
from  400  yards  northward  of  the  root  of  Molo  San  Vincenzo,  and 
from  its  outer  part  Molo  San  Geimaro  extends  about  350  yards 
northeastward. 


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THE   WEST   COAST  OF  ITALY.  277 

Molo  Orientale  extends  530  yards  southward  from  the  shore  east- 
M  ard  of  Villa  del  Popolo,  and  from  its  southern  end  Molo  Martello 
extends  300  yards  westward.  A  mole  extends  about  500  yards  south- 
ward from  the  shore  about  250  yards  eastward  of  Molo  Orientale, 
and  from  its  outer  end  Molo  Curvilinea  trends  southwestward  250 
yards  and  then  southeastward  150  yards. 

AvamportOy  northward  of  the  eastern  part  of  Molo  San  Vin- 
cenzo,  is  used  for  mooring  large  vessels.  Vessels  mooring  at  Molo 
San  Vincenzo  should  have  55  fathoms  of  cable  out  on  their  anchors, 
their  sterns  being  hauled  to  the  mole  by  hemp  hawsers.  The  outer 
portion  of  Molo  San  Vincenzo  is  used  for  vessels  awaiting  berths  in 
the  inner  ports;  vessels  with  inflammables  are  moored  off  the  old 
lighthouse.  Four  berths  off  Molo  San  Vincenzo  are  reserved  for 
foreign  naval  vessels.  They  are  60  yards  apart,  the  outside  one  being 
300  yards  westward  of  the  old  lighthouse.  The  positions  are  marked 
on  the  mole  wall  by  a  black  line  with  the  letters  A,  B,  C,  D,  re- 
spectively, in  black  on  a  white  ground,  over  it.  Each  berth  is  also 
marked  by  two  beacons  surmounted  by  triangles,  which  in  line  give 
the  position  for  berthing  a  vessel  at  right  angles  to  the  mole;  A  is 
the  inside  berth.  Vessels  moor  with  anchors  ahead  and  their  sterns 
hauled  toward  the  mole,  but  not  nearer  than  60  yards  to  it.  There 
are  depths  of  from  7  to  11  fathoms  50  yards  from  the  mole.  The 
naval  authorities  will,  on  request,  supply  large  hemp  stem  hawsers, 
and  these  should  always  be  used  in  addition  to  the  Vessel's  own 
hawsers.  In  winter  there  should  be  two  anchors  down,  one  about 
2  points  on  each  bow  when  moored,  with  about  100  fathoms  of  cable 
on  each,  as  the  squalls  are  violent  from  the  northward,  and  there 
should  be  four  hawsers  astern  as  southeasterly  winds  send  in  a  heavy 
sea.  Letter  A  berth  should  not  be  used  by  a  vessel  over  460  feet  in 
length,  as  a  longer  vessel  with  over  60  fathoms  of  cable  out  would 
foul  vessels  lying  off  Molo  San  Gennaro.  The  large  glass  dome  of 
Galleria  Umberto,  which  is  electrically  lit  at  night,  bearing  282°,  is 
a  good  mark  for  anchoring  in  vessels  of  moderate  length  when  moor- 
ing at  the  berths  on  the  north  side  of  Molo  San  Vincenzo,  but  as 
there  are  two  other  domes  in  the  vicinity  caution  is  necessary. 

A  naval  vessel  should  acquaint  the  consul  of  an  intended  visit  to 
the  port  in  order  that  a  berth  may  be  reserved. 

Westward  of  letter  A  berth  is  a  guardship  flying  the  admiral's 
flag,  and  six  berths  for  vessels  of  the  Italian  Navy.  No  vessel  is 
allowed  inside  the  guardship. 

Vessels  moor  off  Molo  San  Gennaro,  with  their  heads  to  the 
southeastward  and  their  sterns  hauled  toward  the  mole  by  haAvsers ; 
there  should  be  about  60  fathoms  of  cable  out  on  the  anchors. 


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278  THE   WEST  COAST  OF   ITALY. 

Porto  Militaire  lies  between  the  inner  part  of  Molo  San  Vin- 
cenzo  and  Molo  Angioino,  Calata  Beverello  being  on  its  western  side ; 
it  is  used  by  small  Italian  naval  vessels. 

DarsenlEi  Militaire,  on  the  southwestern  side  of  Porto  Militaire, 
is  entered  by  a  channel,  with  a  swing  bridge  over  it,  between  pro- 
jections from  Molo  San  Vincenzo  and  Calata  Beverello,  in  which 
there  is  a  depth  of  3^  fathoms.  It  is  used  by  small  naval  vessels 
fitting  out  or  under  repair. 

Porto  Mercantile  consists  of  Porto  Vecchio  on  the  west,  Porto 
Nuovo  in  the  middle,  and  Porto  Orientale  on  the  east.  There  are 
several  warping  buoys  in  the  port. 

Porto  Vecchio  lies  between  Molo  San  Gennaro  and  Calata  Piliero, 
Molo  Angioino  being  on  its  southwestern  side,  and  Molo  Immacola- 
tella  projecting  about  100  yards  southeastward  from  the  northeastern 
end  of  Calata  Piliero.  There  is  a  depth  of  26  feet  alongside  the 
wharf  on  the  northern  side  of  Molo  San  Grennaro,  and  on  the  mole, 
which  is  connected  to  the  railroad,  are  bonded  warehouses.  Near 
Molo  Inmiacolatella  is  a  channel  crossed  by  a  swing  bridge,  giving 
access  to  Porto  Piccolo,  a  small  basin,  with  the  customhouse  for 
general  cargo  on  its  southwestern  side,  which  is  brought  in  by 
lighters.    The  health  office  is  on  Molo  Immacolatella. 

Porto  Nuovo  lies  between  Molo  Inmiacolatella  and  Molo  Trapezoi- 
(lale,  which  extends  about  250  yards  southward  from  the  shore  500 
yards  northeastward,  and  on  which  is  the  port  office.  Calata  delle 
Porta  di  Massa,  on  the  northwestern  side  of  the  port,  is  generally 
used  by  sailing  vessels.  The  calata  on  the  western  side  of  Molo 
Trapezoidale  are  used  by  trans- Atlantic  emigrant  vessels. 

Harbor  works. — ^The  whole  of  the  breakwater  under  construction 
across  the  entrance  to  the  port  is  above  water,  and  a  large  trapezoidal 
wharf  has  been  constructed  in  the  northern  part  of  the  commercial 
port,  for  landing  passengers;  the  port  office  is  on  this  wharf. 

The  opening  between  the  above-mentioned  breakwater  and  the  San 
Vincenzo  Mole  is  about  373  yards.  The  eastern  mole  is  being  wid- 
ened to  149  feet,  the  Immacolatella  Nuova  Mole  is  being  adapted  for 
the  mooring  of  at  least  five  big  liners  at  the  same  time,  and  dry  docks 
are  being  constructed.  The  port  is  to  be  extended  toward  the  Granili 
by  the  building  of  a  new  breakwater,  in  course  of  construction:  from 
the  shore,  two  jetties  are  to  be  built  328  yards  long  and  131  yards 
wide,  at  a  distance  of  224  yards  one  from  the  other.  The  coaling  quay 
is  to  be  augmented  by  the  construction  of  a  jetty  on  the  Vittorio 
Emanuele  Rocks,  437  yards  long  and  142  yards  wide,  with  a  break- 
water at  its  head  westward,  of  about  87  yards  beyond  its  original 
length.  Railroad  lines  are  to  be  laid  on  tliese  new  sections  of  the 
harbor.     The  disinfecting  station  is  being  considerably  extended,  a 


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THE   WEST   COAST  OF  ITALY.  279 

new  post  office  has  been  built  near  the  main  landing  stage,  as  well  as  a 
health  office.  Two  revolving  bridges  at  the  new  port  are  being  con- 
structed, and  three  electric  cranes  have  been  provided  on  the  quay  for 
handling  ordinary  cargoes. 

Lights — San  Vincenzo  Mole. — From  an  iron  column  at  the 
extremity  of  the  mole,  an  occulting  red  light  every  four  seconds,  thus : 
Light  three  seconds,  occultation  one  second,  is  exhibited  at  an  eleva- 
tion of  31  feet  above  the  sea,  visible  7  miles  in  clear  weather. 

Lights — San  Gennaro  Mole. — A  flashing  white  light,  elevated 
160  feet  above  the  sea,  and  visible  19  miles,  is  exhibited  from  a  circu- 
lar stone  tower,  141  feet  high,  with  octagonal  base,  situated  at  the 
junction  of  Angioino  and  San  Gennaro  Moles. 

The  iron  staff  over  hut,  from  which  the  light  at  the  southeastern 
angle  of  San  Gennaro  Mole  is  exhibited,  is  18  feet  in  height. 

At  3  yards  from  southeastern  angle  of  San  Gennaro  Mole  is  ex- 
hibited from  an  iron  staff  over  a  hut,  at  an  elevation  of  28  feet  above 
the  sea,  an  occulting  red  light  visible  5  miles.     (See  Light  List.) 

Two  fixed  lights  have  been  established  at  the  southern  entrance  to 
the  new  basin,  known  as  Vittorio  Emanuele  II  Basin. 

Note. — (1916)  WiU  be  changed  In  the  near  future  from  fixed  to  flashing, 
visible  3  miles.    There  will  be  no  change  in  the  color  of  the  lights.    * 

A  red  light  elevated  28  feet  above  the  sea,  visible  4  miles,  on  the 
head  of  the  West  Mole  390  yards  54°  from  the  light  on  the  head  of 
the  Curvilinear  Mole. 

A  green  light  elevated  23  feet  above  the  sea  and  visible  3  miles  on 
the  head  of  the  east  mole. 

Curvilinear  Breakwater. — An  occulting  green  light,  elevated  33 
feet  above  the  sea  and  visible  7  miles,  is  exhibited  from  the  south- 
western end  of  the  new  Curvilinear  Breakwater.    Unwatched. 

Martello  Mole. — An  occulting  green  light,  elevated  26  feet  above 
the  sea  and  visible  5  miles,  is  exhibited  from  a  turret  18  feet  in  height 
on  the  head  of  Martello  Mole. 

Curvilinear  Mole. — An  occulting  green  light,  elevated  33  feet 
above  the  sea  and  visible  9  miles,  is  exhibited  from  a  white  circular 
turret  26  feet  high  on  the  head  of  the  Curvilinear  Mole.  This  light 
is  obscured  to  the  southward  and  westward  by  the  wall  of  San 
Vincenzo  Mole. 

X  small  fixed  red  electric  light  is  shown  from  the  Rotonda  Quay 
landing. 

Six  fixed  red  electric  lights  are  shown  in  pairs  at  the  three  steps 
on  the  west  side  of  Trapezoidal  Wharf.     (See  Light  List  and  chart.) 

Naples — ^Landing  mole — Lights. — A  concrete  landing  mole  has 
been  constructed  in  the  Commercial  Port,  eastward  of  the  Trapezoidal 
Wharf.    The  southern  end  of  this  mole  lies  about  448  vards  0°  from 


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280  THE   WEST  COAST  OF   ITALY. 

the  light  on  the  end  of  Martello  Mole,  and  from  this  point  it  extends 
in  a  0°  direction  to  the  shore,  with  a  width  of  32  feet.  A  jBxed  red 
light  has  beei^  established  on  each  comer  of  the  seaward  end  of  the 
new  mole.  These  lights  are  exhibited  15  feet  above  the  water  from 
masonry  cohmms  and  are  visible  only  in  the  interior  of  the  port. 

Buoys. — ^There  are  seven  cylindrical  iron  mooring  buoys  in  the 
Commercial  Port,  a  similar  one  in  the  basin  of  the  docks,  and  one, 
painted  white,  for  yachts  in  the  anchorage  southward  of  San  Vin- 
cenzo  Mole. 

Wreck — ^Biioy. — ^The  wreck  of  a  tug  lies  sunk  about  109  yards 
southeastward  of  the  end  of  the  Curvilinear  Mole.  It  is  marked  by  a 
buoy  with  a  red  flag. 

Anchorages. — ^A  good  berth  for  a  large  vessel  during  fine 
weather,  or  if  only  making  a  short  stay  at  Naples,  is  about  i  mile 
southward  from  the  San  Vincenzo  Mole  Lighthouse,  in  27  fathoms, 
with  the  extremity  of  Ovo  Fort  bearing  270°;  the  bottom  in  this 
position  is  mud.  A  more  sheltered  position  will  be  had  about  half- 
way between  the  San  Vincenzo  Mole  and  Ovo  Fort  in  12  or  14 
fathoms,  sand.    Moor  with  open  hawse  to  the  south  westward. 

With  any  wind  from  the  southward  this  is  a  dangerous  place  for 
boat  work. 

Vessels,  however,  usually  proceed  inside  the  moles,  and  should 
invariably  do  so  with  winds  from  the  southward.  Naval  vessels 
are  generally  berthed  in  the  military  port  outside  the  guardship 
flying  the  admiral's  flag,  no  vessel  being  allowed  inside  her;  hav- 
ing anchors  ahead  and  stem  hauled  into  the  guns  or  bollards  on 
the  San  Vincenzo  Mole,  the  places  for  securing  being  indicated  by 
four  perpendicular  white  stripes,  painted  on  the  mole,  and  lettered 
A  to  D  in  black  letters.  These  conmience  about  400  yards  westward 
of  the  old  lighthouse,  are  50  yards  apart,  and  provide  billets  for  four 
vessels.  It  is  advisable  to  acquaint  the  consul  by  telegraph  before- 
hand, that  a  billet  may  be  reserved  for  naval  vessels. 

In  winter  there  should  be  two  anchors  down,  north-northeast  and 
north-northwest,  with  about  100  fathoms  of  chain  out  on  each,  as  the 
squalls  are  heavy  from  that  quarter.  It  is  also  advisable  to  have  four 
hawsers  out  astern,  as  south-southeast  winds  bring  in  a  heavy  swell. 
There  should  be  a  space  of  60  yards  between  the  stern  and  the  mole, 
which  has  7  to  14  fathoms  to  within  50  feet  of  it.  The  large  and 
conspicuous  glass  dome  of  the  Arcade,  electrically  lighted  at  night, 
brought  on  a  bearing,  is  a  useful  mark  for  dropping  the  anchors  by, 
but  as  there  are  two  other  domes  which  might  be  mistaken  for  it, 
the  conspicuous  red  lighthouse  on  San  Gennaro  Mole  is  probably  a 
better  mark. 

Owing  to  the  large  number  of  vessels  usually  berthed  here,  consider- 
able care  is  necessary  to  moor  a  vessel  in  the  military  port. 


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THE   WEST   COAST  OF  ITALY.  281 

Sea  level. — There  is  no  regular  tide,  but  a  rise  and  fall  of  water 
is  observable  with  winds  from  the  southwest.  With  gales  from  this 
quarter  there  is  also  a  considerable  outset  of  current,  so  that  vessels 
ride  easier  at  their  anchors  than  from  the  force  of  the  wind  might 
be  expected.  The  greatest  swell  is  sent  into  the  bay  with  winds 
from  west-southwest  to  south-southwest. 

Pilots  are  found  oflf  the  end  of  San  Vincenzo  Mole  vessels  require- 
ing  one  make  the  usual  signal;  there  are  four  boats  distinguished 
by  numbers  1  to  4;  they  carry  a  square  flag  with  a  white  P  in  the 
center. 

Be^ulations  for  boats. — Naval  vessels  at  the  San  Vincenzo 
Mole  have  permission  to  carry  on  communication  with  the  shore  by 
means  of  the  quay  in  the  northwestern  part  of  the  arsenal,  except 
from  1  a.  m.  to  6  a.  m.,  when  the  gates  are  closed.  Shore  boats  from 
the  CJommercial  Port  are  not  allowed  to  enter  the  Military  Port  dur- 
ing those  hours,  except  by  permission  from  the  guard  ship,  and  then 
only  to  h.er,  the  further  forwarding  to  proper  vessels  being  effected 
from  the  guard  ship. 

Seg^ulations. — ^To  facilitate  the  arrival  and  departure  of  the 
State  postal  steamers  and  those  of  the  Naples-Tunis  line  in  the 
east  zone  of  the  conmiercial  port  of  Naples,  between  the  Trapezoidal 
Mole  and  the  head  of  the  Martello  Mole,  it  is  ordered  that  from  30 
minutes  before  to  30  minutes  after  the  hour  fixed  in  the  oflScial  time 
table  for  the  arrival  and  departure  of  the  lines  referred  to,  steamers 
and  sailing  vessels  arriving  and  departing  shall  so  regulate  their 
maneuvers  as  not  to  cause  any  obstruction  to  the  postal  craft  referred 
to.  Offenders  are  liable  to  be  punished,  and  will  be  responsible  for 
any  consequent  damages. 

Vittorio  Emanuele  II  Basin. — On  account  of  the  banking  works 
of  the  eastern  part  of  the  East  Mole  of  the  dry  docks,  vessels  navi- 
gating in  the  basin  situated  immediately  to  the  eastward  of  the  said 
docks  should  keep  in  the  zone  (109  yards)  toward  the  westward  of  the 
extremity  of  the  groin  of  the  jetty  called  Vittorio  Emanuele  II, 
which  originates  to  eastward  of  the  mouth  of  the  Sebeto.  This  pas- 
sage will  be  marked  to  the  west  by  a  pile  erected  on  the  head  of  the 
groin  of  the  banking  referred  to. 

Landing. — The  best  landing  place  is  at  the  east  gate  of  Castello 
Nuovo,  that  at  the  health  office  being  usually  crowded  with  boats 
and  shipping  and  bad  to  approach. 

Coal,  etc.— From  79,000  to  80,000  tons  of  coal  are  kept  in  stock. 
Coaling  is  performed  by  means  of  lighters  at  the  rate  of  2,000  to 
3,000  tons  a  day;  20  to  30  lighters  are  kept  loaded,  and  235  others, 
of  50  to  500  tons,  are  available;  120  tons  can  be  loaded  per  hour. 
Tugs  are  available.     Oil  fuel  will  shortly  be  obtainable. 


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282  THE   WEST  COAST  OF   ITALY. 

Docks. — There  is  a  Government  dry  dock  on  the  inner  side  of 
Molo  San  Vincenzo,  and  two  floating  docks;  there  are  two  private 
docks  at  the  northern  end  of  Darsena  dei  Bacini.  (For  particulars, 
see  Appendix  I.) 

Supplies. — ^Provisions  and  other  requisites  can  be  readily  ob- 
tained and  water  from  spouts  along  the  mole  conveyed  to  the  vessels 
through  canvas  hose  by  the  doc^ard  department;  it  is  supplied 
gratuitously  to  naval  vessels  on  application;  there  is  also  a  Govern- 
ment tank. 

Sailor's  Brest. — ^This  benevolent  institution  (established  1883) 
provides  for  the  seamen  of  all  nations  good  sleeping  acconmiodation 
and  meals.  Seamen  of  all  nationalities  can  use  the  reading  room 
free. 

Sepairs. — All  kinds  of  repairs  can  be  executed  by  the  firm  of  C. 
&  T.  T.  Pattison.  Ten-inch  sl:afts  can  be  turned,  cyhnders  of  72 
inches  diameter  cast  and  bored,  and  any  boiler  work.  There  are 
108  machines  and  lathes,  large  smithy  and  steam  hammers,  and  en- 
gines of  4,000  horsepower  have  been  made* 

Another  firm  in  the  Society  Industriale  Napoletana,  Miani  & 
Silvestri  (ex  Hawthorn  Guppy ) ,  who  principally  undertake  the  con- 
struction of  machinery. 

Also  at  Pozzuoli,  Sir  W.  Armstrong  &  Co.  have  constructed  a 
large  establishment  for  the  manufacture  of  ordnance  for  the  Italian 
Government. 

Telegraph  cable. — The  telegraph  cable  from  Palermo  is  landed 
near  the  eastern  end  of  the  sea  wall  in  a  masonry  watch  house,  which 
is  marked  "  Cavo  sottomarino  "  on  its  side  fronting  the  sea.  Two 
white  openwork  ball  beacons  in  line  indicate  its  direction,  and 
anchorage  is  prohibited  in  the  locality. 

Storm  signals. — ^The  signals  are  hoisted  on  a  flagstaff  near  the 
principal  lighthouse,  San  Gennaro  Mole,  at  an  elevation  of  147  feet 
above  the  sea,  and  are  identical  with  those  made  at  other  places  on 
the  coasts  of  Italy. 

Time  ball. — A  time  signal  has  been  established  on  Maschio  An- 
gioino  (Castello  Xuovo).  The  signal  consists  of  a  ball,  65  feet  above 
the  sea,  hoisted  on  a  flagstaff.  The  ball  is  hoisted  at  five  minutes 
before  the  signal,  and  dropped  electrically  from  the  Hydrographic 
OflSce  at  noon,  standard  mean  time,  corresponding  to  23h.  Om.  Os. 
Greenwich  mean  time. 

Should  the  signal  fail  or  be  inaccurate,  the  ball  will  be  hoisted 
half Aay  up  at  4|  minutes,  and  lowered  at  15  minutes,  after  the  time 
of  the  signal,  and  the  signal  repeated  at  Ih.  Oni.  Os.  standard  mean 
time. 

Should  the  signal  again  fail,  the  ball  Avill  be  hoisted  halfway  up 
and  lowered  as  before,  but  the  signal  will  not  be  repeated. 


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THE   WEST   COAST  OF  ITALY.  283 

Position  of  the  flagstaff,  latitude  40°  50'  15''  N.,  longitude  14° 
15'  2"  E. 

A  gun  is  fired  at  midday  from  Castello  di  Sant'  Elmo,  but  it  should 
not  be  used  as  a  time  signal. 

Commiixiication. — Naples  has  railroad  communication  to  Brin- 
disi,  Taranto,  Reggio,  and  all  the  capitals  in  Europe ;  tramways  and 
funicular  railroads  up  the  cone  of  Vesuvius.  The  Circum-Vesuvian 
Railroad  was  completed  in  1905 ;  the  new  section  runs  from  Naples 
to  Pompeii,  tliei*e  joining  the  older  part  of  the  line.  A  new  express 
railroad  between  Naples  and  Rome  is  in  course  of  construction. 

Numerous  lines  of  steamers  call  here,  among  which  are  the 
steamers  of  the  Orient  Line  between  England  and  Australia,  fort- 
nightly each  way,  calling  at  Gibraltar,  Marseille,  Egypt,  and  Co- 
lombo ;  the  British  India  Line  from  India  to  London  every  fortnight, 
from  London  to  India,  as  inducement  offers:  the  Cunard  Line  from 
Liverpool  to  the  Mediterranean  and  return  to  Liverpool  about  twice 
a  month ;  the  Atlantic  and  Eastern  Line  from  Liverpool  to  the  Medi- 
terranean and  back  about  twice  a  month;  the  Ellerman  Line  from 
Liverpool  to  the  Mediterranean  and  back  about  twice  a  month ;  the 
General  Steam  Navigation  Co.  from  London  to  the  Mediterranean 
and  back  about  twice  a  month;  the  Wilson  Line  from  Hull  to  the 
Mediterranean  and  back  about  twice  a  month;  the  Blue  Cross  Line 
about  twice  a  month  to  Antwerp  and  London  via  Mediterranean 
ports;  the  Dundee  Gem  and  Golden  Cross  Lines  occasionally  to 
London  during  fruit  season;  the  Thomson  and  Phelps  Lines  occa- 
sionally to  Montreal  and  New  York  during  fruit  season ;  the  Prince 
Line,  Mediterranean  to  New  York  about  twice  a  month ;  the  "White 
Star  Line  to  New  York  and  to  Boston,  United  States  of  America, 
fortnightly ;  the  Anchor  Line  to  New  York  about  two  or  three  times 
a  month ;  the  North  German  Lloyd  Line  to  Southampton ;  the  Ham- 
burg American  Line  to  New  York  occasionally;  the  German  East 
African  Line  every  fortnight  to  the  East  Coast  of  Africa,  calling 
at  all  ports  to  Delagoa  Bay,  with  extension  to  Durban,  every  four 
weeks,  homeward  to  Hamburg;  the  Royal  Hungarian  Adria  Line 
to  Marseille,  Fiume,  Trieste,  via  Malta  and  Italian  ports;  the  Frais- 
sinet  Line  every  week  to  Marseille;  the  Mixte  Line  every  week  to 
Marseille;  and  the  Messageries  Maritimes  every  fortnight  to  the 
eastern  Mediterranean  ports. 

The  Egyptian  Mail  Steamship  Co.  has  regular  sailings  to  Alex- 
andria and  thence  to  Marseille.  In  1908  a  direct  weekly  steamer  to 
Malta  conmienced  running,  and  the  establishment  of  a  line  of  fast 
steamers  is  intended.  The  Thomson  Line  has  a  service  of  direct 
steamers  in  the  emigration  traffic  between  Naples  and  Canada. 

Besides  these  there  is  constant  communication  to  all  the  principal 
ports  in  the  Mediterranean  by  the  Florio  Rubbatino  Co.'s  steamers. 

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284  THE   WEST  COAST   OF   ITALY. 

Hospitals. — The  Naval  Hospital  of  Piedigrotta  has  500  beds,  and 
the  Military  Hospital  of  La  Trinita  about  600  beds. 

Pellegrini  Hospital,  with  130  beds,  receives  cases  of  wounds,  con- 
tusions, and  poisons,  without  regard  to  nationality,  and  gratuitously. 

There  is  a  hospital  for  incurables  with  700  beds. 

Cotugno  Hospital  has  200  beds  for  severe  cases,  at  a  daily  charge 
for  strangers. 

Loretto  Hospital  has  300  beds  for  cases  of  boils,  asphyxia,  and 
poison ;  Le  Pace  Hospital,  84  beds  for  severe  cases ;  and  Ges6  e  Maria 
Hospital,  50  beds  for  special  surgical  cases. 

Aadio. — A  radio  station  near  Molo  Angioino  Lighthouse  is  always 
open  to  the  public;  the  call  letters  are  I  C  N. 

The  central  telegraph  office  is  always  open. 

The  shore. — The  large  houses  of  Granili,  now  barracks,  about 
800  yards  eastward  of  Molo  Vittorio  Emanuele  II,  are  noticeable 
from  seaward.  The  shore  between  Granili  and  Granatello,  3  miles 
southeastward,  is  a  beach  of  dark  volcanic  sand,  the  5-fathom  curve 
being  distant  from  400  yards  to  1,000  yards.  The  country  inland 
is  low.  Several  small  piers  extend  off  the  shore.  The  shipbuilding 
works  of  Pattison,  with  several  chimneys,  lie  between  Granili  ahd 
San  Giovanni  a  Teduccio,  about  1  mile  southeastward,  the  cam- 
panile of  which  has  a  pyramidal  spire.  The  buildings  of  Petrarsa 
foundry,  on  a  small  projection  about  1  mile  southeastward  of  San 
Giovanni  a  Teduccio,  are  conspicuous. 

Directions. — Few  directions  are  necessary  for  proceeding  to  the 
port  of  Naples,  as  the  landmarks  are  conspicuous,  the  lights  good, 
and  the  coast  generally  bold-to  and  free  of  danger.  If  coming 
from  the  southward,  Capri  Island  (elevated  1,919  feet)  will  easily 
be  distinguished  and  may  be  safely  passed  on  either  side.  If  from 
the  northward  or  westward,  Ischia  Island  (2,598  feet  high)  can 
be  seen  from  40  to  50  miles;  it  can  be  closely  approached,  and  the 
passages  on  either  side  of  Procida  Island  taken  according  to  the 
directions  previously  given.  Or,  if  entering  the  bay  to  the  south- 
ward of  these  islands,  then  Vesuvius  will  be  a  good  mark  to  steer 
for  either  by  night  or  by  day ;  proceed  in  with  it  bearing  about  70° 
until  Cape  Miseno  bears  294° ;  then  haul  in  for  the  lights  at  Naples. 

Approach. — The  following  are  good  marks :  Convento  dei  Camal- 
doli,  on  a  hill  1,587  feet  high,  about  li  miles  northwestward  of  the 
city,  white  and  conspicuous.  CoUina  di  Capodimonte,  surmounted 
by  a  palace,  northward  of  the  city,  and  the  Astronomical  Observatory 
near  it,  which  can  be  distinguished  from  seaward  by  its  white  cupolas. 
CoUina  di  Pizzofalcone,  westward  of  the  city,  with  large  barracks 
on  it,  which  extend  to  a  short  distance  from  the  sea.  Palazzo  Reale 
and  Castello  Nuovo,  near  the  root  of  Molo  San  Vincenzo.  Two  high 
chimneys  at  the  electric  power  station  westward  of  the  Port  office, 

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THE   WEST   COAST  OF   ITALY.  285 

and  the  sharp  steeple  of  Chiesa  Carmine,  northward  of  Porto 
Orientale. 

Pilots. — The  old  lighthouse  on  Molo  San  Vincenzo  is  now  the 
pilots'  watchhonse,  and  pilots  board  vessels  flying  the  pilot  signal 
within  about  2  miles  from  the  end  of  Molo  San  Vincenzo. 

The  pilots  are  organized  in  one  body  for  the  service  of  the  port  of 
Naples  and  Golfo  and  Porto  di  Pozzuoli. 

The  pilots  take  vessels  to  a  distance  not  less  than  2  miles  from  the 
head  of  Molo  San  Vincenzo,  and  should  take  vessels  to  Pozzuoli  at  an 
increase  of  one-quarter  of  the  charge. 

Tides. — It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  in  the  port  of  Naples, 
at  9h.  12m. ;  springs  rise  8  inches,  neaps  4  incfies. 

Mount  Vesuvius  (ancient  Vesuvio)  has  been  for  the  last  three 
centuries  the  most  active  volcano  in  Europe;  it  rises  immediately  over 
the  sea  at  the  head  of  the  Gulf  of  Naples  and  is  surrounded,  except 
on  the  western  side  (which  is  washed  by  the  sea) ,  by  the  plain  of  Cam- 
pania, its  base  being  30  miles  in  circumference.  It  rises  gently  to 
what  is  called  the  "  first  plain,"  which  is  about  i  mile  above  the  level 
of  the  sea  and  is  about  5  miles  in  diameter.  This  plain  forms  the 
base  of  Mount  Somma,  the  highest  point  of  which  is  3,630  feet. 
Mount  Somma  extends  for  about  3  miles  in  an  irregular  semicircle 
round  the  northern  and  eastern  sides  of  the  crater,  the  two  summits 
being  separated  by  the  deep  semicircular  valley  known  as  the  Atrio 
del  Cavallo,  but  on  the  west  and  southwest  the  fall  is  continuous 
though  uneven  from  the  crater  to  the  shore.  The  height  of  the  active 
cone  has  varied  considerably  of  late  years.  The  eruption  of  April, 
1906,  caused  considerable  changes,  and  the  extreme  height,  since 
determined,  is  4,012  feet.  The  height  of  the  crater  rim  has  also 
become  more  irregular,  dropping  to  only  3,619  feet  on  the  east-north- 
eastern side,  with  a  diameter  of  2,379  feet  in  a  north-northeastern  and 
south-southwestern  direction.  On  the  northwestern  side,  at  an  ele- 
vation of  1,952  feet,  are  a  hermitage  and  observatory,  and  round 
the  foot  of  the  mountain  on  all  sides  are  populous  villages,  the  land 
being  richly  cultivated  and  in  places  wooded. 

There  is  a  tramway  service  from  Naples  to  Santa  Maria  di 
Pugliano,  whence  an  electric  railroad  runs  to  the  funicular  line 
which  ascends  the  cone  above  the  observatory. 

San  Giovanni — ^Pier — ^Buoys. — A  pier  185  yards  long  extends 
from  the  coast  at  about  i  mile  northwestward  of  this  village.  Two 
cylindrical  mooring  buoys  are  situated  on  each  side  of  this  pier. 

Portici  and  Besina  are  two  towns  at  the  foot  of  Mount  Vesuvius; 
the  former,  3^  miles  southward  of  Naples,  has  a  small  mole.  Port 
Granatello,  and  contains  a  population  of  about  13,000,  who  are  prin- 
cipally engaged  in  fishing.    Resina  is  only  ^  mile  from  Portici  and  is 


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286  THE   WEST  COAST  OF   ITALY. 

built  on  the  site  of  Herculaneum ;  it  contains  a  population  of  about 
1,600. 

Light. — ^A  fixed  green  light,  elevated  39  feet  above  the  sea  and 
visible  6  miles,  is  exhibited  from  a  small  white  building  with' circular 
base,  21  feet  in  height,  on  the  molehead  at  Granatello.  (See  Light 
List.) 

Buoy. — ^A  red  cylindrical  warping  buoy  lies  in  the  middle  of  the 
port. 

Buoy  carried  away. — The  warping  buoy  in  the  harbor  of  Port 
Granatello  has  been  carried  away  (1916). 

Torre  del  Greco,  a  town  containing  a  population  of  about  35,328, 
stands  on  the  shore  at  the  foot  of  Mount  Vesuvius,  1^  miles  south- 
ward of  Resina ;  a  part  of  the  population  is  engaged  in  coral  fishing 
and  sponge  fisheries  Avorking  on  the  coast  of  Africa,  and  tlie  banks  in 
the  channel  between  Sicily  and  Tunis.  The  ^number  of  boats  era- 
ployed  in  coral  fishing  was  over  500,  but  has  been  reduced  to  less 
than  100,  as  the  trade  is  decreasing  every  year. 

The  port,  about  400  yards  long  and  300  yards  wide,  in  which  are 
depths  of  from  1  to  4f  fathoms,  is  formed  by  a  mole  which  projects 
in  a  southerly  direction  for  460  yards  from  the  shore  near  Calastro 
Fort. 

Harbor  works. — The  mole  (breakwater)  is  being  repaired  and 
extended  about  98  feet. 

A  mole  is  under  construction  in  the  eastern  portion  of  Port  Torre 
del  Greco,  commencing  at  Portosalvo  and  extending  southwestward 
for  a  distance  of  65  yards. 

Buoy. — A  red  and  white  can  buoy  is  moored  about  55  yards  from 
the  head  of  the  mole  at  Torre  del  Greco,  to  mark  the  works  in 
progress  for  its  extension.  It  is  dangerous  to  pass  between  the  buoy 
and  the  head  of  the  mole. 

Cape  Bruno  is  3  miles  southward  of  Torre  del  Greco;  on  it  is 
Scassata  Tower,  and  from  it  the  shore  at  the  base  of  Vesu\ius  turns 
abruptly  to  the  eastward  for  1^  miles  to  the  commencement  of  a 
sandy  beach  where  stands  the  town  of  Torre  Annunziata.  Midway 
between  Torre  del  Greco  and  Cape  Bruno  and  1  mile  inland  is  the 
convent  of  Camaldoli  de  la  Torre  on  a  peak  608  feet  high. 

Port  Torre  Annunziata. — The  port  is  inclosed  by  moles,  the 
eastern  extending  about  300  yards  from  the  shore  in  a  southwest 
direction,  and  the  western  projecting  about  1,000  yards,  gradually 
curving  to  the  south  and  southeast,  and  inclosing  depths  of  from 
0  to  28  feet. 

The  entrance  betAveen  the  moleheads  is  400  yards  wide,  but  the 
navigable  channel  is  reduced  to  a  width  of  250  yards  by  a  shoal 
bank  extending  off  the  shore  southeastward  of  Levante  Mole. 


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THE   WEST   COAST  OF  ITALY.  287 

Buoy. — ^A  conical  white  buoy,  with  topmark,  is  moored  525  feet 
south  of  the  head  of  the  East  Mole  in  3|  fathoms;  this  buoy  must  be 
left  on  the  starboard  hand  when  entering. 

A  black  conical  buoy  with  conical  topmark  is  moored  171  yards 
174°  30'  from  the  light  at  the  head  of  the  East  Mole  to  mark  the 
extremity  of  the  shoal. 

Lights — ^West  Mole. — An  occulting  white  light  with  red  sector, 
elevated  39  feet  and  visible  12  miles,  is  exhibited  from  a  red  circular 
tower  above  a  red  circular  building,  33  feet  high,  on  the  extremity 
of  the  West  Mole  at  Torre  Annunziata.     (For  sectors  see  Light  List.) 

East  Mole. — An  occulting  green  light,  elevated  29  feet  above  the 
sea  and  visible  5  miles,  is  exhibited  from  a  derrick  on  a  red  stone 
hut  situated  on  the  extremity  of  the  East  Mole  (Molo  di  Levante). 

Anchorage. — ^There  is  temporary  fine  weather  anchorage  in 
spring  and  summer,  in  8  fathoms  water,  about  300  yards  south- 
westward  from  the  head  of  Molo  di  Ponente. 

Vessels  mooring  in  the  port  at  Molo  di  Ponente  and  the  outer  part 
of  Molo  di  Levante  should  drop  their  anchors  well  apart,  and  have 
plenty  of  cable  out  as  the  holding  ground  is  only  moderate,  and  a 
heavy  swell  sets  into  the  port  with  southeasterly  and  southerly 
winds. 

There  is  said  to  be  a  remarkable  agitation  of  the  water  in  the  port 
an  hour  or  two  before  the  commencement  of  southeasterly  winds. 

Pilots. — There  is  a  pilotage  service,  which  extends  1  mile  from 
the  entrance  to  the  port.  When  the  pilot  is  retained  on  board  from 
sunset  to  dawn  he  is  entitled  to  an  additional  charge,  and  to  a  further 
c  harge  if  he  goes  with  his  boat  to  the  vessel's  moorings. 

The  town  of  Torre  Annunziata  stands  at  the  head  of  the  port,  and 
the  conspicuous  gray  cupola  of  Carmine  rises  on  the  slopes  behind; 
below  the  cupola  is  a  railroad  viaduct;  the  gray  cupola  of  Chiesa 
dell'  Annunziata,  a  little  to  the  southeastward,  is  smaller.  The 
Campanile  di  Bosco  Tre  Case,  about  1  mile  northward  of  the  town, 
is  white,  pointed,  and  conspicuous.  The  principal  industries  are 
flour  milling,  manufacture  of  alimentary  paste,  patent  fuel,  and 
small  arms;  the  iron  and  steel  foundries  of  Vesuvio  are  in  the  vicin- 
ity.   The  population  is  about  28,084. 

Hospital. — There  is  a  civil  hospital,  with  36  beds,  which  receives 
strangers  at  a  daily  rate,  paid  fortnightly  in  advance. 

Communication. — There  is  railroad  and  telegraphic  communi- 
cation. 

Coal. — In  1913,  271,492  tons  of  coal  were  landed  at  Torre  Annun- 
ziata, and  42,000  tons  of  coal  are  usually  in  stock;  it  is  brought  off 
in  lighters,  of  which  there  are  95  of  350  tons;  1,000  tons  of  coal  can 
be  put  on  board  in  24  hours. 


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288  ■      THE   WEST  COAST  OF   ITALY. 

Supplies. — Provisions  can  be  obtained,  and  water  is  taken  into  the 
town  by  an  aqueduct  from  the  sources  of  Fiume  Sarno.  Good 
drinkable  water  is  obtained  from  floating  tanks. 

Pompeii. — ^About  1^  iniles  106°  from  Torre  Annunziata  are  the 
ruins  of  the  ancient  city  of  Pompeii,  overwhehned  by  showers  of 
scoriae,  pumice,  and  ashes  during  the  eruption  of  Vesuvius  in  the 
year  79  A.  D. 

The  shore. — From  Torre  Annunziata  a  sandy  beach  extends  4 
miles  160°  to  Castellamare ;  about  midway  is  the  mouth  of  Sarno 
River  off  which  at  J  mile  distant  is  a  rock  on  which  is  Fort 
Revigliano.  The  railroad  skirts  the  shore  between  the  above-men- 
tioned towns  and  there  are  ironworks  and  factories.  The  water  is 
deep  off  the  above  beach,  there  being  from  9  to  12  fathoms  at  i 
mile  from  the  shore. 

Castellamare  is  situated  at  the  southern  extremity  of  the  above- 
mentioned  sandy  beach  4  miles  from  Torre  Annunziata,  at  the  foot 
of  the  slopes  of  Mount  San  Angelo ;  it  extends  along  the  shore  for 
a  considerable  distance,  part  of  it  occupying  the  site  of  the  ancient 
city  of  Stabise,  which  was  destroyed  at  the  same  time  as  Pompeii. 
The  town  possesses  an  arsenal,  dockyard,  building  slips,  and  military 
hospital,  and  there  are  manufactures  of  linen,  silk,  cotton,  sail  cloth, 
and  macaroni;  in  the  neighborhood  are  mineral  springs  of  high  re- 
pute.   The  population  is  about  36,700. 

The  port. — Shelter  is  afforded  by  four  moles,  the  center  and 
largest  one  projecting  600  feet  12°  from  the  occulting  light  on  the 
inner  end,  thence  560  feet  40°;  the  military  port  lies  between  it 
and  a  mole  about  500  yards  westward,  and  contains  depths  of  from 
3  to  10  fathoms;  the  mercantile  port  is  formed  on  the  eastern  side 
of  the  large  mole,  between  it  and  a  smaller  mole  600  yards  eastward 
from  it,  and  is  the  larger  of  the  two  ports,  with  depths  of  from  3 
to  8  fathoms.  Spacious  quays  extend  along  the  shore  between  the 
moles.  Southeastward  of  the  smaller  mole  a  new  East  Mole  is  being 
constructed. 

Lights. — Root  of  mole. — An  occulting  white  light,  elevated  107 
feet  above  the  sea,  and  visible  15  miles,  is  exhibited  from  a  red 
tower,  71  feet  high,  situated  on  battery  at  the  inner  end  of  the  Cen- 
tral Mole. 

Head  of  mole. — An  occulting  green  Ught,  elevated  30  feet  above 
the  sea,  and  visible  5  miles,  is  shown  from  a  red  iron  crane  on  white 
square  house,  situated  on  the  head  of  the  Central  Mole.  (See  Light 
List.) 

East  Mole — ^Light. — An  occulting  red  electric  light,  visible  6 
miles,  has  been  established  on  the  head  of  the  new  completed  portion 
of  the  new  East  Mole,  570  yards  70"^  from  the  lighthouse,  on  the 
Central  Mole. 


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THE  WEST   COAST  OF  ITALY.  289 

The  light  is  exhibited  27  feet  above  the  water  and  21  feet  above 
the  foundation  from  a  skeleton  iron  tower. 

A  fixed  red  oil  light,  visible  4^  miles,  is  also  exhibited  from  the 
same  tower. 

Mooring  buoys. — There  are  two  mooring  buoys  in  the  mercan- 
tile and  several  in  the  military  port.    For  positions,  see  chart. 

Buoys. — ^In  the  western  part  of  Porto  Militare  are  five  white 
buoys  used  for  swinging  torpedo  vessels  to  adjust  compasses.  A 
mooring  buoy  lies  in  11  fathoms  water  in  the  middle  of  the  entrance 
to  the  port. 

Pilots. — There  is  a  pilot  service  at  Porto  di  Castellamare,  and 
vessels  are  boarded  within  a  distance  of  1  mile  from  the  lighthouse. 

Dredging  is  in  progress  in  the  Port  of  Castellamare.  When  the 
dredger  is  absent  for  depositing  spoil,  the  moorings  are  attached  to 
buoys,  which  should  not  be  approached  by  vessels. 

Stabia — ^Buoys — ^Lightbuoy. — On  account  of  the  prolongation 
of  the  outer  mole  four  red  buoys  have  been  established  as  follows: 

Two  buoys  22  yards  from  the  head  of  the  mole  and  68  yards  on 
each  side  of  the  prolongation  of  the  axis,  and  two  buoys  109  yards 
from  the  head  of  the  mole  and  68  yards  on  each  side  of  the  pro- 
longation of  the  axis. 

A  lightbuoy  indicates  the  limits  of  the  work. 

Vessels  must  keep  at  least  131  yards  from  the  head  of  the  mole. 

Anchorage. — ^The  cathedral,  with  its  dome  and  tower,  is  very 
conspicuous  and  a  good  mark  to  anchor  by;  a  good  berth  is  with  the 
dome  115°  in  14  fathoms  about  400  to  600  yards  from  the  molehead, 
or  nearer  the  shore  in  9  fathoms  and  the  dome  127°. 

Coal. — ^At  the  Royal  Dockyard  3,000  tons  of  coal  are  kept  in  stock, 
and  about  8,000  tons  are  imported  annually.  The  commercial  stock 
is  about  600  tons.  There  is  no  coal  wliarf ;  15  lighters  are  available 
and  two  tugs. 

Dockyard. — Battleships  of  10,000  tons  have  been  built  at  Castel- 
lamare ;  there  are  four  small  and  two  large  slips,  the  latter  are  about 
400  feet  in  length.  Vessels  built  here  have  their  engines  and  boilers 
put  in  at  Naples.  At  the  dockyard  is  a  wire  and  hemp  rope  factory. 
Two  small  slips  are  being  constructed. 

Supplies  of  all  kinds  can  be  procured  in  moderate  quantities.  On 
the  beach  at  the  southwestern  end  of  the  town  is  a  good  spring  of 
water. 

Water  is  supplied  in  lighters  from  springs. 

Trade. — ^The  principal  imports  are  timber,  coal,  old  iron  rails, 
scrap  iron,  and  wheat;  the  exports,  building  and  paving  stones,  fruit, 
macaroni,  etc.  Iron  is  mainly  imported  from  Great  Britain  and 
Antwerp. 

68850—17 19 


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290  THE  WEST  COAST  OF  ITALY. 

Cape  Orlando  is  1^  miles  westward  of  Castellamare;  at  about 
700  yards  262°  of  the  cape  is  a  shoal  of  6  fathoms,  with  27  fathoms 
between  it  and  the  shore. 

Vice  Equense. — ^About  2  miles  westward  of  Cape  Orlando  are 
Gradelle  and  Scutolo  Points,  700  yards  apart;  in  the  bay  between 
Orlando  and  Scutolo  is  the  town  of  Vico  Equense,  containing  a  popula- 
tion of  about  13,000.  It  is  surrounded  by  olive  groves  and  beautifully 
situated  at  the  mouth  of  a  lovely  valley,  bounded  by  bold  cliffs;  in 
these  cliffs  is  a  natural  arch  named  the  "  Bridge  of  Vico,"  through 
which  the  sea  dashes  in  bad  weather,  making  a  tremendous  roar. 

Cape  Sorrento  is  bold  and  has  a  tower  on  it ;  the  coast  between 
the  cape  and  Gradelle  Point  forms  an  open  bay,  in  the  southwestern 
corner  of  which  is  the  town  of  Sorrento ;  the  shore  of  the  bay  is  steep 
but  flat  at  the  top  forming  the  richly  cultivated  plain  of  Sorrento, 
sheltered  by  lofty  mountains  in  the  form  of  an  amphitheater ;  a  great 
number  of  ancient  subterranean  cells  are  found  near  the  shore.  On 
the  eastern  side  of  the  bay  is  the  town  of  Meta. 

Measured  distance. — A  distance  of  119,068  feet  has  been  meas- 
ured, for  ascertaining  the  speed  of  vessels,  westward  of  Cape  Sor- 
rento. The  running  line  is  Casa  Cosenza,  on  Monte  Sant'  Angelo, 
in  line  with  an  old  telegraph  post  on  Monte  Sant'  Angelo  a  Tre  Pizzi, 
90°.  The  western  limit  is  Punta  Sant'  Angelo,  Ischia,  in  line  with 
Monte  Epomeo,  Ischia,  3° ;  and  the  eastern  limit  is  Scoglio  Vervece 
in  line  with  Torre  Gala,  185°.  There  are  depths  of  from  412  to  66 
fathoms  on  the  course. 

Tunny  fishery. — ^Tunny  nets  extend  from  the  eastern  side  of  the 
cape,  in  a  northeastern  direction  for  197  yards. 

Torre  Sergia,  square,  but  not  conspicuous,  is  on  a  rocky  point, 
about  800  yards  southwestward  of  Cape  Orlando.  The  mineral  and 
bca  bathing  establishments  about  i  mile  southward  of  the  tower  are 
noticeable. 

The  convent  of  San  Francesco,  nearly  i  mile  southward  of  Torre 
Sergia,  is  935  feet  above  high  water,  and  isolated  in  the  midst  of 
woods ;  its  cupola  and  campanile  are  white  and  conspicuous. 

La  Marina  di  Vico  Equense  is  a  little  sandy  beach  on  the  shore 
of  a  little  bight,  about  J  mile  southward  of  Torre  Sergia.  On  its 
western  side  is  a  small  high  point,  southward  of  which  is  Vico 
Village,  situated  in  the  midst  of  woods  and  olives,  with  a  fine  battle- 
mented  castle  at  its  southern  end. 

Scoglio  Santa  Margherita,  about  100  yards  northward  of  the  point 
westward  of  the  Marina,  is  rather  high. 

West  of  Vico  Village  is  a  sandy  beach,  within  which  is  the  valley 
of  Rio  d'Arco;  the  head  of  the  valley  is  crossed  by  a  large  bridge 
on  arches,  which  carries  the  tramway  to  Sorrento. 


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THE  WEST  COAST  OF  ITALY.  291 

Funta  di  Scutolo. — ^The  headland  of  Punta  di  Scutolo,  at  the 
western  end  of  the  beach,  is  rocky  and  high;  Punta  Gradelle,  its 
western  extremity,  is  surmounted  by  the  church  of  Santa  Maria  delle 
Grazie,  705  feet  above  high  water,  red,  and  conspicuous. 

La  Marina  d'Alimari  (Alinuri),  on  a  beach  immediately 
southward  of  the  high  land  of  Punta  Gradelle,  is  marked  by  a  lime- 
kiln, two  cylindrical  towers,  and  the  electric  tramway  station. 

II  Porticciuolo  di  Meta^  a  little  farther  southward,  is  sheltered 
from  the  northward  by  a  curved  mole,  westward  of  which  a  spit, 
with  1|  feet  water,  extends  seaward  150  yards;  the  port  is  only  suit- 
able for  boats.  The  high  rocky  point  southward  of  the  port  is 
bordered  by  a  shoal  bank. 

Punta  di  San  Francesco^  nearly  1  mile  southwestward  of  Meta, 
is  high,  rocky,  covered  with  vegetation,  pricipally  pine  trees,  and 
surmounted  by  a  long  wall  and  a  quadrangular  battlemented  turret. 

The  shore  from  Punta  di  San  Francesco  trends  west-southwest - 
ward  J  mile  to  Porto  di  Sorrento;  it  is  rocky,  and  rises  almost  ver- 
tically to  a  height  of  about  165  feet,  the  land  within  being  a  high 
plain  extending  to  the  base  of  the  mountains. 

Sorrento  (ancient  Syrentum)  is  situated  on  the  side  of  a  hill  sur- 
rounded by  medieval  walls  and  defended  by  small  outworks;  it 
contains  a  population  of  7,500.  It  is  remarkable  for  its  industry 
in  inlaid  work,  silk  stockings,  scarfs,  ribbons,  etc.  In  the  town  and 
neighborhood  are  many  ancient  Roman  ruins. 

The  water  is  deep  over  the  bay ,  especially  off  Sorrento,  where  there 
are  20  fathoms  at  200  yards  from  the  shore.  Anchorage,  however, 
may  be  had  in  7  or  8  fathoms  off  the  town  of  Meta ;  there  are  several 
rocks  near  the  shore. 

A  breakwater  is  in  course  of  construction  at  Sorrento,  extending 
from  the  Customhouse  Mole  for  87  yards  in  a  north-northeastern 
direction,  in  from  8  to  26  feet  of  water. 

Light. — ^A  small  fixed  green  light  is  exhibited  from  the  extremity 
of  above  breakw  ater,  visible  1  mile. 

Supplies. — Fresh  meat,  fish,  fruit,  milk,  etc.,  are  to  be  obtained 
at  Sorrento. 

Veryece  Bock. — ^Lying  233°  1,900  yards  from  the  tower  on  Cape 
Massa,  is  Vervece  Eock,  33  feet  above  water ;  the  rock  is  steep-to  all 
around,  and  in  the  channel  between  it  and  the  shore,  which  is  shoal 
400  yards  off,  are  depths  of  17  and  20  fathoms. 

Beacon. — A  wooden  cross  painted  dark  green,  16  feet  high,  has 
hrpn  placed  on  Vervece  Rock. 

Supplies. — Provisions  can  be  obtained,  and  there  is  a  constant 
flow  of  w^ater  from  a  fountain  about  50  yards  from  the  south  shore 
of  the  port. 


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292  THE  WEST  COAST  OF  ITALY. 

Communications. — Small  steamers  between  Naples  and  Capri 
call  twice  daily  each  way.  There  is  an  electric  tramway  to  Castella- 
mare  and  telegraphic  communications. 

The  coast  from  Cape  Massa  trends  south-southwestward  3^  miles 
to  Campanella  Point, and  is  high, bold, and  cliffy;  Massa  Point, south 
ward  of  the  cape,  has  a  tower  on  it,  and  between  this  point  and  Cam- 
panella Point  are  three  towers  at  nearly  equal  distances  from  each 
other.  Massa  Lubrense,  a  straggling  and  populous  town,  stands  on 
the  high  ground  immediately  northward  of  Massa  Point;  fronting 
the  town  is  a  sandy  beach,  off  which  is  a  depth  of  5  fathoms  at  300 
yards  distance.  There  is  a  small  landing  pier,  and  the  town  are 
many  ancient  Roman  ruins. 

Semaphore. — On  Monte  Corbo,  near  Cape  Massa,  is  an  electric 
semaphore  station,  794  feet  above  the  sea,  by  which  passing  vessels 
can  communicate.  The  buildings  are  painted  in  black  and  white 
checkers. 

Campanella  Point  (ancient  Miner vimi  Promontory)  is  high, 
bold,  and  steep-to,  there  being  from  50  to  70  fathoms  i  mile  from  the 
shore;  on  the  point  are  several  ancient  tombs  and  other  ruins.  A 
small  bight  is  formed  on  the  eastern  side  of  Campanella  Point,  in 
which  the  water  is  very  deep.  Mount  St.  Costanzo,  1,598  feet  high, 
rises  immediately  over  the  head  of  the  bight,  1^  miles  from  the  point; 
the  hills  in  the  vicinity  are  covered  with  myrtle  and  olive  trees. 
Mont  Alto  is  a  lofty  headland  forming  the  eastern  point  of  the  bight; 
on  its  eastern  face,  over  the  cliffs,  is  a  tower,  and  off  the  point  is  a 
small  rock  above  water. 

Distress  signals. — Distress  signals  have  been  established  at  Cam- 
panella Light  Station  in  the  vicinity  of  Minerva  Tower. 

Light. — ^An  occulting  white  light,  elevated  100  feet  above  the  sea 
and  visible  13  miles,  is  exhibited  from  a  red  square  building  18  feet 
high  near  Minerva  Tower,  on  Campanella  Point. 

Capri  Island^  the  eastern  point  of  which  (lo  Capo)  lies  262°  2| 
miles  from  Campanella  Point,  is  about  3^  miles  in  length  (70° 
and  250°)  and  varies  from  1^  to  J  mile  in  breadth;  its  surface  is 
mountainous,  the  eastern  and  western  ends  being  high,  but  between 
them  is  a  low  neck  of  land.  The  western  end  of  the  island  is  rocky 
and  inaccessible  from  seaward,  its  highest  point.  Mount  Solaro,  being 
elevated  1,919  feet  above  the  sea;  the  communication  between  this 
steep,  rocky  mass  and  the  lower  ground  is  by  means  of  a  flight  of  535 
steps  cut  in  the  limestone  rock  of  which  the  island  is  chiefly  composed. 
The  southeastern  end  also  rises  in  elevated  precipices,  the  highest 
point  being  896  feet  above  the  sea ;  the  ground,  though  rocky,  is  well 
cultivated  and  produces  grain,  fruit,  oil,  and  wine,  and  on  the  low 
ground  are  fig,  almond,  orange,  and  olive  trees,  myrtles  and  vines. 
The  coast  is  bold,  precipitous,  and  inaccessible,  except  in  two  places, 


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THE  WEST   COAST  OF  ITALY.  293 

and  is  perforated  with  several  grottoes,  one  of  which,  the  celebrated 
Grotta  Azzura,  so  called  from  the  apparent  bright  blue  color  of  the 
interior,  is  about  180  feet  long,  and  can  only  be  entered  by  a  boat  in 
calm  weather. 

The  climate  of  the  island  is  pleasant  throughout  the  year,  being 
free  from  the  climate  extremes  experienced  on  the  mainland,  and  is 
healthful,  being  quite  exempt  from  malaria  and  other  intermittent 
fevers. 

Lo  Capo,  the  eastern  point  of  the  island,  has  a  small  but  high  rock 
off  it,  and  on  the  cliffs  above  are  considerable  ruins;  between  lo  Capo 
and  Tragara  Point,  the  southeastern  extremity,  the  coast  is  formed 
of  inaccessible  cliffs;  off  Tragara  Point  are  the  Faraglioni,  three  high 
rocks,  one  of  which  is  perforated.  The  shore  is  steep-to  all  around 
and  may  be  safely  approached  to  within  400  yards  in  any  direction. 

The  town  of  Capri  (ancient  Capreae)  is  situated  in  about  the  cen- 
ter of  the  low  ground,  and  contains  a  population  of  about  4,000,  The 
landing  place  on  the  northern  side  is  at  the  Marina  of  Capri,  about 
1  mile  westward  of  lo  Capo,  where  there  is  a  short  mole ;  this  mole  is 
to  be  extended  in  a  northerly  direction  for  100  yards,  with  an  elbow 
extending  to  the  eastward,  thus  forming  a  small  port,  which  ought 
to  be  completed  in  two  years'  time ;  there  is  also  another  landing  place 
on  the  southern  side  of  the  island.  The  only  other  village  of  note  is 
Anacapri,  on  the  northern  slope  of  Mount  Solaro,  with  a  population 
of  about  2,369. 

An  electric  lift  has  been  established  from  the  beach  to  the  village 
at  the  top  of  the  hill ;  the  electric-light  station  is  a  flat-roofed  build- 
ing near  the  village.  A  funicular  railroad  has  been  constructed  con- 
necting the  landing  place  at  the  Marina  with  the  Piazza.  There  is 
telegraph  and  telephone  communication  between  the  villages  of 
Capri  and  Anacapri.    The  population  is  about  7,072. 

Porto. — ^A  mole  extends  about  250  feet  seaward  from  the  coast  in 
front  of  the  houses  of  the  Marina,  and  then  turns  about  380  feet  to 
the  eastward.  There  are  depths  of  from  25  to  12  feet  in  the  northern 
part  of  the  port  thus  formed,  whence  the  depth  decreases  gradually 
to  the  shore. 

Lightbuoy. — ^A  black  lightbuoy  exhibiting  a  fixed  red  light  is 
moored  near  the  end  of  the  mole. 

Semaphore. — On  the  southeastern  part  of  the  island  is  an  electric 
semaphore  896  feet  above  the  sea,  by  which  passing  vessels  can  com« 
municate.   The  buildings  are  painted  in  black  and  white  checkers. 

Supplies. — Provisions  in  moderate  quantities  can  be  obtained  from 
the  town  of  Capri,  and  good  water  from  a  fountain  at  the  Marina. 

Communication. — Steam  vessels  run  twice  daily  to  and  from 
Naples,  calling  at  Massa,  Sorrento,  Meta,  and  Vico  Equense.  A 
funicular  railway  runs  from  the  Marina  to  the  town  of  Capri. 


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294  THE  WEST  COAST  OF  ITALY. 

Light. — From  an  octagonal  red  tower  over  gray  dwelling,  situated 
on  Carena  Point  (the  southwestern  extremity  of  the  island),  elevated 
238  feet  above  the  sea,  a  fixed  and  flashing  white  light,  visible  22 
miles,  is  exhibited. 

The  coast  from  Marina  di  Capri  trends  east-northeastward  about 
1  mile  to  Lo  Capo,  the  northeast  point  of  the  island.  The  church  of 
Santa  Madonna  del  Soccorso,  1,115  feet  above  high  water,  is  on  the 
summit  of  the  northeast  part  of  the  island,  and  a  bronze  statue  on  a 
high  square  pedestal  shows  well  when  the  sun  shines  on  it. 

The  soutii  coast  from  Punta  Carena  trends  eastward  IJ  miles 
to  Punta  Ventroso,  and  is  high,  steep,  and  craggy,  and  it  continues 
so  to  Marina  Piccola,  about  ^  mile  farther  northeastward,  westward 
of  which  the  land  suddenly  falls.  Sirena  di  Mulo  is  a  remarkable 
rocky  projection,  like  a  broad  mole,  which  extends  southward  in  front 
of  a  group  of  fishermen's  houses  named  Marina  del  Mulo,  or  Marina 
Piccola  di  Capri;  there  is  a  mule  track  from  the  Marina  to  Capri 
town.  Westward  of  La  Sirena  is  a  small  beach  protected  by  a  line 
of  rocks.  Eastward  of  the  Marina  the  coast  rises,  and  attains  in  a 
short  distance  a  height  of  820  feet ;  this  height  is  surmounted  by  the 
ruins  of  a  castle.  Scoglio  Unghia  Marina,  close  off  the  coast  south- 
ward of  the  castle,  is  of  the  same  color  as  the  rocky  land,  and  shows 
badly.  The  coast  from  near  the  ruins  trends  southeastward  about 
800  yards  to  Punta  Tragara. 

Marina  Piccola  is  visited  only  by  the  steamers  from  Naples  when 
strong  northerly  winds  prevent  communication  at  Marina  di  Capri. 
These  vessels  tlien  anchor  in  from  4^  to  5^  fathoms  water,  weeds, 
south  westward  of  La  Sirena. 

Punta  Tragara  is  the  extremity  of  a  small,  high,  conical  penin- 
sula. I.  Faraglioni  are  two  high,  conical,  pointed  islets  about  200 
yards  southward  of  Punta  Tragara;  the  southern  islet  is  the  larger 
and  higher,  and  the  northern  one  is  pierced,  east  and  west,  by  a  large 
natural  arch,  through  which  boats  can  pass.  The  water  around 
Punta  Tragara  and  I.  Faraglioni  is  deep. 

Anchorage. — There  is  anchorage,  except  with  northerly  winds, 
about  200  yards  off  the  beach  of  the  Marina,  in  depths  of  from  5^  to 
8  fathoms. 

Telegraph  cable. — The  cable  from  Cala  Mitigliano  is  landed 
eastward  of  the  houses  of  the  Marina;  its  direction  is  marked  by  the 
alignment  of  a  notice  board,  marked  "  Divieto  d'Ancoraggio,"  and  a 
pole  surmounted  by  a  ball  marked  "  T."" 

The  Bocca  Piccola^  the  channel  between  Capri  Island  and  Cam- 
panella  Point,  is  2|  miles  wide;  the  water  in  the  channel  is  very  deep 
and  the  shore  on  both  sides  may  be  closely  approached. 


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THE   WEST  COAST  OP  ITALY.  295 

A  submarine  telegraph  cable  is  laid  across  the  Bocca  Piccola  from 
Calato  Point  (Capri  Island)  to  Gala  Mitigliano,  northward  of  Cam- 
panella  Point.  Its  direction  is  indicated  by  a  placard,  on  which  is 
printed  "Divieto  d'Ancorragio "  (anchorage  prohibited),  in  line 
with  a  red  pole  with  large  white  ball,  on  which  is  the  letter  T. 

The  Gulf  of  Salerno  (ancient  Paestanus  Sinus),  between  Capri 
Island  and  Campanella  Point  on  the  north  and  Cape  Licoso  on  the 
south,  is  32  miles  wide  and  about  15  miles  deep.  The  northern  shore 
from  Campanella  Point  to  the  town  of  Salerno  is  bold  and  pre- 
cipitous, thence  a  nearly  straight  sandy  beach  trends  155°  22  miles; 
the  southern  shore  is  high,  cliffy,  and,  except  off  Cape  Licosa,  is 
steep-to. 

Galli  Islets  (ancient  Syrenusae),  lying  5  miles  84°  from  Campa- 
nella Point,  is  a  small  group  of  three  islets,  the  larges  (Galli)  being 
the  easternmost ;  it  is  about  J  mile  in  length,  covered  with  brushwood, 
and  has  a  tower  on  its  summit.  The  two  smaller  islets  (Castellucia 
and  Rotonda)  lie  a  short  distance  to  the  westward.  Vivaro  Islet,  off 
the  west  side  of  which  shoal  water  extends  for  nearly  J  mile,  lies  IJ 
miles  273°  from  the  tower  on  Galli  Islet.  Nearly  1  mile  284°  from 
Vivaro  Islet  and  300  yards  from  the  shore,  is  a  high  rock  or  islet 
named  Isca;  there  are  from  20  to  33  fathoms  water  between  it  and 
Vivaro. 

Two  rocky  patches,  one  of  2J  fathoms,  the  other  of  3  fathoms 
water,  lie  to  the  westward  of  Galli  Islets,  the  former  700  yards  270° 
from  the  tower,  the  latter  1,800  yards  in  the  same  direction.  There 
is  a  depth  of  36  fathoms  between  the  patches, 

Positano,  5J  miles  eastward  of  Torre  Forca,  is  built,  in  amphi- 
theatre, in  a  wide  valley  lying  between  Monte  Comune,  2,877  feet 
high,  about  1  mile  westward,  and  Monte  Sant'  Angelo  a  Tre  Pizzi, 
4,734  feet  high,  nearly  1^  miles  northeastward ;  it  is  the  only  large 
village  near  the  sea  between  Punta  della  Campanella  and  Capo 
Sottile.  There  is  a  church  with  a  green  cupola  in  the  village,  and 
eastward  of  it  is  a  noticeable  tower,  the  color  of  which  is  the  same  as 
the  rocky  spur  on  which  it  is  situated.  The  Marina  is  on  a  projection 
which  has  a  small  gravel  beach  on  each  side;  a  road  rises  from  it,  cut 
in  the  rocky  side  of  the  mountain. 

Anchorage  can  be  obtained,  in  7  fathoms  water,  about  200  yards 
off  the  village,  but  it  must  be  left  on  any  indication  of  fresh  winds 
from  seaward. 

The  coast  from  Marina  di  Positano  trends  southeastward  2i  miles 
to  Capo  Sottile;  it  is  steep  and  rocky,  backed  by  mountains,  which 
decrease  somewhat  in  height  towards  the  cape.  Vettica  Maggiore, 
a  village,  is  situated  on  the  western  slopes  of  the  hills  northward  of 
Copo  Sotille  in  the  midst  of  vineyards ;  the  church,  with  a  cupola  and 
campanile,  is  noticeable. 


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296  THE   WEST  COAST  OF  ITALY. 

Cape  Sottile,  a  bold  and  prominent  headland,  is  the  termination 
of  a  spur  from  Mount  San  Angelo;  on  the  slope  of  the  hill  over  the 
cape  is  the  town  of  Prajano.  About  2J  miles  northwestward  of  the 
cape  is  the  town  of  Positano,  on  the  shore  of  a  small  bay  at  the  foot 
of  the  steep  slopes  of  Mount  San  Angelo,  which  is  4,734  feet  high ; 
there  are  depths  of  from  8  to  10  fathoms  at  J  mile  from  the  shore. 
Off  Cape  Sottile  there  is  a  depth  of  over  100  fathoms  at  i  mile  from 
the  shore. 

Tunny  fisheries. — ^Tunny  nets  are  laid  down  from  380  to  981 
yards  from  the  shore  at  Nerano,  Prajano,  St.  Agnello,  Conca  Point, 
and  Tumolo  Point. 

Tunny  nets  are  laid  about  1,100  yards  southeastward  from  Conca 
Marini,  northeastward  of  Capo  di  Conca,  with  a  width  of  about  650 
yards;  two  buoys  with  flags  mark  the  nets  by  day,  and  two  white 
lights  at  night. 

Amalfi. — ^Two  miles  eastward  of  Cape  Sottile  is  Conca  Point, 
between  which  and  Cape  Orso  the  coast  forms  a  bay,  on  the  shore  of 
which  are  situated  the  villages  of  Amalfi,  Minori,  and  Majori. 
Amalfi  contains  a  population  of  about  7,000,  and  was  formerly  an 
important  commercial  Republic;  it  contains  several  paper  mills,  soap 
and  macaroni  manufactories,  a  cathedral,  and  several  relics  of  its 
former  opulence.  It  is  a  favorite  winter  resort  of  the  Province  of 
Salerno. 

Minori  stands  at  the  head  of  the  bay,  and  a  short  distance  eastward 
of  it  the  larger  village  of  Majori ;  above  the  village  are  the  old  castle 
of  St.  Nicola  and  the  ruined  monastry  of  Calmadoli,  both  conspicu- 
ous from  seaward. 

Porto  Amalfi  is  situated  within  two  moles,  one  extending  in  a 
slight  curve  275  yards  eastward  from  the  shore,  and  the  other  extend- 
ing 45  yards  southward  from  the  shore  a  little  northeastward.  There 
is  a  depth  of  from  4^  to  5  fathoms  inside  the  southern  molehead,  and 
li  fathoms  about  25  yards  from  the  gravel  beach  which  forms  a  good 
landing  place.  Southeasterly  winds  send  a  nasty  sea  into  the  port, 
but  they  are  rare  and  of  short  duration,  shifting  in  a  squall  to  the 
southwestward. 

Lights. — ^An  occulting  white  light,  elevated  37  feet  and  visible  9 
miles,  is  exhibited  from  a  post,  8  feet  high,  on  the  molehead  at 
Amalfi,    Reported  not  to  be  visible  full  distance. 

A  fixed  green  electric  light,  visible  4  miles,  is  erected  on  the  ex- 
tremity of  the  stone  jetty  which  extends  44  yards  170^  from  a  point 
located  540  yards  238°  from  Amalfi  Tower.  The  light  is  exhibited 
from  a  wooden  pole,  about  20  feet  high,  painted  green. 

Buoy. — A  gray  cylindrical  warping  buoy  lies  in  the  port  between 
the  moleheads. 


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THE  WEST  COAST  OF  ITALY.  297 

Supplies. — Provisions  can  be  obtained,  and  good  water  procured 
from  a  fountain  near  the  beach ;  water  for  boilers  and  washing  can 
be  taken  at  the  mouth  of  Fiume  Canneto,  which  flows  through  the 
town. 

Communication. — Steamers  running  between  Naples  and  Messina 
call  weekly.    There  is  telegraphic  communication. 

Atraniy  a  town  with  a  population  of  about  2,000,  is  close  eastward 
of  Amalfi,  and  backed  by  a  steep  hill,  terminating  in  a  point  on  which 
is  Torre  d'Atrani;  it  is  partly  obscured  from  seaward  by  a  high 
viaduct  which  carries  the  road. 

Minori  is  at  the  head  of  the  bay,  and  a  short  distance  eastward  of 
it  the  larger  village  of  Majori.  The  shore  from  Majori  to  Capo 
d'Orso  is  high. 

Cape  Orso  is  a  broad  headland,  on  which  is  a  tower  and  light- 
house; the  eastern  point  of  the  cape,  named  Tumolo  Point,  has  off 
it  a  rock  awash.    Strong  currents  are  said  to  set  round  the  cape. 

Light. — From  a  red  octagonal  lighthouse  the  lantern,  5  feet  high, 
near  white  dwelling,  is  situated  on  Cape  Orso,  at  an  elevation  of  219 
feet  above  the  sea,  a  flashing  white  light  is  exhibited.  The  light  is 
visible  15  miles. 

Tunny  fishery. — Nets  extend  500  yards  southeastward  from  the 
shore  at  Citara. 

Fuente  Point  Light. — An  occulting  white  light,  elevated  85 
feet  above  the  sea,  and  visible  13  miles,  is  exhibited  from  a  red 
lantern,  5  feet  high,  near  a  dwelling  on  old  fort  on  Fuente  Point,  IJ 
miles  northeastward  of  Cape  Orso.    (See  Light  List.) 

Vietri. — The  small  town  of  Vietri  stands  on  the  beach  1  mile  west- 
ward of  Salerno  and  about  1  mile  northeastward  of  Punta  di  Fuente 
on  a  high  point  at  the  foot  of  Monte  Liberatore,  ^  mile  to  the  north- 
ward and  1,516  feet  high.  The  cathedral  has  a  cupola  and  a  slender 
campanile.  Torre  Crestarella,  reddish  and  quadrangular,  is  on  a 
low  rock  near  the  sea  eastward  of  the  town.  The  population  of  the 
town  is  about  8,400. 

Two  Brothers  Islets  (Scoglio  due  Fratelli),  about  400  yards  south- 
westward  of  Torre  Crestarella,  are  close  to  the  coast  and  above  water. 

Salerno  (ancient  Salemum),  a  city  with  a  population  of  about 
42,315,  stands  on  the  beach  and  partly  on  the  slopes  of  lofty  hills, 
4  miles  to  the  northeastward  of  Tumolo  Point ;  its  streets  are  narrow 
and  gloomy,  and  it  contains  a  cathedral,  governor's  and  archbishop's 
palaces,  several  monasteries,  library,  hospital  for  seamen,  etc.  On  a 
hill  over  the  town  are  the  extensive  ruins  of  a  castle  and  other  ancient 
buildings.  There  are  cotton  weaving,  spinning,  printing,  tannery, 
olive  oil,  glass,  and  macaroni  establishments.  The  country  around 
is  fertile,  presenting  a  range  of  hills  covered  with  olive  groves,  or- 
chards, and  cornfields.  The  mean  annual  rainfall  is  53.5  inches; 
most  of  the  rain  falls  between  October  and  April. 

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298  THE   WEST  COAST  OF  ITALY. 

Communicatioii. — Salerno,  on  the  Naples,  Metaponto  &  Brindisi 
line  of  railroad  is  an  important  military  post. 

Porto  di  Salerno  is  within  a  mole  named  Molo  di  Ponente,  which 
extends  about  500  yards  southward  from  the  shore,  then  east-north- 
eastward about  400  yards,  and  thence  southeastward  about  400  yards, 
the  last  section  being  named  Molo  Foraneo  (Outer  Mole). 

A  breakwater,  to  extend  southwestward  from  the  coast  eastward 
of  the  port,  is  constructing. 

Manfredi  quay  extends  about  220  yards  southward  on  the  north- 
east side  of  the  port ;  on  it  are  the  port  office  and  general  warehouses, 
and  works  are  in  progress  for  bringing  the  railroad  on. 

Shoal  water  extends  from  the  shore  on  the  north  side  of  the  en- 
trance to  the  port,  which  is  about  65  yards  wide  northward  of  the 
inner  end  of  Molo  Foraneo.  The  depths  have  been  maintained  by 
dredging  at  a  depth  of  16  feet  in  the  entrance,  and  from  2  to  4 
fathoms  in  the  port,  but  the  depths  have  altered  (1915)  and  caution 
is  necessary.    Southerly  winds  send  a  swell  into  the  port. 

Breakwater  under  constructioii. — ^A  new  breakwater  is  being 
constructed  eastward  of  the  harbor,  commencing  at  the  shore  line 
and  extending  in  a  southwesterly  direction. 

Buoys. — A  red  mooring  buoy  has  been  established  in  the  inner 
part  of  this  harbor  and  a  warping  buoy  at  the  entrance. 

Shoal. — ^A  shoal,  with  a  depth  of  9  feet,  lies  on  the  edge  of  the 
bank  on  the  northern  side  of  the  entrance,  with  the  old  breakwater 
light  structure  bearing  250°,  distant  200  yards. 

Lights. — On  the  extremity  of  the  new  mole,  from  a  crane  over 
an  iron  frame,  an  occulting  red  light  is  exhibited  26^  feet  above  the 
sea  and  22  feet  above  the  ground  and  visible  8  miles.  A  fixed  red 
light,  elevated  11  feet  above  the  sea,  is  exhibited  at  the  northeastern 
extremity  of  the  old  breakwater  at  Salerno,  visible  4  miles  over  an 
arc  of  200°,  entirely  inside  the  harbor. 

From  the  new  quay  a  fixed  green  light  is  exhibited,  elevated  16 
feet  above  the  sea,  and  is  shown  from  a  stone  hut  16  feet  high,  on  the 
southwestern  angle  of  the  quay;  visible  4  miles.    (See  Light  List.) 

Lightvessel. — A  lightvessel  is  moored  in  about  16  feet  of  water 
southward  of  the  old  mole,  and  exhibits  one  flashing  green  light,  ele- 
vated 19  feet  above  the  sea  and  visible  4  miles. 

The  vessel  is  painted  red,  with  black  mast,  and  shows  a  green  flag. 

The  navigable  channel  between  the  lightvessel  and  the  salient 
angle  of  the  new  mole,  on  which  is  a  fixed  red  light,  is  90  yards  broad 
and  carries  21  feet  of  water.    (See  Light  List.) 

Trade. — ^About  200  vessels  enter  the  port  annually ;  the  chief  im- 
ports are  coal,  cotton,  grain,  wool,  wood  for  building  purposes,  and 
alimentary  paste;  and  exports — fruit,  olive  oil,  vegetables,  and  wine; 


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THE  WEST  COAST  OF  ITALY.  299 

most  of  the  goods  exported  are  sent  overland,  there  being  no  direct 
communication  between  the  landing  stage  and  the  railroad. 

Supplies  of  all  kinds  are  procurable,  but  water  is  scarce  and  in- 
different. 

Coal. — ^The  port  has  no  facilities  for  coaling,  and  no  coal  is  main- 
tained in  stock,  but  possibly  one  firm  might  be  able  to  supply  a  few 
tons. 

Repairs. — Small  repairs  can  be  effected  at  the  mechanical  works 
in  the  town,  and  large  repairs  at  Fratte  foundry,  about  2  miles  from 
Salerno. 

Tugs. — There  are  two  small  tugs. 

Pilots  board  arriving  vessels  at  a  distance  of  2  miles  from  the 
entrance  to  the  port,  and  take  outgoing  vessels  to  a  distance  of  1  mile 
from  the  entrance,  when  the  weather  permits. 

Life-saving  station. — A  rocket  apparatus  is  stationed  at  the 
port  office. 

Hospital. — The  civil  hospital  (San  Giovanni  di  Dio)  has  50  beds 
and  receive  foreigners  at  a  daily  charge. 

Directions. — Keep  about  50  yards  off  the  northeastern  side  of 
Molo  Foraneo,  pass  midway  between  the  northwestern  end  of  that 
mole  and  the  lightvessel,  and  steer  into  the  port.  With  moderate 
southwesterly  winds  care  must  be  taken  not  to  get  more  than  100 
yards  from  the  mole,  but  during  strong  southwesterly  winds  no  at- 
tempt to  enter  should  be  made. 

Anchorage. — The  anchorage  off  Salerno  is  exposed  to  winds  from 
the  southward  (between  southwest  and  southeast).  With  offshore 
winds  there  is  good  anchorage  in  from  9  to  10  fathoms  at  about  1  mile 
from  the  shore,  good  holding  ground.  Vessels  may  anchor  off  Vietri 
in  from  6  to  9  fathoms  during  strong  west-southwest  winds;  moor 
with  open  hawse  to  the  southwest. 

The  coast. — Southeastward  8  miles  from  the  city  is  the  mouth  of 
the  Tusciano  Eiver,  on  the  left  bank  of  which  is  a  tower.  Sele  River 
(ancient  Silarus)  enters  the  sea  on  the  northern  side  of  a  tower  6^ 
miles  southward  of  Tusciano  Tower,  after  a  course  of  60  miles ;  shal- 
low water  extends  nearly  f  mile  off  the  mouth  of  this  river. 

Festo  (ancient  Pseestum),  the  ruins  of  a  Phoenician  or  Etruscan 
colony,  is  about  4rJ  miles  southward  of  Sele  Eiver,  and  about  |  mile 
from  the  beach ;  the  ancient  walls,  which  are  nearly  entire,  are  still 
standing,  and  are  2^  miles  in  circumference;  within  them  are  the 
remains  of  several  beautiful  temples  and  other  buildings  and  a 
modem  church.  Near  the  beach  southward  of  the  ruins  is  the  tower 
of  Pesto.  At  the  termination  of  the  sandy  beach  is  San  Marco 
Tower  on  a  rocky  point. 

Agropoli  Bay. — The  small  fishing  village  of  Agropoli  stands  on 
a  rocky  point  li  miles  southward  of  San  Marco  Tower  and  near  the 


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300  THE   WEST  COAST   OF   ITALY. 

small  river  of  the  same  name;  the  land  to  the  southward  and  east- 
ward of  the  village  is  high.  Eastward  of  the  promontory  is  a  high 
chimney,  and  in  front  of  it  is  a  long  pier  where  large  boats  load  with 
bricks.    Cotton  is  grown  in' the  neighborhood. 

Between  Pesto  and  Agropoli  shallow  water  extends  nearly  ^  mile 
from  the  shore. 

Anchorage  can  be  obtained,  in  about  8  fathoms,  1,200  yards  north- 
northwestward  of  the  promontory  on  which  is  the  village,  but  it  is 
open  to  winds  between  southwest  and  north. 

Communication. — A  railroad  runs  from  Battipaglia,  about  11 
miles  east-southeastward  of  Salerno,  where  it  joins  the  railroad  from 
Naples  to  Brindisi,  to  Reggio,  and  there  are  stations  at  Pesto  and 
near  Agropoli.    There  is  telegraphic  communication. 

Cape  Licosa  is  the  southern  extremity  of  the  Gulf  of  Salerno 
and  the  western  extremity  of  a  range  of  high  hills  extending  thence 
to  the  southeastward;  on  the  cape  is  a  tower,  and  off  it  is  Licosa 
Islet  connected  to  the  cape  by  a  reef  of  rocks,  which  also  extends 
some  distance  westward  from  the  islet. 

Licosa  Bank^  of  sand  and  rock,  extends  about  IJ  miles  west- 
ward of  Licosa  Islet,  where  there  is  a  depth  of  3J  fathoms,  and  10 
fathoms  at  3  miles  off.  Other  patches  having  a  greater  depth  of 
water  on  them  lie  westward  of  the  above  bank. 

Light. — A  flashing  white  light,  visible  12  miles,  known  as  Gran- 
ito  Light,  has  been  established  on  Licosa  Islet,  off  Cape  Licosa. 
(See  Light  List.) 

Buoy. — ^A  conical  buoy,  painted  red,  and  surmounted  by  a  staff, 
has  been  moored  in  6^  fathoms  off  the  western  extremity  of  the  shoal 
part  of  Licosa  Bank. 

Punta  dell^  Ogliastra,  2  miles  from  Punta  Licosa,  is  a  small 
low  and  flat  rocky  projection,  surrounded  by  foul  ground;  there  is  a 
square  tower  on  it.  Ogliastro  village,  northeastward  of  the  point,  is 
small. 

Agnone  village,  on  the  coast,  2^  miles  southeastward  of  Ogliastro, 
is  small,  and  there  is  an  old  tower  in  front  of  it. 

La  Madonna  della  Stella  is  a  small  white  church- on  the  summit, 
3,707  feet  high,  of  a  dark  conical  mountain,  3^  miles  east-northeast- 
ward of  Agnone. 

Acciaroli  village  is  on  the  rocky  coast  3  miles  southeastward  of 
Agnone ;  here  there  is  a  large  old  square  tower,  and  in  front  of  it  a 
line  of  dark  rocks  above  water.  There  is  a  bridge  with  three  arches 
at  the  southeast  end  of  the  village. 

Torre  Calco,  nearly  1  mile  southeastward  of  Acciaroli,  is  square, 
and  Secca  la  Vecchia.  a  bank  with  1^  fathoms  water,  extends  J  mile 
southwestward  from  the  coast  between.  A  rock  awash  lies  near  the 
tower. 


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THE   WEST   COAST  OF  ITALY.  301 

La  Punta  is  a  little  promontory,  IJ  miles  eastward  of  Torre  Calco, 
and  there  is  a  tower  on  it;  Secco  Gove  Marino,  with  one  fathom 
water,  lies  about  600  yards  south  westward  of  La  Punta. 

The  sea,  except  when  smooth,  breaks  on  all  the  banks  just  men- 
tioned, and  the  coast  should  not  be  closed  to  less  than  1  mile. 

La  Marina  dei  Ploppi  is  a  small  group  of  houses  on  the  beach 
about  1  mile  eastward  of  La  Punta,  and  anchorage,  sheltered  from 
northwesterly  to  northeasterly  winds,  can  be  obtained  off  it.  Torre 
dei  Pioppi,  on  the  high  land  eastward  of  the  houses,  is  square  and 
isolated. 

The  coast  eastward  of  Pioppi  becomes  low,  sandy,  and  backed  by 
the  high  hills  surrounding  the  valley  of  Fiimie  Alento. 

The  coast. — From  Cape  Licosa  a  high,  exposed,  and  rocky  coast 
extends  southeastward  for  22  miles  to  Cape  Palinuro;  the  coimtry 
inland  is  well  cultivated  and  watered  by  small  streams,  and  there  are 
forests  of  oak  and  chestnut.  On  most  of  the  projecting  rocky  points, 
as  also  on  other  commanding  positions,  are  towers.  The  shore,  which 
is  in  some  places  rocky  and  shoal,  should  not  be  approached  nearer 
than  1  mile,  at  which  distance  there  is  a  general  depth  of  10  fathoms. 

Accioroli  is  7^  miles  southeastward  of  Cape  Licosa ;  2  miles  east- 
ward of  whidi  is  Punta  Tower  on  a  point  from  which  a  reef  extends 
}  mile  off.  Pisciotta,  a  village  with  a  railroad  station,  stands  on 
the  coast  8  miles  to  the  southward ;  it  has  a  trade  in  fruit  and  wine ; 
about  1^  miles  beyond  it  are  the  ruins  of  a  tower,  said  to  be  the  tomb 
of  Palinurus. 

Weather  warning. — The  seamen  of  the  locality  state  that  the 
summits  of  the  coast  mountains,  between  Punta  della  Campanella 
and  Salerno,  seen  covered  with  clouds,  indicates  bad  weather  from 
the  southeastward. 

Cape  Palinuro. — Projecting  to  the  westward  is  an  elevated  head- 
land, rising  from  a  low  wooded  ridge  to  a  smooth  rounded  summit 
675  feet  high ;  on  its  western  and  southern  sides  are  steep  chiffs,  but 
on  its  northern  side  is  a  sandy  bight  (named  Port  Palinuro)  and 
village,  defended  by  a  small  fort.  Port  Palinuro  has  a  moderate 
depth  of  water,  but  the  anchorage  is  exposed  to  westerly  and  north- 
westerly winds;  it  is  well  protected  in  other  directions,  and  offers 
the  best  shelter  along  the  coast  for  a  considerable  distance.  Two 
streams  flow  into  the  bight  on  the  southern  side  of  the  cape. 

Light. — A  group  flashing  white  light,  elevated  675  feet  above  the 
sea  and  visible  30  miles,  is  exhibited  from  a  white  octagonal  tower 
above  a  white  dwelling,  46  feet  in  height,  situated  on  the  summit 
of  Cape  Palinuro.     (For  arc  of  visibility  see  Light  List.) 

Wreck. — ^The  wreck  of  a  cutter,  about  16  feet  above  water,  lies 
sunk  about  55  yards  off  Cape  Palinuro.     The  wreck  is  unmarked. 


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302  THE  WEST  COAST  OF  ITALY. 

Semaphore. — ^At  547  yards  eastward  of  the  lighthouse  is  a  sema- 
phore station,  676  feet  above  high  water,  on  Pmita  del  Gariglio,  by 
which  passing  vessels  can  communicate. 

Gulf  of  Policastro. — From  Cape  Palinuro  the  coast,  which  is 
composed  of  cliffs,  trends  7  miles  125°  to  Iscolelli  Point,  on  which  is 
a  tower,  then  7  miles  45°  to  the  village  of  Policastro,  thence  it  curves 
to  the  eastward  and  southward,  forming  between  the  point  and  St. 
lanni  Island  a  deep  bight  named  the  Gulf  of  Policastro. 

At  4  miles  northeastward  of  Iscolelli  Point  is  Spinosa  Tower,  and 
1.3  miles  farther  eastward  is  Olive  Tower. 

Tunny  fishery. — About  1  mile  to  the  northward  of  Iscolelli 
Point,  a  tunny  net  extends  656  yards  from  the  shore  in  an  east-south- 
eastern direction. 

Scario  Anchorage. — Nearly  midway  between  Spinosa  and  Olive 
Towers,  is  the  town  of  Scario,  off  which  there  is  anchorage  in  from 
8  to  9  fathoms,  with  winds  from  the  southwest. 

Light. — On  the  rocks  between  Spinosa  and  Olive  Towers  is  situ- 
ated an  octagonal  red  lighthouse,  from  which  at  an  elevation  of  79 
feet  above  the  sea  is  exhibited  a  fixed  white  light,  showing  a  red  flash. 
The  light  is  visible  from  a  distance  of  13  miles.  It  is  partly  obscured. 
(See  Light  List.) 

Policastro,  Pyxus  of  the  Eomans,  and  the  supposed  site  of  the 
ancient  colony  of  Buxentum  stands  on  the  sandy  shore  at  the  head  of 
the  gulf;  it  is  now  only  a  small  village  and  the  inhabitants  are  prin- 
cipally engaged  in  fishing;  it  possesses  a  Gothic  cathedral,  and  there 
are  also  several  ancient  ruins  in  the  neighborhood. 

Anchorage. — Anchor  in  about  10  fathoms,  good  holding  ground, 
with  Fortino  Prodese  in  line  with  Torre  Formicola,  and  about  300 
yards  eastward  of  the  fort.  The  anchorage  is  good  with  south- 
easterly winds,  but  southwesterly  winds  send  in  a  heavy  sea,  and  it 
is  open  to  the  westward  and  northward;  the  shift  of  a  cyclonic  wind 
from  southward  to  west  or  northwestward  is  dangerous  here. 

Winds. — ^In  winter,  south-southwesterly  gales  are  frequent,  and 
shift  suddenly  to  the  westward  and  northwestward ;  in  summer,  gales, 
called  scossure,  commence  from  the  southeast  and  veer  gradually  to 
southwest  and  west. 

When  the  summit  of  Monte  della  Madonna  della  Stella,  or  that  of 
Monte  Bulgaria,  to  the  eastward,  is  covered  with  clouds,  northwest- 
erly winds  are  probable,  but  when  the  clouds  spread  aroimd  the 
mountain,  leaving  the  summit  clear,  southerly  winds  are  indicated. 

Sapri  (ancient  Scidrus),  a  small  town  with  a  population  of  about 
3,600,  is  situated  on  the  shore  of  a  small  cove,  5  miles  eastward  of 
Policastro.  A  tower  stands  on  each  side  of  the  entrance  to  the  cove, 
within  which  is  a  depth  of  3  fathoms,  but  the  anchorage  is  exposed 
to  southwesterly  winds. 


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THE   WEST   COAST  OF  ITALY.  303 

Light. — ^An  unwatched  flashing  white  light  is  erected  on  Punta 
Fortino,  northern  side  of  the  entrance  to  Sapri,  about  1,665  yards 
329°  from  the  tower  on  Capo  Bianco.    The  light  is  named  Pisacane. 

The  light  is  exhibited  44^  feet  above  the  se^  from  an  iron  column 
on  a  square  tower,  the  whole  13^  feet  high  and  painted  red  and  white 
in  stripes,  and  is  visible  12  miles.    (See  Light  List.) 

The  coast. — From  Sapri  the  coast  trends  to  the  southward  to 
Cape  Scalea,  distant  15  miles;  between  are  many  small  towns,  and 
towers  on  the  prominent  point ;  highland  extends  the  whole  distance, 
and  the  Talago  River  enters  the  sea  3  miles  southward  of  St.  lanni 
Islet. 

Shoal. — A  shoal  named  Seccadella  Giimienta,  with  4  feet  water, 
is  situated  about  i  mile  southeastward  of  St.  lanni  Islet. 

Dine  Island  lies  a  little  more  than  6  miles  southward  of  St.  lanni 
Islet;  it  is  213  feet  high,  about  700  yards  in  extent,  and  nearly  con- 
nected to  the  shore  by  a  ridge  of  rocks;  on  its  western  point  is  a 
tower. 

Anchorage  may  be  had  on  either  side  of  Dino  Island,  but  it  is 
exposed  to  westerly  winds;  the  southern  side  affords  the  best  shelter 
in  from  6  to  9  fathoms  water,  with  a  bottom  of  sand  and  weed.  In 
Cala  Nicolo,  a  small  cove  near  a  tower  on  the  mainland  about  1  mile 
southward  of  Dino  Island,  is  excellent  shelter  for  boats. 

The  coast  from  Capo  Bianco  trends  southward  15  miles  to  Capo 
Scalea ;  between  are  many  small  towns,  and  towers  on  the  prominent 
points ;  high  land  extends  the  whole  distance. 

Scoglio  dello  Scialandro,  about  100  yards  off  Capo  Bianco,  is 
above  water,  and  blackish  in  color. 

Acquafredda,  2J  miles  southeastward  of  Capo  Bianco,  is  a  group 
of  houses  on  high  ground  covered  with  olives.  There  are  two  via- 
ducts on  arches  below  and  northward  of  the  village,  and  a  square 
tower  on  a  hill  to  the  southward.  Near  the  coast,  about  1  mile  south- 
ward of  the  village,  is  a  viaduct  on  ten  arches.  Torre  Santa  Venere, 
2f  miles  southeastward  of  Acquafredda,  is  square,  light  yellow  in 
color,  and  situated  on  a  small  projection  which  is  surrounded  by 
rocks. 

Porto  Maratea  is  a  little  cove  about  1  mile  southeastward  of  Torre 
Santa  Venere,  with  some  houses  on  the  beach  at  its  head ;  the  shores 
on  both  sides  are  rocky. 

The  coast. — Capo  Scalea  is  a  bold  headland  with  generally  steep 
rockj'  coasts.  Torre  di  Dino,  circular  and  conspicuous,  is  on  the 
western  and  highest  point,  266  feet,  of  the  headland;  Torre  delLi 
Petrosa,  cylindrical  and  340  feet  above  high  water,  is  on  the  summit 
of  the  headland  immediately  southward  of  Capo  Scalea. 

Secca  della  Giumenta,  southward  of  Torre  della  Petrosa  and  J 
mile  offshore,  is  two  ledges  of  rocks  almost  awash. 


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304  THE   WEST  COAST  OF  ITALY. 

Scalea  town,  about  1^  miles  southeastward  of  the  cape,  is  a  number 
of  poor  houses  on  the  steep  southern  side  of  a  hill,  and  there  is  an  old 
castle  above  it;  the  population  is  about  3,150.  Scoglio  la  Torre,  on 
the  beach  southward  of  the  town,  is  surmounted  by  a  square  tower 
and  some  houses ;  it  is  conspicuous. 

The  wide  wooded  valley  of  Fiumi  Lao  and  Abatemarco  lies  south- 
ward of  Scalea,  the  rivers  being  2J  and  3^  miles,  respectively,  from 
the  town. 

Cirella  Nuova  village,  situated  on  a  small  rocky  projection  6  miles 
southward  of  Scalea,  has  a  few  houses  amongst  the  olives. 

Pier. — ^An  iron  pier  extends  off  the  beach  to  the  southward  of 
Cirella  Nuova,  and  coasting  vessels  go  alongside  it. 

Isolotto  di  Cirella^  nearly  1  mile  southward  of  the  village,  and 
about  600  yards  offshore,  is  rounded,  and  surmounted  by  a  square 
tower;  there  is  a  depth  of  6  fathoms  in  the  middle  of  the  passage 
within  it,  decreasing  to  both  sides,  but  a  shoal  bank  extends  about  60 
yards  eastward  from  the  islet. 

Diamante  village  is  situated  on  a  small  high  level  point  about 
1^  miles  southward  of  the  islet ;  a  rocky  bank  extends  a  short  distance 
off  the  point. 

Capo  Tirone,  3J  miles  southward  of  Diamante,  is  a  conspicuous 
large  rocky  mass,  within  which  is  a  square  yellow  house.  Marina  di 
Belvedere,  southward  of  the  cape,  has  a  few  houses  amongst  which 
are  a  brick  kiln,  some  sheds,  and  a  very  high  slender  chimney. 

Monte  Montea,  5  miles  east-northeastward  of  Capo  Tirone,  is  5,853 
feet  high  and  noticeable.  Several  rivers  enter  the  sea  from  this 
coast,  but  the  only  one  which  has  any  importance  is  Torrente  San 
Gineto,  2^  miles  southward  of  Capo  Tirone ;  a  little  northward  of  its 
mouth  is  Castello  del  Principe,  which  is  noticeable. 

Capo  Bonifatiy  2  miles  southward  of  the  mouth  of  Torrente  San 
Gineto,  is  marked  by  a  remarkable  greenish  hill  on  which  is  Torre 
del  Capo,  circular  and  conspicuous. 

The  coast  from  Capo  Bonif ati  trends  southward  39  miles  to  Capo 
Suvero,  and  is  steep,  sandy,  and  generally  bold-to;  a  ridge  of  high 
land  extends  along  it;  the  streams  which  flow  to  the  sea  are  small. 
Towns  and  villages  lie  on  the  coast  and  slopes ;  the  district  is  gener- 
ally fertile,  producing  wine,  silk,  oil,  and  fruits. 

Cetraro  village  is  situated  on  a  steep  hill  on  the  southward  side 
of  the  mouth  of  a  stream  3i  miles  southeastward  of  Capo  Bonifati. 

Guardia-Piemontese,  a  small  village  about  4  miles  southeastward 
of  Cetraro,  is  perched  on  the  top  of  a  mountain,  1,689  feet  high,  and 
there  is  a  small  tower  amongst  the  houses. 

Marina  di  Fuscaldo,  3J  miles  southward  of  Guardia,  has  many 
houses  and  a  white  railway  station.  Torre  di  Fuscaldo,  a  little 
within  and  above  the  Marina,  is  circular. 


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THE  WEST  COAST  OF  ITALY.  305 

Bocks. — A  line  of  rocks  above  water  extends  from  the  beach  in 
front  of  Torre  di  Paola,  and  a  short  distance  southward  and  west- 
ward from  it  are  some  rocks  under  water;  avoid  anchoring  off  the 
tower. 

Mole. — A  mole  projects  270  yards  off  the  coast  just  southward  of 
the  railroad  station  at  Paola,  and  is  being  extended  250  yards  north- 
westward. 

San  Lucido  village,  3i  miles  southward  of  Torre  di  Paola,  is  on 
the  level  top  of  moderately  high  land,  which  rises  steeply  from  the 
beach ;  behind  it  is  a  conspicuous  square  building. 

Belmonte  village  is  on  a  small  hill  nearly  f  mile  inland ;  there  is 
a  little  cupola  amongst  the  houses.  Torrente  Verre  flows  to  the  sea 
on  the  south  side  of  the  village. 

The  coast  from  Salerno  trends  south-southeastward  22  miles,  to 
Agropoli,  and  is  a  low  sandy  beach.  Torre  Aucellara,  on  the  beach 
about  2^  miles  southeastward  of  Porto  di  Salerno,  is  large  and 
square,  with  a  light-colored  house  over  it,  and  noticeable  from  its  size. 

Fiume  Tusciano  flows  into  the  sea  8  miles  south-southeastward 
from  Porto  di  Salerno,  and  a  little  within  the  entrance  on  the  left 
bank  is  Torre  Tusciana  (Tusciano),  circular  and  surmounted  by  a 
white  hut  with  a  flagstaff;  close  southward  of  it  are  a  large  white 
factory  and  the  few  houses  of  Spineta. 

Fiume  Sele  (ancient  Silarus)  flows  into  the  sea  6|  miles  southward 
of  Torre  Tusciana,  after  a  course  of  40  miles;  there  is  generally  a 
depth  of  6  feet  in  the  mouth  of  the  river,  and  the  5-fathom  curve  is 
about  i  mile  off  it.  About  i  mile  within  the  mouth  and  a  little  dis- 
tance from  the  left  bank  are  two  cylindrical  towers,  the  inner  one 
having  a  hut  on  it. 

Monte  Soprano,  about  4  miles  eastward  of  Pesto,  is  3,550  feet  high, 
and  1|  miles  southwestward  of  it  is  Monte  Sottane,  2,073  feet  high, 
with  Capaccio  (Capoccio)  village  in  the  valley  between. 

Paola  (ancient  Patycos)  is  on  the  shore  near  a  ravine,  which  is 
crossed  by  a  fine  bridge.  It  contains  several  churches,  convents,  and 
hospitals,  and  has  manufactories  of  silk,  woollens,  and  earthenware. 
The  principal  products  are  figs  and  chestnuts.  The  rearing  of  silk 
worms  is  the  principal  industry.  A  short  distance  northward  of  the 
town  shoal  water  extends  some  distance  offshore.  Population  9,420. 
Steamers  call  here  to  Naples,  and  carriages  leave  for  the  town  of 
Cosenza,  12  miles  distant. 

Fiumefreddo  (ancient  Bruzio)  is  surrounded  by  walls,  and  stands 
in  the  midst  of  a  fertile  country  7  miles  southward  of  Paola.  Behind 
it  rises  the  peak  of  Mount  Cocuzzo,  5,056  feet  high  and  very  con- 
spicuous from  seaward. 

Isca  BrOcks  are  two  high  rocks  lying  i  mile  offshore,  4  miles 

southward  of  Fiumefreddo,  with  deep  water  round  them ;  the  highest 

68850—17 20 

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306  THE  WEST  COAST  OF  ITALlT. 

is  38  feet  high.  On  the  shore  abreast  of  them  are  the  towns  of 
Belmonte  and  Amantea;  the  latter,  situated  on  a  high  rock,  is  de- 
fended by  a  fortress. 

FornLicola  Bock  lies  3^  miles  southward  of  Isca  Bocks;  it  is  small 
and  only  2  feet  above  the  water.  Immediately  northward  of  it  and 
connected  with  the  shore  is  a  large,  dark,  rocky  mass,  with  smaller 
rocks  scattered  around  it;  there  is  a  depth  of  30  fathoms  a  mile  out- 
side them.  Thence  to  Cape  Suvero,  a  distance  of  9  miles,  the  coast 
is  bold;  several  towers  and  villages  stand  on  the  shore  and  the  hiUs 
recede  farther  from  the  shore.  About  midway  is  Caputa  Rock, 
close  to  the  shore. 

The  Oulf  of  St.  Eiifemia  (ancient  Sinus  Terinaeus)  lies  between 
Capes  Suvero  and  Vaticano.  From  Cape  Suvero  the  shores  of  the 
gulf  extend  eastward  and  southward  for  about  21  miles  to  Safo 
Tower  and  are  low  and  sandy;  thence  a  roclcy  coast  extends  west- 
ward to  Cape  Vaticano.  Wheat,  Indian  com,  and  fruits  are  culti- 
vated, and  in  some  places  the  country  is  wooded.  The  district  suf- 
fered greatly  from  the  earthquakes  of  1637  and  1783.  "The  town, 
which  originally  gave  its  name  to  this  gulf,  is  said  to  have  been  swal- 
lowed by  the  earthquake  of  1637,  and  its  site  is  marked  by  a  fetid 
lake.  The  present  town  of  St.  Eufemia  is  2  miles  from  the  sea,  4 
miles  eastward  of  Cape  Suvero." 

Except  in  the  southern  part  of  the  gulf,  there  are  no  hidden 
dangers.  Under  favorable  circumstances  temporary  anchorage  may 
be  had,  but  there  is  no  secure  shelter  in  the  gulf ;  the  best  place  is  off 
Santa  Venere  on  the  southern  shore. 

Cape  Suvero  rises  steeply  from  the  beach  to  a  small  height;  it  is 
marked  by  the  lighthouse,  and  also  by  Torre  Spineta  (Spineto), 
nearly  800  yards  eastward  and  somewhat  higher  than  the  lighthouse. 
Monte  Mancuso,  4,232  feet  high,  4^  miles  northeastward  of  the  Cape, 
and  Falema  and  Gizzeria  villages  on  the  slopes  of  the  mountains 
nearer  the  sea  are  noticeable.  The  railway  runs  roond  the  cape  under 
and  seaward  of  the  lighthouse. 

Light. — From  a  white  octagonal  tower  above  square  dwelling 
on  Cape  Suvero,  at  an  elevation  of  141  feet  above  the  sea,  a  fixed  and 
flashing  white  light  is  exhibited.  The  light  is  visible  16  miles.  (For 
arc  of  visibility  see  Light  list.) 

Mole  under  construction — ^Mooring  buoy. — A  concrete  mole 
65  yards  long  is  being  constructed  in  the  northeastern  part  of  the 
Gulf  of  St.  Eufemia,  in  front  of  the  Malta  Bastion,  in  (approxi- 
mately) latitude  38°  55'  40"  N.,  longitude  16°  13'  05"  E. 

A  red  mooring  buoy  has  been  established  on  the  prolongation  of  the 
axis  of  the  mole  in  4  fathoms  of  water. 

Note. — Carried  away,  1916. 


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THE  WEST  COAST  OF  ITALY.  307 

Tunny  fisheries.— Tunny  nets  are  established  in  the  Gulf  of 
St.  Eufemia  at  Mezzapria  Tower  and  Pizzo;  the  nets  extend  more 
than  1  mile  from  the  shore  in  a  northwesterly  direction.  A  net  also 
extends  about  1.1  miles  off  the  shore  at  the  mouth  of  the  River 
Angitola. 

The  coast  from  Torre  della  Guardia  to  Cape  Suvero,  9  miles  to 
the  southward,  is  bold. 

About  li  miles  from  Torre  della  Guardia  is  the  mouth  of  Fiume 
Oliva,  which  has  a  white  gravel  bed,  and  is  crossed  by  an  iron  bridge. 
Torre  San  Giovanni,  on  the  beach  f  mile  farther  southward,  is  cir- 
cular, with  a  house  against  it,  and  some  houses  around. 

A  small  bank  with  4J  fathoms  water,  and  from  11  to  20  fathoms 
around,  lies  i  mile  off  the  coast,  1^  miles  southward  of  the  mouth  of 
Fiume  Oliva.  • 

Fiume  Savuto  flows  into  the  sea,  2f  miles  southward  of  the  mouth 
of  Fiume  Oliva;  the  mouth  has  well-wooded  shores,  and  white  low 
sandbanks;  it  is  crossed  by  an  iron  bridge  with  three  spans. 

Torre  del  Casale,  IJ  miles  southeastward  of  the  mouth  of  Fiume 
Savuto,  and  nearly  i  mile  inland,  is  500  feet  above  high  water  and 
conspicuous. 

Torre  dei  Lupi,  a  truncated  cone  in  shape,  is  situated  on  a  rocky 
spur  which  extends  to  the  beach,  2  miles  scAithward  of  Torre  del 
Casale. 

Fizzo,  a  town  containing  a  population  of  about  8,239,  is  situated 
on  the  shore  within  a  small  projecting  rocky  head;  it  is  defended  by 
a  fort,  and  an  active  coasting  trade  is  carried  on  from  its  small  port. 
The  country  around  is  well  cultivated. 

The  town  is  memorable  as  the  last  scene  in  the  life  of  Murat,  Kin,*; 
of  Naples,  who  was  buried  in  the  church. 

Fizzo — Buoys. — A  mooring  buoy  lies  off  Pizzo  in  8  fathoms  of 
water,  1.6  miles  53°  from  Santa  Venere  Light  and  450  yards  from  the 
shore;  at  ^  mile  farther  northeastward  is  another  buoy 

Anchorage. — ^The  bottom  is  hard  sand  and  not  good  holding 
ground,  but  anchorage  can  be  obtained  in  depths  varying  from  10 
to  5  fathoms. 

Santa  Venere. — ^2.5  miles  beyond  Pizzo  is  the  tower  and 
fishing  port  of  Santa  Venere,  where  vessels  are  protected  by  a  curved 
mole,  extending  in  a  northeastern  direction.  There  is  a  depth  of 
5  fathoms  500  yards  northward  of  the  end  of  the  breakwater; 
the  curve  of  5  fathoms  then  trends  to  the  south  westward  at  that  dis- 
tance westward  of  and  nearly  parallel  to  the  breakwater;  within 
this  line  a  shoal  extends  off  the  shore  for  600  yards  with  2f  fathoms 
at  its  extremity,  which  is  400  yards  290®  from  the  light. 

A  small  mole,  33  feet  wide  and  446  feet  long,  is  in  course  of  con- 
struction, the  inner  end  is  727  yards  228°  from  the  curved  mole. 

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308  THE  WEST  COAST  OF  ITALY. 

In  bad  weather  the  sea  breaks  on  the  shoal  ground  near  the  ex- 
tremity of  the  mole ;  large  vessels  entering  the  port  should  pass  about 
600  yards  northward  of  the  light,  and  proceed  for  the  anchorage. 

The  entrance  to  the  port  has  been  dredged. 

Mooring  buoys. — Two  mooring  buoys  are  situated  as  follows: 
One  220  yards  136°  and  the  other  200  yards  90°  from  the  lighthouse 
on  the  molehead. 

Note,  1914. — The  mooring  buoy,  formerly  moored  200  yards  90**  from  the 
Ughthouse  on  the  mole,  has  been  moved  220  yards  to  the  eastward.  It  is  not 
safe  for  vessels  to  use  the  buoy  in  its  present  position. 

Light. — On  the  northeastern  end  of  the  mole  an  occulting  green 
light,  elevated  41  feet  above  the  sea  and  shown  from  a  wooden  mast 
28  feet  in  height,  is  exhibited,  visible  4  and  5  miles  respectively. 
(See  Light  List.) 

Tunny  fishery. — ^Tunny  nets  extend  1.4  miles  from  the  shore 
in  a  northwest  direction  at  about  1  mile  west-southwest  of  Santa 
Venere  Light ;  also  1,100  yards  from  the  shore  in  a  north-northwest 
direction  at  li  miles  westward  of  Briatico. 

The  coast  from  Capo  Cozzo  trends  Avest-southwestward  9  miles, 
to  Capo  Vaticano ;  it  is  rocky  and  clear  at  the  distance  of  400  yards. 

Tropea. — The  town  of  Tropea,  4J  miles  westward  of  Capo  Cozzo, 
is  situated  200  feet  above  high  water  on  high  tufaceous  ground, 
which  falls  steeply  to  a  wide  sandy  beach;  the  country  around  is 
cultivated  and  wooded^  The  town,  which  is  partly  wailed,  has  a 
cathedral,  several  churches  and  convents,  and  manufactories  of  linen 
goods  and  counterpanes;  kaolin  is  extracted  from  the  mountains 
around;  there  are  also  active  tunny  and  anchovy  fisheries. 

On  the  beach  in  front  of  the  town  are  two  large  tufaceous  masses; 
San  Leonardo,  the  eastern  one,  is  flat  and  cultivated  on  the  summit; 
Isola,  the  western  one,  has  a  large  cave,  and  is  surmounted  by  a 
shrine ;  it  is  connected  to  the  town  by  a  viaduct  on  arches. 

The  mean  annual  temperature  at  Tropea  is  64°.  The  average 
annual  rainfall  is  27.3  inches;  the  most  rain  falls  from  October  to 
February,  inclusive. 

Quay. — ^The  construction  of  a  landing  quay,  with  a  protective 
mole,  off  San  Leonardo  rock,  is  in  progress. 

The  coast  between  Tropea  and  Capo  Vaticano  is  generally  a  nar- 
row sandy  beach  with  rocky  cliffs  inside  it,  and  well  cultivated  hills 
at  the  back.  There  are  several  towers  on  the  beach,  and  villages  on 
the  hills. 

Torre  Bali,  on  the  edge  of  a  high  cliff,  2^  miles  westward  of  Tropea, 
is  small. 

Scoglio  Vadera,  about  IJ  miles  southwestward  of  Torre  Bali,  and 
700  yards  offshore,  is  small  and  dark;  it  is  steep-to,  and  the  passage 
inside  it  is  clear,  with  6  fathoms  water  in  the  middle. 


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THE  WEST  COAST  OF  ITALY.  309 

Bank. — A  bank,  about  2  miles  in  extent  within  the  100-fathom 
curve,  with  a  least  depth  of  40  fathoms  and  from  125  to  224  fathoms 
around,  lies  about  5  miles  northwestward  of  Torre  Bali. 

Safe  Tower  stands  on  a  rocky  point  ^  miles  276°  from  Santa 
Venere  Tower ;  between  these  towers  the  shore  forms  a  bight  which 
is  partly  filled  up  by  rocks.  A  short  distance  inland  is  the  village 
of  St.  Pietro  di  Bivona,  near  the  site  of  the  once  important  colony 
of  Hipponium,  of  which  the  ruins  still  remain. 

Cape  SSambrone^  2  miles  to  the  westward  of  Safo  Tower,  has 
a  tower  on  it ;  close  off  it  is  the  Islet  of  Galera,  and  midway  between 
it  and  Safo  Tower  is  the  village  of  Briatico,  situated  on  the  left 
bank  of  a  stream.  Rocks  skirt  the  shore  between  Cape  Zambrone 
and  Safo  Tower,  but  there  is  a  depth  of  10  fathoms  at  1  mile  off. 

Konteleone  is  situated  on  a  commanding  position  4  miles  138** 
from  Safo ;  it  is  crowned  by  a  castle,  and  has  a  population  of  about 
10,310;  it  contains  silk  manufactories,  the  country  around  being  very 
fertile  and  producing  quantities  of  silk. 

Leonardo  'Bock. — Off  the  point  westward  of  the  town  is  the 
conical  rock  of  Leonardo,  perforated  with  caverns. 

Cape  Vaticano. — ^The  coast  between  Tropea  and  Cape  Vaticano 
is  rocky  and  foul ;  off  the  cape,  which  is  410  feet  high,  are  the  Vadero 
and  Mantineo  Rocks.  The  former,  off  the  north  point  of  the  cape, 
lies  700  yards  from  the  nearest  shore;  the  latter  lies  400  yards  from 
the  shore,  IJ  miles  southward  of  Vadera,  and  between  both  rocks 
and  the  shore  are  passages  through  which  boats  can  pass.  Two  miles 
northward  of  Cape  Vaticano  the  cliffs  are  240  feet  high;  on  the 
summit  is  a  semaphore  station. 

Light. — On  Cape  Vaticano,  from  a  circular  white  turret  adjoin- 
ing dwelling,  at  an  elevation  of  354  feet  above  the  sea,  is  exhibited 
a  flashing  white  light  visible  23  miles.  When  within  a  distance  of 
10  miles  the  light  appears  as  fixed  white  and  flashing,  exhibiting 
one  flash  every  minute;  outside  that  distance  as  a  white  flashing 
light  only.     (See  Light  List.) 

Qolfo  di  Gioja  extends  about  4  to  6  miles  east-southeastward  from 
its  entrance  between  Cape  Vaticano  and  Capo  Paci,  23  miles  south- 
southwestward.  The  water  in  the  gulf  is  deep  to  a  short  distance 
from  its  shores,  and  there  are  no  ports  of  refuge.  The  shores  are 
mountainous  at  the  extremes,  but  low  and  sandy  in  the  central  part ; 
several  rivers  and  torrents  flow  into  the  gulf,  and  there  are  many 
villages  on  the  shores  and  the  hills  within. 

The  coast  from  Cape  Vaticano  trends  southeavstward  7  miles,  and 
is  high  cliffs. 

Secca  del  Monaco  is  the  outer  of  several  rocks,  which  encumber  a 
small  bay  immediately  southeastward  of  the  cape;  it  is  about  400 
ynrds  offshore,  and  within  but  near  the  5-fathom  curve. 


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810  THE  WEST  OOABI^  OF  ITALY. 

V 

Fortino  di  Santa  Maria  is  on  a  point  1^  miles  southeastward  of  the 
cape ;  a  rocky  spit  nearly  awash  and  terminating  in  Scoglio  Galia,  a 
blackish  rock  above  water,  extends  300  yards  off  the  point. 

Torre  Joppolo,  battlemented,  with  a  house  behind  it,  stands  on  the 
steep  rocky  coast,  4f  miles  from  Cape  Vatican©. 

Nicotera,  a  large  village,  is  about  2  miles  southeastward  of  Torre 
Joppolo  and  on  the  slope,  690  feet  high,  of  Monte  Poro,  the  summit 
of  which  2,323  feet  high,  is  about  3  miles  to  the  northward.  The 
village  has  an  old  palace,  and  is  conspicuous. 

A  sandy  beach  trends  southward  about  9  miles  from  Nicotera,  and 
inside  it  is  the  extensive  and  slightly  elevated  plain  through  which 
flow  the  united  Fiumi  Mammella  and  Messima. 

Gioja  (Gioja  Tauro) ,  7i  miles  southward  of  Nicotera,  and  1,400 
yards  inland,  is  a  town  with  a  population  of  about  5,760;  a  white 
square  campanile,  and  the  red-tiled  roofs  of  many  of  the  houses  are 
noticeable. 

Marina  di  Gioja,  on  the  beach,  has  a  few  houses,  to  the  southward 
of  which  is  a  large  oil  and  sulphur  establishment  with  two  high 
chimneys.  The  Marina  is  frequented  by  small  craft,  which  are 
hauled  up  on  the  beach ;  wood  charcoal,  building  and  fire  wood,  and 
wine  are  exported. 

Buoy. — A  red  mooring  buoy  lies  in  6|  fathoms  water  about  350 
yards  off  the  beach. 

Anchorage.~Steamers  in  fine  weather  anchor  off  the  beach ;  there 
is  a  depth  of  6  fathoms  at  a  distance  of  about  300  yards. 

Supplies. — Provisions  can  be  obtained ;  water  is  brought  from  the 
mountains  in  pipes  and  is  good.    There  is  no  coal. 

Communication. — Steamers  between  Naples  and  Messina  call 
weekly,  and  those  of  another  line  call  about  every  15  days.  There 
is  railroad  and  telegraphic  communication. 

Life-saving  station. — A  rocket  apparatus  is  stationed  at  Gioja. 

The  shore. — Fiume  Petrace  flows  into  the  gulf  about  |  mile  south- 
ward of  Marina  di  Gioja,  and  is  crossed,  about  1,600  yards  within 
its  mouth,  by  a  long  iron  bridge.  The  shore  from  the  mouth  of  the 
river  trends  southward  4  miles  to  Cape  Barbi,  and  becomes  high  and 
rocky. 

Cape  Barbi  is  mountainous,  and  its  sunmiit  is  covered  with  olives ; 
Palmi  village  is  on  the  high  ground  within  it.  Monte  Sant'  Elia, 
1,900  feet  high,  is  southward  of  the  village. 

The  shore  from  Cape  Barbi  trends  southward  4i  miles  to  Gagnara, 
and  is  high  and  cliffy. 

Torre  Rosci,  35  miles  southward  of  Cape  Barbi  and  situated  on  a 
rocky  hill  which  separates  two  light-colored  sandy  beaches,  is  cylin- 
drical. 


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THE  WEST  COAST  OF  ITALY.  311 

The  coast  again  increases  in  height,  with  a  cliffy  shore,  and  thus 
it  continues  for  9  miles  to  the  town  of  Bagnara. 

Bagnara,  a  town  with  a  population  of  about  11,140,  is  built  on  the 
site  of  the  ancient  Portus  Balarus;  there  are  two  remarkable  viaducts 
behind  the  town.  Anchorage  off  the  town  is  unsafe,  and  the  currents 
are  strong.  Westward  of  the  town  is  a  ravine,  whence  cliffs  extend 
to  the  town  and  Castle  of  Scilla. 

Trade. — The  principal  articles  of  export  are  olive  oil,  wood,  and 
charcoal.  No  imports  are  shown,  as  they  pass  through  the  custom- 
house at  Messina,  and  are  consequently  included  in  the  Sicilian 
returns. 

Telegraph.cable. — A  telegraph  cable  is  landed  southwestward  of 
Bagnara,  and  four  notice  boards  on  the  beach  indicate  the  prohibited 
anchorage. 

Cape  Peloro. — An  occulting  white  light,  elevated  85  feet  above 
the  sea,  and  visible  12  miles,  is  exhibited  from  a  tower  on  an  old  fort, 
72  feet  in  height,  situated  on  Cape  Peloro,  the  northeastern  extremity 
of  Sicily. 

Winds. — In  summer  the  prevailing  winds  in  Gulf  of  Gioja  are 
northwesterly ;  these  winds  set  in  about  10  a.  m.  and  last  until  sunset ; 
although  moderate  they  raise  sufficient  sea  sometimes  to  pi^event  com- 
munication with  the  shore ;  at  night  there  is  an  easterly  breeze  with 
a  smooth  sea.  The  other  winds  in  this  season,  which  are  exceptional, 
attain,  especially  southwesterly  winds,  a  moderate  force,  and  do  not 
last  more  than  two  or  three  days.  From  October  to  April,  south- 
westerly and  northwesterly  winds  prevail,  accompanied  by  a  heavy 
sea.  Southwesterly  winds  are  very  strong  and  persistent,  and  at- 
tended by  hail  and  rain ;  with  these  winds  most  of  the  shipwrecks  in 
the  gulf  occur.  Southeasterly  winds,  although  sometimes  very  strong, 
do  not  raise  much  sea. 

Tidal  streams. — ^The  streams  in  the  gulf  set  northward  during 
the  rising  tide,  and  southeastward  during  the  falling  tide,  at  a  rate 
which  varies  from  2  to  3  knots  in  the  southern  part  of  the  gulf,  and 
diminishes  gradually  to  the  northward.  The  inshore  streams  follow 
the  streams  in  the  Strait  of  Messina  and  turn  with  them.  An  hour 
after  the  cessation  of  the  northgoing  stream,  a  counter  stream  com- 
mences and  sets  northward  on  the  shore  from  Cape  Paci  to  Cape 
Vaticano;  it  is  named  Bastardo  della  Montante.  This  stream,  which 
has  but  little  width  off  Cape  Paci,  continues  along  the  shore  until 
near  Cape  Vaticano,  gradually  losing  in  rate,  but  increasing  in  width, 
so  that  it^+ate,  which  sometimes  reaches  3  knots  between  Scilla  and 
Bagnara,  is  greatly  reduced  at  Nicotera,  and  is  very  feeble  at  Cape 
Vaticano.    There  is  no  counter  stream  during  the  falling  tide.    The 


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312  THE  WEST  COAST  OF  ITALY. 

streams  are  subject  to  irregularities,  especially  with  strong  winds 
between  southwest  and  northwest,  when  great  caution  is  necessary  in 
sailing  vessels  when  approaching  the  shore.  Further  observations  are 
required  on  these  streams. 

The  coast  from  Cape  Paci  trends  west-south  westward  3i  miles  to 
Punta  Pezzo,  and  is  a  beach,  broken  by  the  mouths  of  several  streams, 
rising  a  short  distance  inland  to  well-cultivated  hills.  Torre  Cavallo, 
on  a  rocky  spur,  near  the  sea  a  little  more  than  1  mile  from  Cape 
Paci,  is  circular,  with  a  long  wall  on  arches  westward  of  it.  Farther 
southwestward,  on  the  extremity  of  the  rocky  spur,  are  the  remark- 
able ruins  of  Castello  di  Alta  Fiumara,  and  a  large  yellow  building 
named  Casa  Porticello.  Alta  Fimnara  flows  into  th^  sea  ^  mile 
southwestward  of  Torre  Cavallo,  and  near  its  mouth  are  the  ruins  of 
a  castle.  Cannitello  village,  on  the  beach  about  1  mile  westward  of 
the  moutli  of  Alta  Fiumara,  has  been  almost  destroyed  by  an  earth- 
quake. 

Anchorage  can  be  obtained  by  large  vessels  about  400  yards  north- 
westward of  the  moutn  of  Alta  Fiumara,  in  16  fathoms,  sheltered 
from  winds  between  east,  through  south,  and  southwest,  but  it  is  im- 
possible to  stay  here  during  strong  northerly  winds.  There  is  a  tide 
rip  about  800  yards  westward  of  the  mouth  of  the  river. 

Punta  Pezzo  is  flat  and  sandy  to  the  foot  of  the  low  hill  about 
400  yards  within  it,  on  which  is  Pezzo  village.  Piale  village  is  on  a 
hill  about  J  mile  southeastward  of  the  point. 

Light. — A  light  is  exhibited,  at  46  feet  above  high  water,  from 
a  gray  trellis  framework  on  the  generator,  46  feet  high,  on  Punta 
Pezzo. 

Tide  rips. — ^There  are  heavy  tide- rips  in  the  vicinity  of  Punta 
Pezzo. 

The  coast  from  Punta  Pezzo  turns  southward  2f  miles,  to  the 
mouths  of  Fiumara  di  Catona,  and  is  a  wide  sandy  beach,  the  culti- 
vated slopes  of  the  hills  rising  gradually  inside  it. 

Scilla  (ancient  Scylla),  the  castle  of  which  stands  on  a  rocky 
bluff  223  feet  above  the  sea,  rises  in  terraces  from  the  sandy  bays  on 
both  sides  of  the  bluff;  it  contains  many  fine  buildings  and  several 
fountains,  but  the  streets  are  narrow  and  steep. 

The  population  is  about  7,500.  There  are  silk  manufactories  (mul- 
berry trees  abounding  in  the  district),  and  good  wines  are  produced. 
From  July  to  September  swordfish  are  caught  in  large  numbers. 
The  land  along  this  part  of  the  coast  rises  to  a  considerable  elevation 
and  is  scored  by  deep  ravines,  chiefly  the  channels  of  mountain  tor- 
rents, and  in  many  places  is  thickly  wooded. 

Pier. — A  pier  has  been  constructed  on  the  northeastern  side  of 
the  bluff;  it  commences  at  a  distance  of  55  yards  southeastward  from 
the  extremity  of  the  bluff,  and  extends  in  a  54°  direction  for  a  dis- 

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THE  WEST  COAST  OF  ITALY.  313 

tance  of  about  80  yards,  passing  over  a  rock  above  water  in  the 
vicinity. 

liiglit. — A  fixed  green  light  is  erected  on  the  head  of  the  old  mole 
at  Scilla. 

The  light  is  exhibited,  27^  feet  above  high  water,  from  a  pole  2^ 
feet  high  and  is  visible  3  miles.    (See  Light  List.) 

A  group  flashing  white  light,  visible  16  miles,  is  erected  on  Castle 
Scilla.  The  light  is  elevated  237  feet  above  the  sea  from  a  skeleton 
iron  tower.    (See  Light  List.) 

Caution — Danger. — A  rock,  above  water,  lies  about  800  yards 
to  the  eastward  of  the  bluff  close  to  the  shore.  Outside  of  it  the 
bottom,  which  is  composed  of  sand,  gravel,  and  rocky  patches,  is  very 
imeven,  but  at  J  mile  from  the  shore  is  a  depth  of  100  fathoms. 
North-northwest  600  yards  from  the  bluff  is  a  heavy  tide  rip. 

Anchorage. — Temporary  anchorage  may  be  had  in  the  western 
bay  off  the  Marina  of  Scilla  in  from  12  to  16  fathoms  (sand)  300 
yards  from  the  shore. 

Lifeboat. — A  lifeboat  is  stationed  here. 

The  coast. — From  the  western  Bay  of  Scilla  the  cliffy  coast 
trends  248°  to  the  point  and  tower  of  Cavallo ;  to  the  westward  of  the 
bay  is  a  small  fort;  over  Cavallo  Tower  is  a  semaphore  telegraph 
station. 

From  Cavallo  Point  the  coast  runs  nearly  in  the  same  direction  to 
the  low  point  of  Pezzo;  it  retains  its  cliffy  character  as  far  as  the 
fort  on  the  east  bank  of  the  Alta  Fiumara,  thence  the  remaining  2 
miles  is  a  sandy  shore,  cultivated  within,  and  bordered  by  numerous 
houses,  including  the  village  of  Cannitello  with  its  church  and  de- 
tached belfry.  At  Pezzo  Point  is  a  battery,  and  on  the  heights  within 
is  the  chapel  of  Piale,  and  to  the  eastward  the  ruined  tower  of  Pezzo. 

There  are  few  rocks  off  the  eastern  shore  and  the  mouth  of  the 
Fiumara ;  it  is  otherwise  bold  all  along. 

Pezzo  Point. — ^A  group  flashing  white  light,  elevated  39  feet 
above  the  sea,  and  visible  11  miles,  is  exhibited  from  Pezzo  Point. 

Telegraph  cables. — Four  submarine  cables  are  laid  across  the 
strait  from  about  J  mile  eastward  of  Pezzo  Point  to  Canzirri,  2  miles 
westward  of  Cape  Peloro. 

Caution. — Anchorage  in  the  vicinity  of  the  telegraph  cables  is 
prohibited. 

Tide  rip. — A  heavy  tide  rip  is  ^  mile  off  the  point,  and  another 
occurs  at  1^  miles  to  the  eastward. 

Coast. — From  Pezzo  Point  the  coast  turns  abruptly  to  the  south- 
ward for  2J  miles  to  Fiumara  di  Catena,  and  is  formed  by  a  sandy 
beach  with  well  cultivated  and  thickly  populated  land  behind ;  a  bank 
extend  for  a  distance  of  about  100  yards  off  the  mouth  of  the  Fiumara. 


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314  THE   WEST  COAST  OF  ITALY. 

The  coast  from  the  mouths  of  Fiumara  di  Catona  trends  south- 
ward 3|  miles  to  Porto  Nuovo  di  Reggio;  it  is  high,  well  cultivated, 
and  several  streams  flow  through  it  into  the  strait.  Catona  village, 
near  the  mouth  of  Fiumara  di  Catona,  and  Gallico  village,  near  the 
mouth  of  Fiumara  Gallico,  about  1  mile  to  the  southward  extend 
along  the  beach,  but  the  water  off  them  is  too  deep  to  afford  safe 
anchorage. 

Kada  di  Pentimele  is  a  small  bay  lying  between  the  mouth  of  Tor- 
rente  Torbido,  which  forms  a  little  point  about  1^  miles  southward 
of  Fiumara  Gallico,  and  the  mole  of  Porto  Nuovo.  There  is  anchor- 
age 400  yards  off  the  beach  in  27  fathoms,  good  holding  ground ;  it 
is  one  of  the  most  secure  anchorages  in  the  strait,  as  the  streams  are 
weak,  and  southwesterly  winds  do  not  generally  blow  there  with 
much  force. 

Villa  San  Giovanni  extends  between  Punta  Pezzo  and  Acciarello 
village,  about  1  mile  to  the  southward;  it  is  an  industrial  center  with 
many  chimneys  belonging  to  silk- weaving  factories  and  steam  mills. 

The  port  lies  about  1,600  yards  southward  of  Punta  Pezzo;  it  is 
within  a  mole  with  an  elbow,  which  shelters  a  small  area  of  water 
from  southerly  winds.  There  are  wharves  along  the  beach  in  the 
port,  but  the  depth  alongside  them  is  very  small ;  there  are  depths  of 
about  3J  fathoms  alongside  the  outer  part  of  the  mole.  A  little  mole 
extends  from  the  wharves  in  the  north  part  of  the  port,  and  has  a 
depth  of  1  fathom  at  its  head. 

Fortified  port. — Villa  San  Giovanni  is  a  fortified  port.  (See 
Regulations.) 

Prohibited  anchorage. — Anchorage  is  prohibited  off  the  coast 
from  300  yards  southward  of  Porto  di  Villa  San  Giovanni  to  the 
mouths  of  Fiumara  di  Catona. 

Communication. — ^There  is  railroad  communication  with  Naples 
and  Reggio,  and  a  service  of  steam  ferryboats  with  Messina. 

Light. — An  occulting  green  light,  elevated  26  feet  and  visible  5 
miles,  is  exhibited  from  an  iron  structure,  23  feet  in  height,  situated 
.on  the  outer  end  of  Villa  San  Giovanni  Mole.     (See  Light  List.) 

Reggio  (ancient  Rhegiimi  Julii),  on  the  shore  of  the  strait  about 
^  mile  southward  of  the  port,  has  a  population  about  44,570.  It  was 
much  damaged  by  the  severe  earthquake  of  December  28,  1908 ;  part 
of  its  walls  can  be  seen  from  a  considerable  distance.  Northward 
of  Reggio  is  a  sandy  bay  nearly  ^  miles  long;  it  is  rendered  re- 
markable by  the  frequent  appearance  of  the  optical  phenomenon 
named  Fata  Morgana. 

Depths. — ^There  is  a  depth  of  2|  fathoms  in  the  entrance  to  the 
port  and  from  3^  to  4^  fathoms  inside. 

Industries. — One  of  the  chief  industries  is  the  extraction  of 
essential  oils  from  oranges,  lemons,  and  bergamot;  rearing  silk- 
worms, weaving  silk,  and  producing  oil,  wine,  and  fruit. 

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THE  WEST   COAST  OF  ITALY.  315 

In  the  district  are  several  mines  containing  iron,  copper,  and  silver, 
but  these  are  unworked. 

Trade. — The  principal  articles  of  export  are  oils,  wine,  and  silk; 
and  of  import,  coal,  cereals,  etc. 

Coal. — ^About  9,000  tons  are  kept  in  stock  by  the  gas  company 
and  railway  for  their  own  use,  but  no  large  quantities  of  coal,  patent 
fuel,  or  oil  fuel  are  available  for  vessels.  Coaling  is  performed  in 
lighters;  from  200  to  300  tons  can  be  loaded  in  24  hours. 

Supplies. — Fresh  provisions  are  plentiful;  good  water  can  be 
obtained  from  the  public  fountain  and  there  are  some  water  boats. 

Cominiiiiication. — Eeggio  is  the  center  of  a  railroad  system  to 
all  parts;  steamers  run  twice  a  day  to  Messina.  There  is  a  regular 
service  of  ferryboats  carrying  trains  and  passengers  between  Reggio 
and  Messina ;  vessels  navigating  the  strait  should  endeavor  to  avoid 
them  as  much  as  possible  so  as  not  to  interfere  with  their  route. 

Port  Reggio  lies  within  a  mole  which  extends  about  200  yards 
northward  from  a  small  point.  The  entrance,  eastward  of  the  head 
of  the  mole,  is  about  100  yards  wide  with  depths  of  from  2^  to  5 
fathoms,  and  the  depths  in  the  port  are  from  3J  to  4^  fathoms.  The 
southwestern  side  of  the  port  is  bordered  by  quays,  on  which  there 
is  a  railroad.  The  port  is  well  sheltered  except  from  northerly 
winds. 

Fortified  port. — ^Reggio  is  a  fortified  port.     (See  Regulations.) 

There  are  nine  forts  between  Reggio  and  Scilla,  and  it  is  said 
others  are  to  be  built  toward  the  lighthouse  at  Cape  dell'  Armi. 

Lights. — ^A  flashing  green  light,  elevated  36  feet  above  the  sea 
and  visible  5  miles,  is  exhibited  from  an  iron  structure,  32  feet  high, 
situated  on  the  outer  end  of  the  western  mole  at  Reggio. 

When  the  harbor  is  crowded  a  fixed  green  light  is  shown  13  feet 
below  the  flashing  green  light. 

A  flashing  red  light,  elevated  26  feet  and  visible  5  miles,  is  shown 
from  an  iron  structure  on  masonry  base,  23  feet  in  height,  on  the 
eastern  side  of  entrance  to  the  port.    (See  Light  List.) 

Directions. — Vessels  entering  the  port  should  keep  on  the  side  of 
the  channel  nearest  the  mole  head,  and  leave  a  white  buoy,  quad- 
rangular shaped  and  surmounted  by  a  staff  and  disk,  moored  79  feet 
to  the  southwai:d  of  the  light  on  the  shore,  on  the  port  hand. 

When  the  port  is  closed,  a  red  flag  will  be  show  from  a  mast  at 
the  head  of  the  mole  by  day  and  a  red  light  at  night. 

Buoys. — At  the  entrance  to  the  port  of  Reggio  are  two  buoys; 
one,  a  white  cylindrical  iron  mooring  buoy,  lies  about  268  yards  350° 
from  the  light  on  the  molehead,  and  the  other,  a  red  iron  cylindrical 
mooring  buoy,  is  moored  about  361  yards  19°  from  the  same  light. 

Oiunchi  Anchorage — Buoys. — In  the  roads  to  the  southward 
of  the  port.    There  are  one  square  wooden  and  two  cylindrical  iron 

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316  THE  WEST  COAST  OF  ITALY. 

mooring  buoys  300  yards  apart  in  the  northeast  and  southwest  direc- 
tion; they  are  only  available  for  small  vessels.  * 

Anchorage. — Vessels  anchor  in  the  bay  northward  of  Beggio, 
but  the  edge  of  the  bank  is  so  steep  and  the  water  so  deep,  even 
at  a  short  distance  out,  that  the  anchorage  is  hardly  available  for 
strangers. 

Winds^  etc. — At  Reggio  north  and  northeast  winds  prevail  dur- 
ing 215  days  of  the  year;  east  and  southeast  winds  42  days;  south 
and  southwest  winds  88  days.  The  average  annual  rainfall  is  22.66 
inches;  most  of  the  rain  falls  from  October  to  February.  The 
mean  annual  temperature  is  64.2°,  and  the  mean  height  of  the 
barometer  is  29.99  inches.  The  barometer  is  highest  in  January, 
30.06  inches,  and  lowest  in  April,  29.90  inches. 

The  coast. — From  Reggio  the  coast  continues  low  and  sandy  for 
9 J  miles  to  Cape  dell'  Armi.  At  5  miles  from  Reggio  is  Cape  Pellaro, 
a  low  point,  northward  of  which  is  a  sandy  bay,  where  anchorage 
may  b^  had  in  case  of  necessity;  the  same  may  be  said  of  this 
anchorage  as  of  that  off  Reggio.  A  few  rocks  lie  close  off  Cape 
dell'  Armi ;  they  are  conspicuous  by  their  whiteness.  There  is  deep 
water  close  to  the  shore. 

Semaphore. — On  Cape  dell'  Armi,  close  to  the  lighthouse,  is  a 
semaphore  station  402  feet  above  high  water.  The  signal  house  with 
tower  is  painted  in  black  and  white  checker^.  Vessels  can  communi- 
cate by  the  International  Code  of  Signals. 

Lloyd^s  signals. — There  is  a  Lloyd's  signal  station  on  Cape 
dell'  Armi. 

Light. — On  Cape  dell'  Armi  is  a  white  octagonal  tower  above 
dwelling,  from  which,  at  an  elevation  of  312  feet  above  the  sea,  an 
occulting  white  light  is  exhibited,  which  is  visible  20  miles.  (See 
Light  List.) 

The  coast  from  Reggio  trends  southward  9  miles  to  Cape  dell' 
Armi,  and  is  low  and  sandy.  Punta  Calamizza,  southwestward  of 
Reggio  town,  has  some  sunken  rocks  near  it.  Fiumara  di  Sant'  Agata 
flows  into  the  strait  1^  miles  farther  southward,  and  at  its  mouth  is 
a  wide  bed  of  white  gravel;  it  is  crossed  near  the  mouth  by  a  long 
iron  bridge  on  low  pillars,  and  farther  up  by  a  masonry  bridge  with 
large  arches. 

Baia  di  Pellaro  extends  about  3^  miles  southward  from  the  mouth 
of  Fiumara  di  Sant'  Agata  to  Punta  Pellaro ;  the  water  in  it  is  deep. 

Punta  Pellaro  is  wide  and  sandy,  and  a  sandbank  of  recent  forma- 
tion extends  off  it;  at  30  yards  from  the  point  there  are  IJ  fathoms 
water.     Lazzaro  village,  on  the  beach,  3|  miles  southward  of  the  * 
point,  and  Fiumara  di  Lazzaro,  on  its  southwestern  side,  with  a  graj 
bed  and  a  red  iron  bridge  over  it,  are  noticeable. 

From  Cape  dell'  Armi  the  general  trend  of  the  south  coast  of  Italy 
is  eastward  18  miles  to  Cape  Spartivento.    The  shores  continue  well 

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THE  WEST  COAST  OP  ITALY.  317 

cultivated,  and  between  the  many  spurs  falling  from  the  mountain 
range  of  Aspromonte  are  several  streams,  the  deep  ravines  or  water- 
courses being  in  many  places  clothed  with  fine  timber. 

Melito,  containing  a  population  of  about  5,724,  is  the  most  south- 
em  town  of  Italy.  It  is  situated  on  rising  ground  a  short  distance 
from  the  beach  on  the  right  bank  of  the  Fiumara  di  Melito.  Above 
it  is  a  semaphore  telegraph  station  and  below  the  straggling  village 
of  Porto  Salvo. 

Fentedattilo. — About  2^  miles  northward  of  Melito,  at  an  eleva- 
vation  of  1,515  feet,  is  the  small  village  of  Pentedattilo.  It  is  in- 
closed within  the  dilapidated  walls  of  an  ancient  castle  perched  on  a 
crag,  accessible  by  steps  cut  in  the  rock.  It  is  said  to  have  derived 
its  ancient  name  of  Pentedactylus  from  the  peculiar  resemblance  of 
the  peaks  above  it  to  the  human  hand.  The  Greek  language  is  still 
much  used  in  this  and  the  neighboring  mountain  villages. 

The  shores  along  this  coast  are  clear  of  danger,  there  being  nearly 
50  fathoms  at  200  yards  off. 

Two  miles  eastward  of  Melito  is  the  tower  of  Trinita  or  Salto 
and  along  the  shore  between  are  a  few  cottages. 

Theodosia  Point,  5  miles  eastward  of  Salto,  has  a  tower  on  it,  off 
which  is  a  cluster  of  rocks,  with  shoal  water  a  little  outside  of  them. 

Marina  di  Bova. — Between  Salto  Tower  and  Theodosia  Point, 
and  near  the  mouth  of  Daria  Stream,  is  Marina  di  Bova,  the  town 
being  situated  4  or  5  miles  inland  and  considerably  elevated.  The 
latter  place  was  one  of  the  towns  which  suffered  so  severely  from  the 
earthquake  of  1783. 

Several  rocks,  both  above  and  under  water,  lie  along  the  shore  to 
the  next  point  3  miles  distant,  on  which  is  the  tower  of  Monza; 
midway  is  another  tower. 

Cape  Spartivento  (ancient  Herculeum  Promontory)  is  the  south- 
em  point  of  Italy  and  terminates  in  a  white  vertical  rocky  cliff. 
Eocks  and  shoal  water  extend  a  short  distance  off,  but  at  ^  mile 
there  are  12  fathoms. 

Light. — From  a  white  square  tower,  51  feet  high,  against  a  white 
two-storied  house  on  the  sunmiit  of  Cape  Spartivento,  at  an  elevation 
of  210  feet  above  the  sea,  a  flashing  white  light  is  exhibited,  visible 
21  miles.     (See  Light  List.) 

Semaphore. — On  Cape  Spartivento,  near  the  lighthouse,  is  a 
semaphore  station  151  feet  above  high  water.  The  house  with  tower 
is  painted  in  black  and  white  checkers.  Passing  vessels  can  com- 
municate by  the  International  Code  of  Signals. 

Note. — For  the  description  of  the  coast  northeastward  of  Cape  Spartivento 
see  H.  O.  No.  153,  Mediterranean  Pilot,  Vol.  III. 

The  coast  from  Capo  dell'  Armi  (latitude  37°  57'  north,  longitude 
15°  41'  east)  trends  east-southeastward  5  miles  to  Melito  town ;  it  is 

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318  THE  WEST  COAST  OF  ITALY. 

high  and  bordered  by  a  beach  which  commences  about  a  mile  from 
the  cape;  there  are  depths  of  nearly  50  fathoms  200  yards  off  the 
coast;  some  streams  flow  through  the  valleys  between  the  spurs  of 
the  mountainous  range  of  Aspromonte  and  into  the  sea ;  their  mouths 
are  generally  crossed  by  ironwork  bridges  on  masonry  pillars. 

Melito  di  Porto  Salvo  is  on  the  right  bank  of  Fiumara  di  Melito 
and  on  rising  ground  a  short  distance  inside  the  beach;  it  has  a 
population  of  about  5,340.  On  the  beach  to  the  southwestward  of 
the  town  and  near  a  church  with  a  cupola  and  campanile,  is  Porto 
Salvo  village,  a  small  group  of  houses. 

About  2^  miles  northward  of  Melito,  at  1,515  feet  above  high 
water  is  the  small  village  Pentadattilo ;  it  is  on  a  crag,  and  is  said 
to  have  derived  its  ancient  name  of  Pentadactylus  from  the  peculiar 
resemblance  of  the  crag  to  a  man's  fist. 

The  coast  from  Melito  trends  eastward  13^  miles  to  Cape  Sparti- 
vento ;  Torre  del  Salto  or  Trinita,  on  the  coast  1^  miles  eastward  of 
the  mouth  of  Fiumara  di  Melito,  is  not  conspicuous. 

Fiumara  di  Acrifa  flows  into  the  sea  about  f  mile  eastward  of. 
Torre  del  Salto,  and  2  miles  farther  eastward  is  Fiumara  Amendolea, 
with  a  wide  bed  which  is  almost  always  dry  in  sunmier. 

Anchorage  can  be  obtained  off  Marina  di  Bova,  by  large  vessels 
in  16  fathoms  water,  a  little  more  than  800  yards  from  the  coast; 
smaller  vessels  anchor  in  about  3J  fathoms  400  yards  off  the  coast, 
and  southward  of  the  bridge  over  Torrente  Salerno.  These  anchor- 
ages are  considered  the  most  secure  on  the  coast,  with  northerly 
winds. 

The  coast  eastw^ard  to  Torre  Mozza,  distant  3|  miles,  is  bordered 
by  rocks,  above  and  below  water.  There  is  a  large  light-colored 
spot  on  the  coast  eastward  of  the  Marina. 

Torre  Mozza  (latitude  37°  55'  north,  longitude  16°  0'  east),  on  a 
little  promontory,  is  dark  and  quadrangular.  A  rocky  bank,  with  a 
least  depth  of  1^  feet,  extends  about  400  yards  southward  from  the 
promontory,  and  caution  is  necessary  by  coasting  vessels,  when  keep- 
ing close  to  the  coast  in  fresh  northerly  winds,  to  clear  it. 

Anchorage  can  be  obtained  off  the  railroad  station  of  Palazzi, 
about  i  mile  westward  of  Torre  Mozza,  and  also  off  the  coast  be- 
tween Torre  Mozza  and  the  sandy  Punta  di  Spropoli,  2  miles  to 
the  eastward,  where  there  is  a  depth  of  9  fathoms  about  ^  mile,  and 
5^  fathoms  about  600  yards,  from  the  coast. 

There  are  two  rocks,  each  about  30  feet  in  extent,  about  400  yards 
off  the  beach  between  Punta  di  Spropoli  and  Cape  Spartivento ;  the 
rocks  are  30  feet  apart,  and  there  is  a  depth  of  4  feet  on  the  western 
and  7  feet  on  the  eastern  one.  The  coast  here  should  not  be  closed  to 
less  than  ^  mile. 


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CHAPTER  V. 


CORSICA  ISLAND  AND  THE  TUSCAN  ARCHIPELAGO. 

East  coast. — Cape  Corse  or  Corso  ancient  Sacrum  Promon- 
tory) ,  a  promontory  20  miles  in  length  and  8  miles  in  extreme  breadth, 
projects  northward  from  the  elevated  land  in  the  interior  of  Corsica, 
Mount  Stello,  about  13  miles  from  its  extremity,  being  5,193  feet 
above  the  sea.  It  terminates  in  a  headland  of  moderate  height  and  4 
miles  in  extent  between  Cape  Bianco  on  the  west  and  Agnello  Pomt 
on  the  east,  the  whole  bearing  the  name  of  Cape  Corso.  On  the  cape 
is  a  semaphore,  several  villages,  and  houses. 

Cape  Bianco,  the  northwestern  extremity  of  Corsica,  derives  its 
name  from  the  white  appearance  of  its  western  part,  which  assumes  a 
triangular  form;  it  is  high,  somewhat  round,  and  within  it  are  the 
lofty  mountains  of  the  interior.  From  Cape  Bianco  the  coast  is  clear 
and  bold  for  1.7  miles  eastward  to  the  tower  of  Tolari,  near  the  mouth 
of  a  rivulet,  on  both  sides  of  which  are  small  villages  fronted  by 
sandy  bays,  that  near  the  tower  having  a  rock  off  the  entrance. 

Semaphore. — A  semaphore  is  situated  on  Corno  di  Becco,  416 
feet  above  the  sea.    This  is  a  Lloyd's  signal  station. 

Polnte  Tolare  (ToUare)  is  the  termination  of  the  eastern  spur 
of  the  range  running  northward  through  Presqu'ile  du  Cap  Corse; 
eastward  of  Pointe  Holare  is  a  point,  on  which  is  a  tower  surmounted 
by  a  pyramid.  The  point  with  the  tower  separates  two  small  coves  in 
each  of  which  is  a  sandy  beach,  and  some  houses  on  the  shore ;  these 
houses  are  the  warehouses  of  the  parish  of  Ersa,  and  are  uninhabited. 
There  is  anchorage  northward  of  the  tower,  in  about  8  fathoms 
water,  sheltered  from  southeasterly  winds;  the  sea  is  heavy  with 
southwesterly  winds. 

Agnello  Point. — At  2  miles  eastward  of  Tolari  is  the  tower  of 
Agnello  upon  a  low  point.  In  the  middle  of  the  intermediate  coast 
is  a  bay  with  a  clear  sandy  beach,  having  at  its  western  extremity 
the  village  of  Barcaggio  near  the  Agua  River,  and  on  the  Barcaggio 
Point,  westward  of  the  village,  a  battery.  Close  off  the  battery  are 
two  small  islets  and  some  sunken  rocks.  Costa  Point  is  the  eastern 
extremity  of  the  bay,  and  the  rounded  head  at  the  foot  of  Mount 
Campana,  which  is  elevated  576  feet,  is  bold.  A  small  bight,  called 
Cala  Cimentera,  in  which  is  a  stream,  is  formed  between  it  and  Ag- 
nello Tower. 

319 


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320  CORSICA  ISLAND  AND  THE  TUSCAN  AKCHIPELAGO. 

Water. — A  stream  running  down  the  western  slope  of  the  mount 
enters  the  bay  on  the  eastern  side,  forming  a  good  watering  place. 

Costa  Bock,  300  yards  318**  from  Costa  Point,  is  a  rocky  patch 
of  2  fathoms;  elsewhere  without  the  5-fathom  curve  of  soundings, 
which  on  the  southern  side  extends  from  800  to  300  yards  offshore, 
there  are  from  6  to  14  fathoms. 

Corso  Boad. — ^With  southerly  winds,  there  is  anchorage  off  the 
beach  of  Barcaggio  in  front  of  the  houses,  in  from  6  to  8  fathoms 
water,  or  farther  eastward  off  the  cliffs  at  the  base  of  Mount  Cam- 
pany  in  from  12  to  14  fathoms. 

life-saving  stations. — ^There  are  life-saving  apparatus  at  Gi- 
raglia  Lighthouse  and  Barcaggio. 

Lloyd^s  signals. — ^There  is  a  Lloyd's  signal  station  at  Cape 
Corse. 

Giraglia  Island  is  about  700  yards  in  length,  200  yards  wide, 
and  lies  nearly  f  mile  from  the  eastern  part  of  Cape  Corso.  It  is 
skirted  with  rocks,  one  of  which,  about  200  yards  off  the  north- 
western end  of  the  island,  is  awash.  On  its  northern  end,  where  it 
is  about  200  feet  high,  is  a  light  tower  and  battery,  the  land  de- 
clining toward  the  southern  end. 

About  400  yards  southward  of  Giraglia  Island  is  a  rocky  patch 
with  4  fathoms  water  on  it. 

Light. — From  a  cylindrical  tower  situated  on  the  northern  end 
of  Giraglia  Island,  is  exhibited  at  269  feet  above  the  sea  a  flashing 
AYhite  light,  visible  23  miles.    (See  Light  List.) 

Ste.  Marie  Shoals  and  Anchorage. — About  1|  miles  142"^  30' 
from  Agnello  Point  is  a  tower  on  a  low  point  named  Ste.  Marie,  and 
on  its  southern  side  is  a  small  cove  used  by  fishing  boats.  The  inter- 
mediate coast  is  cliffy  with  two  small  sandy  beaches  near  the  latter 
point.  About  750  yards  19°  from  Ste.  Marie  Tower  is  a  rocky  shoal 
with  3  fathoms  water,  and  from  4  to  6  fathoms  close-to;  between  the 
shoal  and  shore  there  are  7  fathoms. 

At  rather  more  than  1  mile  61°  from  the  above  tower  is  the  center 
of  another  rocky  shoal  about  600  yards  in  extent,  90°  and  270°,  with 
5  fathoms  water  on  it,  and  from  10  to  12  fathoms  around  it,  shoal- 
ing gradually  to  the  shore- 
Between  the  two  shoals  there  is  anchorage  with  offshore  winds  in 
0  or  10  fathoms,  weeds,  with  the  tower  on  Agnello  Point  bearing 
about  299°,  the  tower  of  Ste.  Marie  227°,  distant  a  long  J  mile,  and 
the  tower  on  Finocchiarola  Islet  159°. 

Finocchiarola  Islet. — A  little  more  than  i  mile  southeastward 
of  the  tower  of  Ste.  Marie  are  three  small  islets  extending  nearly  800 
yards  from  the  shore ;  the  outer  of  these  is  named  Finocchiarola  and 
has  a  tower  on  it.  The  passages  between  the  islets,  and  between  tlie 
islets  and  coast,  are  shallow  and  choked  with  rocks. 


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CORSICA  ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN   ARCHIPELAGO.  321 

Small  vessels  find  shelter  southward  of  the  islets  from  westerly 
winds  and  round  northward  as  far  as  northeast,  in  5  or  5J  fathoms 
water. 

Kacinaggio. — This  little  port,  If  miles  southward  of  Finocchia- 
rola  Islet,  is  formed  by  two  moles  which  project  from  the  shore  about 
100  yards  at  the  southern  end  of  Macinaggio  Bay.  Within  the 
moles  there  are  from  3  to  8  feet  water,  and  300  yards  from  the  beach 
northward  of  the  North  Mole  10  to  15  feet;  on  the  north  point 
of  the  bay  900  yards  from  the  South  Mole  is  a  battery.  There  is 
tmchorage  in  the  road  of  Macinaggio  with  westerly  winds,  in  from 
8  to  10  fathoms  water,  with  the  battery  on  the  north  point  of  the 
bay  bearing  about  306°  and  the  lighthouse  on  the  South  Mole  249°. 
Buoys. — Moorings  for  torpedo  boats,  with  three  iron  buoys,  have 
been  laid  down  in  this  port. 

Light. — From  an  iron  standard  on  the  South  Molehead  of  Maci- 
naggio Harbor  is  exhibited,  at  an  elevation  of  25  feet  above  high 
water,  a  fixed  red  light  which  should  be  visible  5  miles.  (See  Light 
List.) 

Supplies. — Some  provisions  could  be  obtained  in  the  village,  and 
water  from  a  fountain  on  the  quay. 

Telegraph  cable — ^Beacons. — The  landing  place  of  the  sub- 
marine cable  from  Leghorn,  situated  close  northward  of  the  port,  is 
marked  by  two  beacons,  painted  blue  and  white  in  horizontal  bands, 
with  white  circular  topmarks,  which  in  range  bear  230°.  Anchorage 
is  prohibited  near  the  alignment  of  the  beacons. 

Life-saving  stations. — ^I'here  are  life-saving  apparatus  at  Ma- 
cinaggio, Luri,  and  Orbatimga. 

Cape  Sagro. — About  11^  miles  172°  from  Ste.  Marie  Tower  is 
Cape  Sagro,  a  slightly  projecting  cliffy  point  with  a  tower  on  it, 
terminating  from  Mount  Stello  (5,193  feet  high).  The  intermediate 
coast  is  generally  high,  bold,  and  cliffy,  broken  by  three  small  bays 
with  beaches;  the  northernmost  bay  is  named  Meria;  the  next  Por- 
ticciolo;  and  the  southern,  Pietro  Corbara.  The  first  will  be  recog- 
nized by  a  tower  on  its  north  side  1^  miles  from  Macinaggio;  the 
second  3^  miles  farther  on,  by  a  village  on  its  southern  point,  with 
the  small  town  of  Luri  §  mile  northward  of  it;  and  the  third 
which  is  2^  miles  northward  of  Cape  Sagro,  will  be  known  by  the 
town  of  the  same  name  on  the  shore  of  the  bay.  The  Marina  de 
Sisco  is  a  village  on  the  shore  northward  of  the  ri\^let  between  the 
cape  and  Pietro  Corbara. 

The  whole  of  these  villages  derive  their  names  from  larger  towns 

in  the  interior  of  the  country,  of  which  they  are  the  Marinas  or 

commercial  ports.    The  bays  are,  however,  only  fit  for  coasting  and 

fishing  vessels  during  offshore  winds.     All  along  this  coast  at  the 

68850—17 21 


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322  COKSICA  ISLAND  AND  THE  TUSCAN  ABCHIPEI^GO. 

distance  of  about  700  yards  there  are  generally  from  6J  to  15 
fathoms  water,  and  ^  mile  from  the  cape  18  to  30  fathoms. 

Semaphore. — There  is  a  signal  station  448  feet  above  the  sea,  on 
a  little  hill,  about  1  mile  northward  of  Cape  Sagro,  at  which  the 
International  Code  is  used. 

Bastia. — Six  miles  194° 'from  Cape  Sagro  is  the  fortified  sea- 
port of  Bastia,  the  principal  commercial  town  and,  previous  to  the 
union  of  Corsica  with  France,  the  capital  of  the  island ;  it  rises  some- 
what like  an  amphitheater,  and  though  it  has  a  fine  appearance  from 
seaward,  the  old  town  is  ill  built,  with  narrow  crooked  streets.  It  is 
divided  into  two  parts.  Terra  Nuova  and  Terra  Vecchia  (new  town 
and  old  town) ;  the  latter,  surrounded  by  walls  and  ramparts,  and 
defended  by  a  citadel,  stands  above  the  rocky  clilTs  south  of  the  port, 
and  is  further  protected  by  Forts  de  la  Croix  and  Straforello,  on  the 
heights  above  the  town  and  port.  Bastia  is  the  seat  of  a  royal  court 
for  the  island,  and  of  tribunals  of  commerce  and  of  primary  jurisdic- 
tion ;  and  has  a  communal  college,  a  model  school,  a  society  of  public 
instruction,  theater,  public  gardens,  gas  works,  hospital  for  seamen, 
etc.    Population  in  1911  was  27,378. 

On  the  southern  side  of  Vieux  port  is  a  rocky  promontory,  oc- 
cupied by  the  citadel,  in  the  middle  of  which  is  Sainte  Marie  church, 
which  has  a  white  campanile.  In  the  town,  Saint  Jean  church,  with 
two  steeples,  is  conspicuous ;  a  little  above  and  inside  it  is  the  theater, 
a  large  square  building,  with  the  military  hospital  on  a  hill  to  the 
northward.  Westward  of  Port  Saint  Nicolas  is  the  valley  of  Rivifere 
Fango,  with  Cardo  village,  having  a  square  steeple  and  two  factory 
chimneys  at  its  head.  Sainte  Lucie  church,  with  a  large  white 
campanile,  is  on  a  height  northward  of  the  valley.  Northward  of 
the  town  is  the  gasworks.  Toga  furnaces,  and,  near  the  coast,  the 
ruins  of  Tour  Toga. 

Bastia  ApproachT-Fairway  reserved  for  traffic  when  sub- 
marine vessels  are  exercising. — When  the  flag,  upper  half  red 
and  lower  half  yellow  is  hoisted  at  the  signal  stations  or  on  the 
vessel  escorting  submarine  vessels,  to  indicate  that  the  latter  are 
exercising  submerged,  all  vessels  wishing  to  enter  or  leave  the  port 
of  Bastia  must  use  the  fairway,  defined  below,  in  which  submarine 
vessels  are  prohibited  from  exercising  submerged. 

This  fairway  is  limited  as  follows : 

On  the  south,  by  the  alignment  282°  from  Mount  Pigno  and  Sainte 
Marie  church. 

On  the  west  by  the  coast. 

On  the  northeast  by  the  arc  of  a  circle  drawn  with  Sainte  Marie 
church  as  center,  with  a  radius  of  2  miles,  from  the  first-named 
limit  to  the  coast  northward  of  the  port. 


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CORSICA  ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN  ABCHIPELAGO.  325 

Vieux  port  is  partly  formed  by  a  cove  on  the  northern  side  of  the 
promontory  on  which  is  the  citadel;  it  is  within  Jetee  du  Dragon, 
which  extends  in  a  curve  about  150  yards  northward  from  the  eastern 
extreme  of  the  promontory,  and  Mole  Genois,  which  extends  about 
150  yards  in  a  curve  southeastward  from  the  north  point  of  the  cove, 
leaving  an  entrance,  about  90  yards  wide,  between  them. 

There  are  depths  of  ^  and  6^  fathoms  in  the  entrance,  but  the 
3-fathom  curve  is  a  little  more  than  100  yards  inside,  whence  the 
water  shoals  northwestward  to  the  head  of  the  port. 

The  port  is  sheltered  from  southeasterly  winds,  but  easterly  and 
northeasterly  winds  send  in  a  sea  which  renders  the  outer  part  of  the 
port  untenable. 

There  are  two  quays  in  the  inner  part  of  the  port  for  loading  or 
discharging  cargo;  Quai  de  la  Sante,  on  the  northern  side,  extends 
eastward  to  and  along  the  inner  part  of  Mole  Genois;  vessels  of  14 
feet  draft  can  go  alongside  the  inner  part  of  the  mole,  but  all  vessels 
are  generally  moored  with  stems  to  the  quay,  and  use  lighters  for 
dealing  with  the  cargo.  Quai  du  Sud  is  not  so  well  sheltered,  and  the 
depth  alongside  is  less,  with  rocky  bottom  in  places;  on  the  coast 
between  Quai  du  Sud  and  Jetee  du  Dragon  is  a  narrow  space  fur- 
nished with  bollards,  which  are  also  placed  on  the  inner  part  of  the 
jetty. 

The  Naval  office  is  on  Quai  de  la  Sante. 
There  is  a  warping  buoy  in  the  outer  part  of  the  port. 
ShoaL — A  small  shoal  patch,  with  23  fathoms  water,  lies  100  yards 
eastward  of  the  shore  at  the  inner  end  of  Mole  Genois. 

Caution. — The  libeccio,  which  descends  from  Mont  Pigno  in 
violent  squalls,  is  much  feared  at  Bastia,  especially  by  vessels  in 
Vieux  port ;  it  is  then  necessary  to  double  the  moorings  if  at  anchor ; 
on  entering  with  a  libeccio  a  vessel  should  lie  head  to  wind  instead  of, 
as  usual,  head  to  seaward. 

Port  Saint  Nicolas^  on  the  northern  side  of  the  town,  is  within 
Jet^e  Saint  Nicolas,  which  extends  150  yards  eastward  from  Pointe 
des  Jesuites,  then  200  yards  southeastward,  and  then  600  yards  south- 
ward, parallel  with  the  shore;  an  extension  o£  the  southern  end  of 
the  last  portion  is  nearly  finished  (1915).  A  jetty  extends  about 
150  yards  eastward  into  the  port  from  the  shore  about  400  yards 
southward  of  Pointe  des  Jesuites,  and  a  jetty  extends  about  80  yards 
from  the  shore  under  Batterie  Saint  Erasme,  about  300  yards  farther 
southward. 

There  are  depths  of  from  5J  to  9  fathoms  in  the  port  for  about 
100  yards  westward  of  the  southern  portions  of  Jetfe  Saint  Nicolas^ 
and  thence  the  water  shoals  gradually  to  the  shore. 

The  two  inner  portions  of  Jetee  Saint  Nicolas  are  lined  with  quays^ 
and  vessels  go  alongside  them,  sheltered  from  northeasterly  winds 

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324  CORSICA  ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN   ARCHIPELAGO. 

and  spray  by  a  wall;  there  is  a  depth  of  from  20  to  26  feet  alongside 
the  inner  portion  and  of  26  to  49  feet  alongside  the  second  portion. 
The  southern  portion  of  the  jetty  has  depths  of  from  8  to  9  fathoms 
close  to,  but  rocks  prevent  approach  to  it  nearer  than  about  20  yards. 
There  is  a  quay  along  the  shore  in  the  northern  part  of  the  port ;  it  is 
reserved  for  mail  steamers,  and  has  depths  of  from  11  to  17  feet 
alongside ;  there  are  landing  steps  here  for  boats. 

The  port  is  accessible  in  any  weather,  and  the  inner  part  is  well 
sheltered  from  all  winds.  The  railroad  runs  on  to  the  quays  and  also 
the  jetty  extending  eastward  into  the  port. 

Buoys. — A  red  buoy  is  moored  about  60  yards  eastward  of  the 
lighthouse  on  the  southern  end  of  Jetee  Saint  Nicolas,  and  marks  the 
extension  works;  the  passage  between  the  buoy  and  the  jetty  must 
not  be  used.  The  extension  works  are  covered  by  the  red  sectors  of 
Jetee  du  Dragon  and  Batterie  Saint  Erasme  lights. 

Three  mooring  buoys  are  placed  in  the  port  parallel  to  the  shore, 
and  are  for  the  use  of  vessels  when  the  libeccio  is  blowing  with 
squalls. 

Pilots.— The  pilotage  station  of  Bastia  extends  from  the  anchor- 
age in  Anse  de  Porto  Vecchio  northward  to  the  anchorage  off  Toga 
furnaces. 

Vessels  pay  on  entering  and  on  leaving  the  port. 

There  are  special  rates  for  naval  vessels. 

When  the  weather  will  not  permit  a  pilot  to  go  out  to  a  vessel 
about  to  enter  he  will  remain  in  the  entrance  and  direct  the  vessel  by 
signals  and  by  voice. 

Directions. — To  enter  Vieux  port,  steer  in  with  Saint  Jean  church 
steeples  bearing  about  270°,  and  when  Sainte  Marie  church  is  open 
northwestward  of  Jet^e  du  Dragon  lighthouse,  steer  through  the 
entrance  and  round  Mole  G^nois  closely. 

At  night,  steer  westward  to  pass  about  100  yards  northward  of 
Jetee  du  Dragon  light,  keeping  in  the  green  sector  of  Batterie  Saint 
Erasme  light  to  clear  the  worlcs  at  the  south  end  of  Jet^e  Saint 
Nicolas.  Pass  through  the  entrance,  and  round  Mole  Gfinois  light 
closely. 

It  is  dangerous  to  leave  the  port  when  strong  southeasterly  winds 
are  blowing,  on  account  of  the  hea\T^  sea  outside  the  moles. 

For  Port  Saint  Nicolas,  approach  with  Saint  Jean  church  steeples 
bearing  about  270° ;  when  the  white  iron  light-column  at  the  end  of 
Jet^e  Saint  Nicolas  bears  about  315°  turn  gradually  northward  and 
keep  about  50  yards  within  the  mole.  As  the  squalls  during  the 
libeccio  are  very  violent,  and  the  bottom  is  shelving  rock,  vessels 
should  anchor  near  one  of  the  mooring  buoys  in  the  port,  and  secure 
to  one  of  them. 


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CORSICA   ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN   ARCHIPELAGO.  325 

Outer  anchorage. — There  is  temporary  anchorage  outside  a  line 
joining  the  heads  of  Jetee  du  Dragon  and  Jet^e  Saint  Nicolas,  with 
Saint  Jean  church  steeples  bearing  about  265°,  in  from  18  to  22 
fathoms,  weeds. 

Trade. — The  principal  articles  of  import  to  the  port  of  Bastia 
consist  of  coal,  casks,  flour,  iron  and  steel,  petroleum,  woolen  and 
cotton  goods,  coffee,  building  materials,  glass  and  earthenware,  wines, 
spirits,  and  rice;  and  exports,  citrons  in  brine,  chestnuts,  copper, 
mineral  water,  cork,  charcoal,  timber,  wine,  and  tanning  extract. 
The  coasting  trade  between  Bastia  and  France  is  allowed  in  French 
vessels  only.    There  are  two  large  tanning  factories. 

Lights. — The  entrance  to  the  old  port  is  marked  at  night  by  a 
fixed  green  light  41  feet  above  the  sea,  exhibited  from  a  white 
masonry  turret  23  feet  high,  on  the  mole  head  on  the  northern  side, 
visible  5  miles,  and  a  group-occulating  white  light  with  red  sector 
54  feet  above  the  sea,  is  exhibited  from  a  white  masonry  turret  36 
feet  high,  on  the  head  of  the  Dragon  Jetty  on  the  southern  side, 
visible  12  miles. 

St.  ErasmS  Light. — From  a  lantern  on  masonry  base,  14  feet 
high,  situated  on  the  western  side  of  the  road  between  St.  Erasme 
Battery  and  the  sea,  at  267  yards  274°  froin  St.  Nicholas  Mole  Light, 
is  exhibited,  at  an  elevation  of  33  feet,  a  fixed  light  with  one  red  and 
one  green  sector.  The  red  light  is  visible  over  the  end  of  St.  Nicho- 
las Mole  from  a  distance  of  4  miles,  and  the  green  light  southward 
from  3  miles.     (For  sectors  see  Light  List  and  chart.) 

St.  Nicholas  Mole  Light.— A  fixed  red  light,  elevated  37  feet 
above  the  sea  and  visible  5  miles,  is  exhibited  from  a  white  iron 
column,  20  feet  high,  situated  about  30  feet  within  the  new  outer 
extremity  of  the  mole. 

Signal  station. — There  is  a  signal  station  at  Port  St.  Nicholas 
Mole  Lighthouse,  which  is  open  from  January  to  March.  (See  Light 
List.) 

Lifeboat. — There  is  a  lifeboat  and  life-saving  apparatus  at  Bastia. 

Porto  Vecchio  is  merely  a  small  bay  with  a  beach  and  an  inlet 
close  to  it  on  the  southwestern  side  of  the  citadel.  Small  coasting 
vessels  and  fishing  boats  find  shelter  here  in  5  or  6  fathoms  water 
during  northwest  winds,  but  several  sunken  rocks  exist.  A  little 
farther  to  the  southwest,  and  near  the  last  houses  of  the  town,  is  a 
fountain  used  by  shipping;  there  is  also  a  rivulet  of  good  water  just 
northward  of  the  town. 

Supplies. — Provisions  are  plentiful  and  cheap.  Water,  from  the 
town  waterworks  can  be  obtained  by  screwing  on  a  canvas  hose  to  a 
standpipe  on  Quai  de  la  Sante;  it  is  at  a  high  pressure,  and  is  said 
to  be  fairly  good  for  drinking,  but  to  be  sometimes  turbid. 


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326  CORSICA   ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN   AKCHIPELAGO. 

Repairs. — Urgent  small  repairs  can  be  executed,  work  in  metal 
being  done  at  the  forges  of  Toga  factory,  and  work  in  wood  at  Ano- 
letti  workshops. 

Communicatioii. — A  railroad  runs  to  Casamozza,  and  continues 
southward  to  Ghisonaccia;  a  line  runs  from  Casamozza  to  Ponte 
Leccia,  whence  a  line  runs  westward  to  lie  Rousse  and  Calvi,  and 
another  southward  to  Ajaccio.  There  is  telegi'aphic  communication, 
the  office  being  open  until  midnight. 

life-saving  station. — ^There  is  a  lifeboat  in  the  port,  and  a  life- 
saving  gun  and  a  rocket  apparatus  at  the  customhouse. 

Fointe  de  Toga,  650  yards  northward  of  the  root  of  Jetee  de 
Saint  Nicolas,  is  marked  by  Tour  de  Toga  in  ruins,  and  close  south- 
ivard  of  it  are  the  Toga  furnaces. 

Coal. — Bastia  is  not  a  coaling  port ;  about  3,000  tons  are  imported 
annually  for  local  requirements,  but  there  is  seldom  more  than  500 
tons  in  stock. 

Consul. — ^The  United  States  is  represented  by  a  consular  agent. 

Arco  Point  Anchorage. — From  Bastia  Road  a  low  sandy  shore 
curving  slightly  to  the  westward  eirtends  9  miles  in  a  158®  direction 
to  Arco  Point.  Arco  Point  is  a  little  higher  than  the  coast  between 
it  and  Bastia,  but  is  only  known  by  a  tower  on  it.  *  There  is  shelter 
off  this  part  of  the  coast  from  westerly  winds;  the  best  berth  is  to 
the  north-northeastward  of  the  tower,  1|  miles  from  the  shore,  in 
from  13  fathoms,  sand  and  weeds. 

Big^glia  Lagoon. — A  long  lagoon,  named  Biguglia,  occupies  a 
large  extent  of  this  coast,  and  is  separated  from  the  sea  by  a  narrow 
strip  of  low  sand  dunes,  covered  with  a  thick  vegetation;  the  small 
entrance  to  it  is  about  2  miles  from  Bastia.  At  2^  miles  southward 
of  Arco  Tower  is  the  mouth  of  the  Golo  River,  which  communicates 
with  the  lagoon  by  a  canal.  In  the  interior  of  the  country  are  several 
villages  and  houses. 

The  coast. — From  Arco  Point  the  sandy  beach  continues  south- 
ward to  the  ruins  of  Florentina  Tower,  distant  17  miles;  several  small 
streams  run  into  the  sea,  and  on  the  beach  are  the  small  villages  ol 
Pellegrino,  Padulella,  and  Prunete.  The  Alto  River,  which  is  next 
in  size  to  Golo  River,  is  1  mile  southward  of  Pellegrino.  About  2 
miles  beyond  Florentina  Tower  is  Alistro  Tower ;  a  little  to  the  south- 
ward of  the  entrance  to  Alistro  River  and  3  miles  farther  southward 
is  another,  named  Bravone,  from  the  river  a  little  to  the  northward 
of  it.  The  intermediate  coast  is  low,  clear  of  danger,  with  a  depth  of 
17  or  18  fathrjns  water  at  1  mile  from  it. 

Life-saving  stations. — There  are  life-saving  apparatus  at  Pel- 
legrino and  Prunete. 

Alistro  Light. — A  group  flashing  white  light,  elevated  308  feet 
above  the  sea  and  visible  24  miles,  is  exhibited  from  a  gray  octagonal 

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COBSICA  ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN  ABCHIPELAGO.  327 

tower,  with  basement,  82  feet  high,  situated  on  heights  at  about  J  mile 
SIC^  from  Alistro  Tower.  This  light,  and  the  light  shown  from 
Africa  Rock,  from  which  it  bears  257°  24  miles,  mark  the  channel 
between  Corsica  and  the  Tuscan  Archipelago.     (See  Light  List.) 

Semaphore.— The  semaphore  signal  station  is  close  to  the  light- 
house, and  can  be  communicated  with  by  the  International  Cede.  The 
semaphore  is  open  all  the  year. 

Tavignano  River. — At  3  miles  southward  of  Bravone  Tower  is 
that  of  Diana,  and  2.3  miles  beyond  it  is  Tavignano  River  with  a 
tower  on  the  southern  side.  Within  Diana  Tower  is  the  lagoon  of 
tlie  same  name,  12  to  34  feet  deep,  which  extends  about  2  miles  215 '. 
A  little  northward  of  this  lagoon  is  another  named  Terenzana,  but 
of  less  extent.  A  rock  awash  lies  1^  miles  southward  of  Bravone 
Tower  and  about  400  yards  from  the  shore ;  and  near  the  shore  be- 
tween this  rock  and  the  tower  there  are  shallow  patches.  The  fort 
of  Aleria  stands  about  1^  miles  inland  en  a  height  southward  of 
Tavignano  River. 

Sand  banks  extend  a  considerable  distance  from  the  mouth  of  the 
river;  a  depth  of  13  feet  has  been  reported  at  a  distance  of  1,200 
yards.  The  banks  are  of  a  shifting  nature,  and  should  be  given  a 
good  berth. 

Life-saving  station. — ^There  is  a  life-saving  apparatus  at  Aleria. 

Coast. — From  Tavignano  Tower  the  sandy  shore  changes  its^  di- 
rection to  the  southwestward  and  at  7.3  miles  beyond  it  is  Vignale 
Tower;  1  mile  farther  southward  is  the  mouth  of  the  Orbo  River,  1 
mile  67°  of  which,  and  off  the  tower,  are  some  rocks  and  shallow 
water,  extending  ^  mile  from  the  shore.  The  coast  is  low  and 
marshy,  with  from  9  to  11  fathoms  water  at  1  mile  from  it,  shoaling 
gi*adually  to  the  beach.  There  are  three  lagoons  close  to  the  coast, 
the  largest  of  which  is  named  Urbino,  10  to  30  feet  deep ;  its  entrance, 
about  4.6  miles  southwestward  of  Tavignano  Tower,  is  called  Foce  de 
Fioraventi. 

A  road  traverses  the  whole  island  <from  the  mouth  of  the  Orbo 
River  to  that  of  Taravo  River  on  the  west  coast.  It  ascends  to 
(fhisoni  through  the  gorges  of  Inzecca,  and  Kyrie  Eleison,  through 
the  forests  of  Marmano  and  Verde,  runs  southward  to  Zicavo,  fol- 
lows the  valley  of  the  Taravo  and  reaches  the  sea  at  Porto  Polio. 

Railroad. — On  the  left  bank  of  the  Orbo,  at  about  i  mile  distant 
from  the  village  of  Ghisonaccia  is  the  terminus  of  a  line  of  railroad 
from  Bastia. 

Solenzara  Tower  stands  on  the  southern  side  of  the  entrance  to 
a  small  river  of  the  same  name,  which  terminates  the  extensive  line 
of  beach  extending  southward  from  near  Bastia  for  upward  of  52 
miles.  The  shore  between  Solenzara  and  Orbo  River  is  low  and 
marshy.    Between  Vignale  and  Solenzara  Towers  (a  distance  of  9 

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328  CORSICA  ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN   ARCHIPELAGO. 

miles)  the  shore  forms  a  bay  where  there  is  anchorage  with  offshore 
winds,  in  10  to  12  fathoms  water,  at  1  mile  from  the  beach;  care, 
however,  should  be  taken  not  to  be  surprised  by  an  easterly  wind. 

A  mooring  buoy  lies  off  the  entrance  to  the  Solenzara  River. 

Life-saving  station. — There  are  life-saving  apparatus  at  So- 
lenzara. 

Port  Favone.^-From  Solenzara  Tower  the  coast,  which  is  of  mod- 
erate height,  becomes  rocky,  and  trends  southward,  forming  several 
indentations  as  far  as  Guardia  Point,  a  distance  of  5  miles;  it  is 
skirted  by  rocks,  which  are,  however,  close  inshore.  Three  of  the 
above-mentioned  indentations,  Manichino,  D'oro,  and  Canelle  Coves, 
are  useful  for  fishing  boats.  Another  cove,  larger  than  the  others, 
named  Port  Favone,  is  formed  on  the  northern  side  of  Guardia 
Point;  at  its  head  is  a  beach  800  yards  in  length,  and  a  river  flows 
into  it.  Coasting  and  fishing  vessels  anchor  in  the  cove  with  offshore 
winds  and  large  vessels  outside  in  from  12  to  15  fathoms,  weed.  In 
the  northwestern  corner  of  the  cove  is  a  rock  with  onlv  8  feet  water 
on  it. 

Faut6a  Point. — From  Guardia  Point  the  coast  is  irregular  and 
continues  southward  for  upward  of  3  miles  to  Fautea  Point,  which  is 
low  and  projecting  with  a  tower  on  it.  An  islet  lies  close  to  the 
point,  and  between  it  and  Guardia  Point  is  Tarco  Cove,  of  no  im- 
portance, with  a  river  flowing  into  it.  The  coast,  which  is  bold  and 
skirted  a  short  distance  by  rocks,  has  from  30  to  45  fathoms  water 
at  ^  mile  off  it. 

Pinarello  Bay. — A  long  mile  southward  of  Fautea  Point  is 
Presca  Giocana  Point,  and  between  is  the  beach  of  Lavo,  behind 
which  is  the  lagoon  of  the  same  name,  into  which  flows  the  Sta. 
Lucia  River.  Pinarello  Bay,  between  the  island  of  the  same  name 
and  Presca  Giocana  Point,  is  about  1  mile  wide  and  the  same  deep, 
terminating  at  its  head  in  a  sandy  marshy  shore,  where  are  several 
lagoons.  On  the  northern  side  of  the  bay  recks  above  water  extend 
600  yards  from  the  shore,  but  the  southern  side  is  clear  of  danger, 
with  a  depth  of  from  6  to  10  fathoms,  sand  and  weed. 

Pinarello  Island^  on  the  southern  side  of  the  entrance  to  the  bay, 
is  about  700  yards  in  extent,  rugged,  and  of  moderate  elevation,  with 
a  tower  on  it;  it  is  separated  from  the  coast  by  a  small  boat  passage 
less  than  40  yards  wide. 

Boscana  Islet. — 1,'200  yards  181°  from  Presca  Giocana  Point, 
and  nearly  in  mid-entrance  to  the  bay,  is  a  small  islet  named  Ros- 
cana,  with  several  rocks  round  it.  A  rock  awash  lies  nearly  80 
yards  west  of  it,  and  another,  with  3|  fathoms  water  on  it,  about  the 
same  distance  to  the  eastward.  The  passage  between  the  islet  and  the 
coast  on  the  northward  is  less  than  |  mile  wide ;  and  that  between  the 


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CORSICA  ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN   ARCHIPELAGO.  329 

islet  and  Pinarello  Island  on  the  southward,  1,200  yards  wide,  with 
7  to  12  fathoms  water. 

Capicciola  Point,  about  1^  miles  southward  of  Pinarello  Island, 
is  low  and  projecting  to  the  southeastward,  with  an  islet  close  to  it. 
The  point  should  be  given  a  good  berth.  Another  point  midway 
separates  two  coves,  the  northern  of  whicli  is  named  Calangue  de 
las  Cola ;  at  its  head  is  a  sandy  beach,  within  which  is  a  lagoon. 

St.  Cyprien  Point. — At  2  miles  215°  from  Capicciola  Point 
is  St.  Cyprien  Point,  at  the  foot  of  a  hill  with  a  tower  on  it;  it  is 
bordered  by  rocks  and  shoal  water,  which  extend  nearly  400  yards 
to  the  southward.  The  point  forms  the  southern  extremity  of  St. 
Cyprien  Bay  and  the  northern  point  of  the  entrance  to  the  Gulf  of 
Porto  Vecchio. 

Light. — From  a  white  square  tower,  41  feet  high,  with  a  gray 
granite  house  adjoining,  situated  on  St.  Cyprien  Point,  at  an  eleva- 
tion of  80  feet  above  high  water,  a  fixed  light  with  red  sector  is  ex- 
hibited. The  white  light  is  visible  10  miles,  and  the  red  light  6  miles. 
The  red  sector  is  visible  over  Pecorella  Rock  and  over  Benedetto 
Bank.     (For  limits  of  sector  see  Light  List  and  chart.) 

The  lighthouse  has  th^  appearance  of  a  chapel. 

St.  Cyprien  Bay. — From  Capicciola  Point  the  coast  is  bold  and 
sinuous  as  far  as  Araso  Point,  distant  l  mile;  between  Araso  and  St. 
Syprien  Points  the  coast  forms  a  bay  with  a  beach  named  St.  Cyp- 
rian. It  is  semicircular,  two-thirds  of  a  mile  wide  and  about  the 
same  deep,  with  cliffs  on  its  southern  side,  terminating  in  St.  Cyp- 
rien Point.  The  small  islets  of  Cornuta  lie  about  J  mile  southward 
of  Araso  Point,  and  just  within  it  is  the  Island  of  St.  Cyprien,  on  the 
western  side  of  which  there  is  anchorage  for  small  vessels  in  18  or 
20  feet  water.  Steer  in  southward  of  the  Cornuta  Islets.  Large 
vessels  anchor  during  off-shore  winds  between  the  islets  and  St.  Cyp- 
rien Point  in  9  or  10  fathoms,  weeds. 

Gulf  of  Porto  Vecchio. — Chiappa  Point,  at  the  foot  of  Mount 
Cherchio,  is  cliffy  and  bold ;  it  has  a  lighthouse  on  it,  a  short  distance 
southwestward  of  which  is  a  telegraphic  semaphore,  274  feet  above 
the  sea.  Between  St.  Cyprien  and  Chiappa  Points  is  the  entrance  to 
the  Gulf  of  Porto  Vecchio,  which  extends  4  miles  to  the  westward 
and  southward  forming  several  indentations.  Although  the  inner 
part  of  the  gulf  is  somewhat  shallow  for  vessels  of  heavy  draft,  and 
obstructed  by  shoals,  yet  vessels  of  moderate  draft  thread  their  way 
into  the  interior,  where  they  are  landlocked  and  sheltered  from  all 
winds  and  sea.  From  St.  C>'prien  Point  the  northern  coast  of  the 
gulf  trends  westward  1.3  miles  to  Benedetto  Point.  The  interven- 
ing coast  forms  a  bay  with  a  sandy  beach  at  its  head,  which  is  filled 
up  by  a  bank  of  weeds. 


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330  COKSICA  ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN  AKCHIPELAGO. 

Benedetto  Bank — ^Quoy. — The  above-mentioned  bank  extends 
750  yards  off  Benedetto  Point,  at  which  distance  there  are  only  3 
fathoms;  between  this  depth  and  the  point  is  the  Benedetto  Bank 
with  2  feet  water  on  it,  marked  on  the  southern  side  by  a  small  red 
spindle  buoy  with  conical  top  mark.  The  bank  is  covered  by  the 
inner  red  sector  of  St.  Cyprien  Light. 

Stagnolo  Bay. — ^The  land  about  Benedetto  Point  is  isolated, 
being  separated  from  the  main,  on  the  north,  by  Oso  River.  To  the 
westward  of  the  point  is  a  deep  shallow  rocky  bight  with  a  sandy 
beach  around  it,  named  Stagnolo  Bay. 

A  patch  of  sand  and  mud,  having  11  feet  over  it,  lies  1,160  yards 
267°  from  the  summit  of  Benedetto  Point,  and  a  rock  with  1  fathom 
over  it  lies  1,600  yards  256°  from  the  summit. 

The  coast. — From  Stagnolo  Bay  an  irregular  coast,  composed  of 
cliffs  and  sandy  beaches,  trends  to  the  southwestward  as  far  as  the 
low  sandy  point  of  Salines,  distant  nearly  2  miles  from  Benedetto. 
Thence  the  shore  turns  to  the  south,  east,  and  northeastward  to  Arena 
Point,  which  is  1^  miles  80°  from  that  of  Salines. 

Porto  Vecchio  town  is  situated  on  a  hill  at  the  head  of  the  gulf 
westward  of  the  entrance  to  Rivifere  Stabiaccio,  and  is  surrounded 
by  walls.  Southeastward  of  the  town  is  a  stone  quay,  280  yards  long, 
with  a  small  landing  jetty.  In  front  of  the  town  are  several  rocks 
covered  and  uncovered,  and  shoal  water  extends  f  mile  off. 

Northward  of  the  quay  is  a  road  with  several  buildings  along  it; 
the  customhouse  is  the  farthest  from  the  quay.  The  town  is  con- 
sidered unhealthy  in  summer,  when  most  of  the  population  goes  to 
the  uplands  of  Quenza. 

Supplies. — Provisions  are  abundant  from  October  to  June,  but 
are  difficult  to  obtain  in  summer,  owing  to  the  absence  of  the  popu- 
lation. Water  can  be  procured  from  a  fountain  on  the  quay,  near  the 
landing  jetty. 

Life-saving  station. — A  rocket  apparatus  is  stationed  at  the 
customhouse. 

A  rock  with  3  feet  over  it  lies  1,500  yards  329°  from  the  summit  of 
Ziglione  Islet. 

Beacons. — Tourelle  de  Cioccia,  of  black  masonry,  and  surmounted 
by  a  cylinder,  11  feet  high,  stands  on  the  northern  side  of  ficueil  de 
Cioccia,  a  bank  of  rocks  nearly  awash,  600  yards  eastward  of  the 
town  quay.  Three  red  masonry  beacons,  each  surmounted  by  a  cone, 
mark  the  northern  channel  to  the  quay. 

Directions. — From  the  southward  by  day  pass  midway  between 
Le  Chiapino  and  La  Pecorella  beacons,  the  channel  being  1,300  yards 
wide,  steering  for  a  little  northward  of  Pointe  d'Arena,  and  anchor 
northward  of  the  promontory  on  the  east  side  of  Anse  de  Vizza.  The 
wrecks  shown  on  the  chart  must  be  avoided. 


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COKSICA  ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN   ARCHIPELAGO.  331 

From  the  northward  by  day  pass  midway  between  Pointe  de  Saint 
Cyprien  and  La  Pecorella  beacon,  with  Mont  Cerchio  in  line  with 
the  west  end  of  the  beach  in  Anse  d'Arghi,  220° ;  keep  this  mark  on 
until  Saint  Cyprien  lighthouse  bears  0^,  distant  1,000  yards,  when 
steer  westward  to  the  anchorage. 

To  proceed  to  the  inner  anchorage,  pass  200  yards  southward  of 
Banc  de  Benedetto  Buoy,  give  Pointe  d'Arena  a  berth  of  about  400 
yards,  then  pass  Pointe  Varra,  the  next  point  to  the  southward,  at 
a  distance  of  150  yards,  and  steer  to  the  anchorage. 

At  night,  from  the  southward,  approach  with  Saint  Cyprien  white 
light  bearing  about  310°  until  through  the  red  sector  of  Chiappa 
light;  then  steer  westward  to.  the  anchorage,  northward  of  the 
promontory  eastward  of  Anse  de  Vizza. 

From  the  northward,  approach  with  Saint  Cyprien  white  light 
bearing  245°,  when  through  the  red  sector  of  Chiappa  light  steer 
209°  until  Saint  Cyprien  light  bears  337°,  when  steer  westward  to  the 
anchorage. 

For  the  inner  anchorage,  approach  Pointe  d'  Arena  (latitude  41°  36' 
N.,  longitude  9°  19'  E.),  with  Saint  Cyprien  light  bearing  69°,  avoid- 
ing Banc  de  Benedetto  buoy,  and  not  getting  into  the  red  sector  of 
Saint  Cyprien  light;  when  past  Pointe  d'Arena,  the  white  sand  of 
which  generally  shows  clearly,  steer  to  pass  nearly  200  yards  off 
Pointe  Varra,  and  then  steer  to  the  anchorage,  with  Pointe  d'Arena, 
if  it  can  be  seen,  in  line  with  Saint  Cyprien  light. 

Anchorages. — Large  vessels  generaUy  should  anchor  in  the  gulf 
eastward  of  a  line  drawn  0°  from  Anse  de  Vizza,  in  from  5^  to  10 
fathoms  water,  sand,  and  weeds  bottom.  The  anchorage  is  good, 
though  open  eastward,  and  easterly  winds  send  in  a  considerable 
swell,  but  the  sea  is  said  not  to  become  very  heavy. 

Vessels  of  less  than  17  feet  draft  can  enter  the  inner  basin  of  the 
gulf,  and  anchor  in  from  3^  to  4  fathoms  about  600  yards  northward 
of  llot  Ziglione,  with  Saint  Cyprien  lighthouse  in  line  with  Pointe 
d'Arena ;  here,  the  bottom  is  mud  and  weeds,  good  holding  ground, 
and  the  position  is  completely  sheltered,  but  westerly  winds  are  some- 
times very  violent  and  prevent  communication  with  the  shore. 

Approach  to  town. — ^There  are  two  channels  suitable  for  small 
vessels;  the  southern  one,  with  10  feet  water,  passes  northward  of 
Tourelle  de  Cioccia,  and  southward  of  the  shoals  extending  eastward 
from  llot  Ficaja,  which  is  situated  300  yards  northeastward  of  the 
quay. 

The  coast. — From  Arena  Point  the  coast  is  high  and  cliffy,  and 
trends  to  the  eastward  f  mile  to  Urea  Point,  and  then  curves  to  the 
southward  and  eastward  to  Chiappa  Point.  This  part  of  the  coast 
is  bold  and  clear  of  danger,  with  5J  to  6  fathoms  water,  200  yards 
off  it. 


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332  COKSICA   ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN   ARCHIPELAGO. 

Fecorella  Rock. — Two  rocky  patches  lie  at  the  entrance  of  the 
Gulf  of  Porto  Vecchio.  Pecorella  Kock,  the  northern  group,  lies  1,450 
yards  113°  fi'om  St.  Cyprien  Point  Lighthouse,  and  consists  of.  an 
islet  or  rock  with  shallow  patches  extending  250  yards  to  the  nocth- 
northeastward,  and  a  shoal  on  which  is  only  a  depth  of  7  feet  lying 
nenrly  200  yards  to  the  eastward. 

Pecorella  Rock  is  covered  by  the  red  sector  of  Criappa  Point  light 
anikby  the  outer  red  sector  of  St.  Cyprien  light. 

Beacon. — The  islet  has  a  beacon  tower,  28  feet  above  the  sea, 
painted  red  and  black  and  surmounted  by  a  ball,  on  it. 

Chiapino  Bock  lies  about  300  yards  40°  from  Chiappa  Point, 
with  from  5J  fathoms  water  near  the  rocks,  to  6  fathoms  midway. 

Beacon. — This  rock  is  marked  by  a  beacon  tower,  painted  red  and 
black  in  horizontal  bands,  elevated  27  feet  above  the  sea,  surmounted 
by  a  ball. 

Caution  is  required  to  avoid  these  dangers  at  night. 

Between  these  dangers  and  Cyprien  Point  there  are  from  0  to  14 
fathoms  water. 

Chiappa  Point. — An  occulting  white  light  with  a  red  sector, 
over  Pecorella  Eock,  is  exhibited,  at  an  elevation  of  217  feet  above 
the  sea,  from  a  white  square  tower  with  basement,  52  feet  in  lieight, 
situated  600  yards  from  the  extremity  of  Chiappa  Point.  The  white 
light  is  visible  21  miles  and  the  red  light  19  miles  in  clear  weather. 
(For  sectors,  see  Light  List  and  chart.)  The  lighthouse  is  a  signal 
station.  • 

Wreck. — The  Italian  schooner  Ferdinando  has  been  wrecked  off 
Chiappa  Point,  and  the  entrance  to  the  port  is  strewn  with  wreckage 
which  is  dangerous  to  navigation. 

Life-saving  station. — There  is  a  life-saving  apparatus  at  Chi- 
appa Point  Lighthouse. 

Directions. — A  vessel  from  the  northward  bound  for  the  Gulf  of 
Porto  Vecchio  by  day  should  give  St.  Cyprien  Point  a  berth  of  about 
600  yards  or  pass  midway  between  it  and  Pecorella  Tower;  when 
about  700  yards  southward  of  the  point,  and  Pecorella  Tower  bears 
82°  steer  for  the  anchorage  in  5  or  5|  fathoms  water,  about  400 
yards  from  the  shore  westward  of  Arena  Point ;  or  by  keeping  along 
the  eastern  shore  nearly  200  yards  off,  a  vessel  of  about  18  feet  draft 
may  proceed  on  and  anchor  in  Z\  or  4  fathoms,  mud  and  weeds,  300 
or  400  yards  northward  to  north-northwestward  of  Ziglione  Islet, 
or  midway  between  the  two  anchorages.  Large  vessels  which  re- 
quire shelter  from  westerly  winds  anchor  eastward  of  Arena  Point 
in  8  or  9  fathoms. 

From  the  southward  a  vessel  will  have  no  difficulty  by  day  in 
passing  midway  between  the  Chiapino  and  Pecorella  Rock  towers, 


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CORSICA   ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN   ARCHIPELAGO.  333 

the  channel  being  nearly  f  mile  wide,  steering  for  Arena  Point,  as 
before  mentioned.  At  night,  Pecorella  Rocks  are  avoided  by  keep- 
ing the  white  light  of  St.  Cyprien  or  Chiappa  in  sight  as  requisite. 
The  red  sector  of  both  lights  covers  the  rocks. 

Tfce  north  coast  of  Porto  Vecchio  is  skirted  by  shoals  of  sand  and 
we^ife,  upon  some  of  which  there  are  from  2  to  6  feet  of  water;  the 
3-fllllkoms  curve  of  soundings  extends  750  yards  southward  of  Bene- 
detto Point  and  thus  narrows  the  entrance  to  the  port  to  about  600 
yards.  These  shoals  continue  along  the  northern  diore  to  the  rocks 
fronting  the  town.  The  southern  shore  is  less  encumbered,  and  by 
giving  it  a  prudent  berth  there  is  nothing  in  the  way  to  the  anchor- 
age which  is  a  little  westward  of  Arena  Point,  or  farther  in,  off 
Ziglione  Islet,  lying  between  the  town  and  Arena  Point,  surrounded 
by  a  tongue  of  sand  and  weeds  which  projects  500  yards  from  the 
southeastern  shore.  Entering  at  night  do  not  enter  the  red  sector 
shown  westward  from  St.  Cyprien  Lighthouse  over  the  Benedetto 
Bank,  and  by  day  pass  300  yards  southward  of  the  red  buoy  which 
marks  the  bank. 

In  the  inner  part  of  the  gulf,  vessels  though  landlocked  are  ex- 
posed to  land  winds  which  at  times  blow  with  great  violence,  and 
for  which  they  should  be  prepared. 

The  mark  for  the  gulf  is  a  high  arid  mountain  in  the  interior,  the 
summit  of  which  is  rugged  or  broken,  and  nearly  always  covered 
with  snow ;  it  is  a  little  northward  of  the  entrance  and  nearly  on  the 
parallel  of  St.  Cyprien  Tower.  It  will  also  be  known  by  Mount 
Cherchio,  1,066  feet  high,  which  is  2.6  miles  inland  of  Chiappa  Point, 
by  the  lighthouse  on  this  point,  and  by  the  town  and  walls  of  Porto 
Vecchio. 

Life-saving  station. — There  is  a  life-saving  apparatus  at  Porto 
Vecchio. 

Cerbicale  Point  and  Islets.— At  2f  miles  209°  from  Chiappa 
Point  is  Cerbicale  Point,  surrounded  with  rocks.  The  intervening 
coast  is  high,  rugged,  and  bold,  broken  at  intervals  by  small  beaches, 
with  8  to  10  fathoms  water  not  far  from  the  rocks.  An  islet  named 
Farina  lies  close  to  the  shore,  about  1  mile  from  Chiappa  Point. 

Cerbicale  Islets  are  a  group  of  four  small  islets  called  Forana, 
Maestro-Maria,  Plana,  and  Pietricaggiosa.  Extending  IJ  miles  in  a 
northeastward  and  southwestward  direction,  they  lie  about  J  miles 
from  this  part  of  the  coast.  The  two  extreme  islets  are  high  and 
rugged,  with  detached  rocks  round  them,  while  those  between  are  low 
and  flat.  Between  Forana  and  Maestro-Maria  there  are  6^  fathoms 
water  in  mid-channel ;  between  the  latter  and  Plana  only  9  feet ;  and 
between  Plana  and  Pietricaggiosa,  which  is  the  widest  passage,  there 
are  8  fathoms.  Plana  and  Maestro-Maria  are  surrounded  by  a  nar- 
row bank,  and  at  less  than  300  yards  from  the  northwest  point  of  the 

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334  CORSICA  ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN   ABCHIPELAGO. 

latter  is  a  rock  with  1  foot  water  on  it  and  irregular  soundings 
around  300  yards  westward  of  the  southwestern  end  of  Piana  is  a 
rocky  patch  of  IJ  fathoms.  Forana  and  Pietricaggiosa  have  also  nar- 
row banks  around  them  and  about  I  mile  westward  of  the  latter  is  a 
rock  with  2^  fathoms  water  on  it. 

Vacca  Islet  and  rock. — A  high  round  steep  islet  lies  about  1,100 
yards  108°  from  the  southern  end  of  Forana  Islet;  it  is  skirted  with 
rocks,  and  between  it  and  Forana  there  are  from  9  to  17  fathoms 
water.  At  the  distance  of  1,600  yards  158°  30'  from  Vacca  Islet  is 
the  center  of  a  rocky  shoal  of  the  same  name,  with  12  feet  water  on 
it  and  from  14  to  18  fathoms  close-to,  but  patches  of  15  feet  exist 
both  northward  and  southward  of  this  rock. 

Buoy. — ^This  danger  is  marked  by  a  black  buoy  with  cylindrical 
topmark,  moored  in  12  fathoms  water,  100  yards  192°  from  the 
shoalest  rock  (12  feet).    This  buoy  is  frequently  washed  away. 

Toro  Socks,  rather  more  than  2  miles  147°  from  Pietricaggiosa, 
and  2f  miles  186°  from  Vacca  Islet,  are  a  small  group  of  islets  or 
rocks  131  feet  high,  nearly  united,  and  steep-to. 

Toro  Shoal. — A  rocky  shoal  of  whitish  appearanec,  with  only  9 
feet  water  on  it  and  deep  water  around,  lies  700  yards  102°  from 
the  Toro  group.  There  are  15  fathoms,  rock,  between  the  Toro  and 
Vacca  Rocks. 

Buoy. — A  black  spindle  buoy,  with  cylindrical  topmark,  moored 
in  12^  fathoms  water,  marks  the  southeastern  edge  of  the  shoal. 

Anchorage. — If  convenient,  vessels  may  pass  through  the  channel 
between  the  Cerbicale  Islets  and  the  main,  but  those  of  moderate 
size  should  keep  nearer  the  coast  than  the  islets  to  avoid  the  shoal 
patches  off  Piana  and  Pietricaggiosa  Islets.  The  rock  awash  off  the 
northwestern  end  of  Maestro-Maria  will  be  seen. 

There  is  anchorage  for  small  vessels  between  the  Cerbicale  Islets 
and  the  shore,  sheltered  from  the  eastward,  in  front  of  the  opening 
between  Piana  and  Maestro-Maria.  Large  vessels  may  anchor  in  the 
middle  of  the  channel  in  about  14  fathoms,  weeds. 

Aciajo  Point. — Nearly  2  miles  237°  from  Cerbicale  Point  is 
Aciajo  Point,  low  and  surrounded  by  rocks.  The  intervening  shore 
is  skirted  with  rocks  and  forms  two  slight  bays  with  sandy  beaches 
and  low  marsh  land,  in  the  southern  and  smaller  of  which  is  the 
islet  of  Folaca.  A  rock  with  2|  fathoms  on  it  lies  about  700  yards 
188°  from  Aciajo  Point. 

St.  Giulia  Bay.— The  small  Bay  of  St.  Giulia  is  1^  miles  south- 
westward  of  Aciajo  Point.  The  bay  is  open  to  the  southeast,  is 
about  f  of  a  mile  deep,  scattered  with  rocks  and  shoals,  and  termi- 
nates in  a  sandy  beach ;  there  is  anchorage  at  the  entrance  with  off- 
shore winds  in  8  or  9  fathoms. 


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COBSICA  ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN   ARCHIPELAGO.  335 

Segno  Point  forms  the  southern  extremity  of  Giulia  Bay,  and 
separates  it  from  Porto  Nuovo  on  the  south.  It  is  bold  and  steep-to, 
with  some  white  patches  at  its  base. 

Porto  Nuovo. — From  Segno  Point  a  high  bold  coast. trends  to  the 
southwestward  to  the  head  of  the  bay  named  Porto  Nuovo,  and  then 
eastward  to  Carpicce,  the  southern  point  of  entrance.  This  bay 
is  divided  near  its  head  by  a  rocky  spur  into  two  small  coves.  Ca- 
lanque  del  Gionco,  the  eastern,  affords  the  better  shelter,  and  small 
vessels  load  with  coal  here ;  there  are  some  rocks  on  its  western  side. 
Water  can  be  obtained  from  a  stream  flowing  into  the  head  of  the 
calanque. 

Porto  Nuovo  (proper),  the  western  cove,  has  a  sandy  beach  at  its 
head  outside  a  small  lagoon,  and  a  few  rocks,  but  the  anchorage  is 
open  eastward. 

There  is  a  depth  in  the  bay  northward  of  the  coves  of  about  9 
fathoms,  sand,  weed,  and  rock  bottom. 

Sondinara  Point. — About  1  mile  southward  of  Carpicce  Point 
is  Sponsaglia  Point,  with  a  small  hill  on  it  and  a  white  tower  in 
ruins.  The  point  is  the  termination  of  the  elevated  mountain  of  the 
same  name,  and  at  its  foot  are  two  little  islets  or  rocks;  at  i  mile 
from  this  part  of  the  coast  there  are  from  23  to  28  fathoms  water. 
At  li  miles  southward  is  Rondinara  Point,  the  termination  of  a 
small,  steep,  high  peninsula,  connected  to  the  coast  by  a  neck  of  sand ; 
it  is  of  a  reddish  color  and  at  its  foot  on  the  eastern  side  is  an  islet, 
about  20  feet  above  the  sea.  The  shore  between  the  two  points  is 
bordered  by  rocks. 

Port  Rondinara. — On  the  northern  side  of  the  peninsula  is  a 
small  cove  about  ^  mile  deep,  with  a  sand  beach  at  its  head;  it  is 
open  to  the  eastward  and  fit  only  for  small  coasting  and  fishing 
boats.  A  rocky  shoal  with  5  feet  water  on  it  lies  near  the  head 
of  the  cove  southward  of  a  small  round  islet.  In  the  middle  of  the 
cove  there  are  7^  to  9  fathoms  water  shoaling  gradually  toward  the 
shore. 

Pointe  Capicciolo  is  the  extremity  of  a  peninsula,  nearly  1  mile 
broad,  which  extends  northeastward  2J  miles  on  the  southeastern  side 
of  Golfe  de  Santa  Manza.  About  i  mile  within  the  point  is  a  rocky 
peak,  344  feet  high,  resembling  in  shape  a  bishop's  cap.  Southward 
of  this  peak  is  a  ravine,  from  which  the  land  again  rises  suddenly 
to  a  little  hill,  417  feet  high,  on  which  is  Tour  de  Santa  Manza  in 
ruins;  on  the  foundation  is  a  heap  of  stones,  and  near  it  a  masonry 
pillar. 

Oulf  of  Santa  Manza  extends  southwestward  about  3  miles  from 
its  entrance  between  Pointe  Capicciolo  and  Presqu'ile  de  Rondinara, 
2}  miles  to  the  northward ;  it  is  open  eastward,  but  affords  shelter 
from  other  directions.  Pointe  della  Nave,  about  IJ  miles  southwest- 
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336  CORSICA  ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN   AECHIPELAGO. 

ward  of  Pointe  Capicciolo,  has  a  noticeable  white  rock  off  it.  Cape 
Blanc,  1,400  yards  north-northwestward  of  Pointe  della  Na,ve,  is  a 
white  headland,  151  feet  high,  a  rocky  spit  extends  800  yards  north- 
eastward from  it  and  terminates  in  a  rock  with  IJ  fathoms  water. 

The  inner  part  of  the  gulf  extends  IJ  miles  southwestward  from 
between  Pointe  della  Nave  and  Cape  Blanc,  with  depths  of  from  11 
to  15  fathoms  in  the  entrance,  decreasing  to  3J  fathoms  near  the 
head;  the  north  shore  is  bordered  by  a  rocky  bank  to  the  distance  of 
200  yards;  Calanque  de  Stentino,  about  J  mile  from  Cape  Blanc,  ex- 
tends i  mile  westward,  and  is  narrow  with  almost  vertical  sides;  it 
has  10  feet  water  at  its  head,  but  the  entrance  has  a  bar  with  5  feet 
water  and  many  rocks  outside  it.  The  head  of  the  gulf  is  a  sand 
beach,  and  a  rock  with  2  feet  of  water  lies  about  400  yards  off  its 
southern  end.  Tlot  du  Toro  open  northwestward  of  the  southeastern 
shore  of  the  gulf  leads  northwestward  of  it. 

Water  can  be  procured  from  wells  near  the  northwestern  end  of 
the  beach,  and  from  the  streams,  which  rarely  dry,  flowing  into  the 
head  of  the  gulf. 

The  shore  from  Cape  Blanc  trends  north-northwestward  1  mile  to 
£tang  de  Balistro;  for  ^  mile  from  the  cape  it  is  a  white  limestone 
cliff  and  thence  a  sand  beach;  from  fttang  de  Balistro  the  shore 
trends  northeastward  2^  miles  to  Presqu'ile  de  Rondinara,  and  is 
rocky,  its  slopes,  moderately  steep,  being  covered  with  a  little  wood. 

Anchorages. — ^There  is  anchorage  northward  of  Cape  Blanc,  near 
fitang  de  Balistro,  but  there  is  better  shelter  about  300  yards  off 
Pointe  della  Nave;  a  northerly  swell  is  felt  here,  but  the  sea  does  not 
become  very  heavy.  Small  vessels  anchor  near  the  head  of  the  gulf, 
sheltered  except  from  strong  northeasterly  winds. 

Anchorage. — Large  vessels  generally  anchor  at  the  entrance  to 
the  port,  about  400  yards  northward  of  Nave  Point,  in  14  fathoms, 
or  a  little  farther  northward  in  about  18  fathoms,  weeds.  Small 
vessels  go  farther  in  near  the  head  of  the  port,  and  anchor  in  4  to  5i 
fathoms. 

Capicciolo  Point  is  the  termination  of  remarkable  elevated  land 
at  the  southeastern  extremity  of  Corsica,  which  extends  about  4  miles 
in  a  northeastward  and  southwestward  direction.  About  J  mile 
southwestward  of  the  point  is  a  tower  in  ruins. 

Sprono  Point. — At  4J  miles  southwestward  of  Capicciolo  Point 
is  Sprono  Point,  cliffy  and  projecting  to  the  southward.  The  inter- 
mediate coast  is  skirted  by  shoals,  rocks,  and  islands,  between  which 
are  passages  for  coasting  vessels.  On  the  northern  side  of  Sprono 
Point  the  shore  forms  a  bend  known  as  Piantarella  Bay,  in  front  of 
which  is  Piana  Island;  between  the  island  and  the  coast  there  is  shal- 
low water,  and  a  reef  extends  400  yards  from  its  southern  side. 


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CORSICA   ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN  ARCHIPELAGO.  337 

Beacon. — A  beacon  painted  black  in  the  direction  of  Piantarella^ 
Channel  and  white  in  the  opposite  direction,  is  erected  on  the  ex- 
tremity of  Sprono  Point,  which,  when  in  range  with  the  black  side 
of  the  beacon  on  Piana  Island,  bearing  229°,  serves  as  a  leading 
mark  for  Piantarella  Channel. 

Beacon. — Pr§tre  Bock,  lying  800  yards  240°  from  Sprono  Point, 
is  a  small  round  rock,  separated  from  the  shore  by  a  channel  about 
400  yards  wide  and  9  fathoms  deep ;  it  is  marked  by  an  iron  beacon 
surmounted  by  a  sphere,  painted  in  red  and  black  horizontal  bands. 

Oavetti  Bocks,  lying  1^  miles  to  the  southwestward  of  Cape 
Oapicciolo,  and  466  yards  from  the  shore,  is  a  group  of  islets  or  rocks 
13  feet  high  extending  nearly  200  yards  east  and  west.  These  islets 
are  surrounded  by  shoal  water  and  reefs  to  the  southwest  and  south- 
east and  should  not  be  approached  nearer  than  600  yards,  or  into  less 
than  6  fathoms  water. 

Piantarella  Pass,  between  Gavetti  Rocks  and  the  coast,  is  re- 
duced to  about  100  yards  in  breadth  by  the  rocks  on  both  sides,  the 
depth  of  water  in  the  middle  being  from  3^  to  4  fathoms.  A  small 
vessel  having  passed  through  the  passage  should  keep  within  about 
400  yards  of  the  shore  until  nearly  abreast  Ratino  Island,  then  steer 
out  midway  between  the  rocks  extending  westward  from  this  island 
and  Piana  Island. 

Directions. — From  the  westward,  pass  southward  of  Le  Pretre 
beacon  (latitude  41°  22'  X.,  longitude  9°  13'  E.),  and  steer  eastward 
until  past  Rocher  la  Vachetta,  and  Tignosa  di  Ratino  beacon  is  in 
line  with  the  extremity  of  the  land  southward  of  Pointe  Capicciolo ; 
then  steer  to  pass  a  little  westward  of  Tignosa  di  Ratino  beacon,  and 
when  the  black  wall  beacons  on  Pointe  Sprono  and  lie  Piana  are  in 
range,  229°,  keep  them  so  astern  until  Santa  Manza  tower  bears  319°, 
when  the  passage  will  be  cleared. 

The  passage  is  only  practicable  by  day,  and  it  must  not  be  at- 
tempted when  the  leading  beacons  are  obscured.  The  leading  line 
passes  very  close  to  the  western  rock  of  lilcueils  de  Porraggia ;  there- 
fore, do  not  go  to  the  southeastward  of  the  line. 

Porraggia  Islets. — At  |  mile  153°  from  the  largest  Gavetti  is 
a  high  islet  extending  north  and  south,  nearly  300  yards  off  the 
northeastern  end  of  which  is  another  smaller  islet  lying  east  and  west, 
and  nearly  united  to  the  former;  they  are  named  Porraggia  Islets. 
Two  rocks,  3  feet  above  the  sea,  lie  rather  more  than  300  yards  to  the 
north-northeastward  of  the  smaller  islet.  A  rocky  shoal  with  1^ 
fathoms  water  on  it  lies  about  150  yards  northeastward  of  tlie  rocks. 
There  are  also  four  other  rocky  shoals  near  the  Porraggia  Islets — 
one  of  If  fathoms  about  300  yards  to  the  eastward  of  them;  another 
of  4  feet  about  200  yards  to  the  westward ;  a  third  of  5  feet  about  J 
08850—17 22 


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338  CORSICA  ISLAND  AND  THE  TUSCAN  AECHIPELAGO. 

mile  to  the  south  westward,  and  a  fourth  of  2J  fathoms  700  yards  to 
the  south  westward.    Other  rocks  lie  around  the  islets  close  in. 

Shoals. — A  dangerous  shoal  with  only  3  feet  water  on  it  lies  1,200 
yards  268°  from  the  northern  extremity  of  the  larger  Porraggia 
Islet.  Another  rocky  shoal  of  2  fathoms  lies  about  200  yards  153*^ 
from  the  former  danger. 

Beacon. — Fiana  Island,  800  yards  46*^  from  Sprono  Toint,  is  low, 
400  yards  long  northeast  and  southwest,  with  a  small  hill  near  the 
center  on  which  is  a  b^con,  painted  black,  in  the  direction  of  Pian- 
tarella  Channel  and  white  in  the  opposite  direction.  It  is  300  yards 
from  the  coast,  with  from  1  to  7  feet  water  between ;  a  spit  on  which 
is  from  5  to  18  feet  water  extends  nearly  ^  mile  in  a  northeast  direc- 
tion from  the  northern  point  of  the  island,  leaving  a  channel  between 
it  and  Ratino  Rocks  of  about  200  yards  in  width.  Several  rocks 
lie  off  its  southern  side;  the  largest  and  outer,  named  Vacchetta,  is 
distant  350  yards. 

Piantarella  Bay. — Plana  Island,  together  with  the  coast,  forms 
a  bay  named  Piantarella,  which  affords  good  shelter  from  nearly  all 
winds,  for  vessels  under  15  feet  draft. 

Anchorage. — ^There  is  anchorage  at  about  250  yards  northeast- 
ward of  Plana  Island  in  from  18  to  28  feet  weeds ;  the  depth  decreases 
rapidly.  The  anchorage  is  well  sheltered  from  westerly  winds,  and 
partly  from  the  eastward,  by  the  islands  and  shoals  fronting  it.  In 
rounding  Plana  Island  a  vessel  should  pass  at  least  700  yards  south- 
ward of  it. 

Beacon. — Batino  Island,  1,100  yards  eastward  of  Plana  Island,  is 
irregular  in  form,  extending  eastward  and  westward  nearly  f  mile, 
and  is  surrounded  by  islets  and  rocks.  Two  of  these  are  small,  2  feet 
out  of  water,  nearly  united,  and  appear  like  two  buoys;  they  bear 
west-northwestward  distant  rather  less  than  400  yards  from  the 
western  end  of  Ratino ;  rocks  extend  300  yards  northward  of  these, 
on  one  of  which  is  a  black  iron  beacon  with  a  cylindrical  topmark. 
At  700  yards  29°  from  Ratino  is  a  rocky  shoal,  which  dries  1  foot, 
and  400  yards  26°  from  the  northern  point  of  the  island  is  a  rocky 
shoal  of  2i  fathoms.  The  island  should  not  be  approached  on  the 
southeastern,  southern,  or  southwestern  sides  within  i  mile. 

Piantarella  Channel,  between  the  islets  of  Gavetti  and  Porrag- 
gia, is  reduced  in  breadth  to  less  than  800  yards  by  the  shoals  on 
each  side;  in  the  middle  of  the  passage  there  are  from  10  to  18 
fathoms. 

Directions. — A  vessel  proceeding  through  this  passage  should 
pass  about  i  mile  off  Capicciolo  Point,  and  steer  for  Porraggia  Islets, 
bearing  200°;  when  the  largest  of  the  Gavetti  Islets  bears  276° 
alter  course  to  220°  for  the  beacon  on  the  shoal  northwestward  of 
Ratino  Island,  passing  nearly  400  yards  westward  of  Porraggia 

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COESICA  ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN  ARCHIPELAGO.  339 

Islets,  then  bring  Sprono  Point  beacon  in  range  with  the  beacon 
on  Piana  Island,  bearing  229®,  and  steer  with  this  mark  in  range, 
and  it  will  lead  200  yards  southward  of  the  2-fathom  shoal  to  the 
westward  of  the  Porraggia  Islands,  and  400  yards  to  the  northwest- 
ward of  the  shoal,  which  dries  1  foot,  lying  northeastward  of  Eatino 
Island;  pass  200  yards  westward  of  the  beacon  on  the  shoal  north- 
westward of  that  island,  after  rounding  which  a  vessel  may  steer  out 
about  192®,  or  anchor  if  necessary  northeastward  of  Piana  Island. 
When  navigating  in  the  vicinity  of  these  islands  and  shoals  a  sailing 
vessel  should  be  ready  to  anchor  in  the  event  of  calms  or  light  winds, 
as  the  currents  are  sometimes  strong. 

CavaUo  Island,  the  western  extremity  of  which  is  800  yards 
southward  of  Ratino  Island,  is  the  highest  and  largest  of  the  group, 
being  1  mile  in  extent  east  and  west,  of  a  very  irregular  figure,  form- 
ing various  coves  and  projecting  points,  and,  with  the  exception  of 
the  east  end,  is  surrounded  with  rocks  vr  ^  '  '  aL.  The  narrow  chan- 
nel between  it  and  Eatino  carries  5  f  '^.oms  water,  but  can  only  be 
used  by  those  with  local  knowledge  and  in  small  vessels. 

Perduto  Islets,  situated  1.3  miles  eastward  of  CavaUo  Island, 
ha\^  rocks  on  their  northern  and  southern  sides,  and  shoal  water  ex- 
tends 600  yards  296°,  300  yards  226°,  200  yards  147°,  and  200  yards 
350°  from  the  islets.  Midway  between  the  islets  and  CavaUo  Island 
there  are  from  23  to  30  fathoms,  and  the  passage  may  be  taken,  if 
convenient,  by  a  vessel  of  any  size. 

Perduto  Bock. — At  i  mile  119°  from  Perduto  Islets  is.  a  rock 
of  the  same  name,  scarcely  visible  above  water,  but  on  which  the 
sea  breaks.  About  200  yards  125°  of  it  is  another  rock  with  2 
fathoms  water  on  it;  between  Perduto  Eock  and  the  islets  there  are 
14  to  18  fathoms. 

Lavezzi  Island. — ^About  J  mile  198°  from  CavaUo  is  the  north- 
ern end  of  Lavezzi  Island.  It  is  somewhat  smaUer  and  lower  than 
CavaUo,  of  an  irregular  figure,  rugged,  with  whitish  cliffs,  and  is 
surrounded  with  rocks  and  shoals;  near  the  center  is  a  round  hiU. 
On  Cape  Ciotto,  the  southwestern  end  of  a  smaU  island  nearly 
joined  to  the  western  end  of  Lavezzi,  is  a  square  pyramid  51  feet 
high,  which  can  be  seen  at  some  distance.  Nearly  200  yards  from 
the  southern  point  of  Lavezzi  is  a  reef  awash,  and  at  200  yards  from 
the  point  is  a  shoal  of  1^  fathoms;  a  short  distance  eastward  of  the 
point  are  two  rocks  above  water,  with  shoal  water  near  them.  The 
passage  between  Lavezzi  and  CavaUo  Islands  is  nearly  choked  with 
rocks  and  shoals  and  is  available  only  (with  local' knowledge)  to 
small  vessels. 

CavaUo  Shoal^  a  rock  with  only  15  feet  water  on  it,  lies  46^ 
nearly  700  yards  from  the  northeastern  extremity  of  Lavezzi  Island. 

Light. — From  a  square  tower  on  Becche  Point,  the  southern  ex- 

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340  CORSICA   ISLAND  AND   THE   TUSCAN   ARCHIPELAGO. 

tremity  of  Lavezzi  Island,  at  an  elevation  of  90  feet  above  the  sea,  a 
fixed  light,  with  red  and  green  sectors,  is  exhibited.  The  light  shows 
red  covering  Lavezzi  Rock;  green  covering  all  the  dangers  to  the 
northward  from  Perduto  Rock  on  the  eastward  to  Pretre  Rock  on 
the  westward;  and  white  in  other  directions.  The  white  and  red 
light  is  visible  15  miles,  and  the  green  light  13  miles.  (For  limits 
of  sectors  see  Light  List  and  chart.) 

Life-saving  station.— There  is  a  life-saving  apparatus  at  La- 
vezzi Island  Lighthouse. 

Lavezzi  Bock  and  beacon. — At  1  mile  lOT""  from  the  lighthouse 
on  Lavezzi  Island  is  a  dangerous  rocky  shoal  of  the  same  name  with 
8  feet  water  on  it;  it  is  steep-to  on  the  southern  side,  but  on  the 
northern  it  is  foul.  A  ledge  of  rocks  about  10  yards  in  extent  and 
having  4^  fathoms  least  water,  with  9  to  10  fathoms  close-to,  is  situ- 
ated 650  yards  38°  from  Lavezzi  Rock  Beacon.  Between  the  ledge 
and  island  there  are  9  fathoms.  A  rock  of  small  extent,  with  a 
depth  of  4|  fathoms  on  it,  lies  with  Lavezzi  Rock  Beacon  bearing 
270°,  440  yards,  and  Lavezzi  Lighthouse  2°. 

A  rock,  with  a  depth  of  4^  fathoms  on  it,  lies  500  yards  68°  from 
Lavezzi  Rock  Beacon. 

A  rock,  with  a  depth  of  4  fathoms  on  it,  lies  400  yards  192°  from 
Becche  Point,  the  southern  extremity  of  Lavezzi  Island. 

A  rock,  with  a  depth  of  4  fathoms  on  it,  is  situated  in  a  position 
with  Lavezzi  Island  Lighthouse  bearing  65°,  940  yards,  and  Pyra- 
mid bearing  351°. 

A  circular  stone  safety  beacon  54  feet  high,  with  a  refuge  and 
lantern  on  top,  marks  Lavezzi  Rock.  The  beacon  is  pointed  in  three 
red  and  three  black  horizontal  bands.  Vessels  sometimes  use  the 
passage  between  Lavezzi  Rock  and  Lavezzi  Island  by  keeping  in 
mid-channel,  but  the  safest  course  is  to  take  the  main  channel  south- 
ward of  Lavezzi  Shoal,  between  the  shoal  and  Razzoli  Island. 

The  beacon  commemorates  the  loss  on  Lavezzi  Rock  in  1855  of 
the  French  frigate  Semillanfe.  A  cemetery  in  a  sandy  cove  on  the 
island  contains  the  bodies  of  those  who  perished. 

Light. — A  group  occulting  white  light,  with  red  and  green  sectors, 
is  exhibited,  at  an  elevation  of  54  feet  above  the  sea,  from  a  red 
cylinder,  with  red  and  black  bands  and  white  lantern.  The  light  is 
visible  7  miles  (unwatched).    (For  sectors  see  Light  List  and  chart.) 

Lavezzi  Shoal. — A  bank  of  less  than  10  fathoms  extends,  nearly 
i  mile  southward  from  the  rock:  on  its  extremity  is  a  small  patch 
having  only  28  feet  water  over  it  800  yards  150°  from  the  beacon. 

Clearing  marks. — The  Croix  de  la  Trinite  (on  a  conical  hill  north- 
westward of  Bonifacio)  kept  open  of  Cape  Pertusato  bearing  319° 
leads  southwestward  of  Lavezzi  Rock,  and  the  eastern  side  of  Lavezzi 
Island  in  range  with  the  highest  part  of  Cavallo  bearing  341°  leads 

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CORSICA   ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN   ARCHIPELAGO.  341 

eastward  of  the  shoal.  At  night  Bazzoli  white  light  bearing  85° 
will  lead  along  i  mile  southward  of  the  rock  and  shoal,  or  keep 
southward  of  the  southern  limit  of  the  red  sector  which  is  thrown 
over  the  rock  from  that  light.  A  red  sector  of  light  is  also  (as  before 
mentioned)  thrown  over  the  rock  from  Lavezzi  Island  Light.  The 
navigator  may  therefore  be  sure  that  he  is  not  near  this  danger 
when  one  of  the  lights  is  seen  white,  but  should  both  red  lights  be 
seen  the  course  must  be  altered  immediately. 

Sazzoli  Light. — An  occulting  white  light,  with  red  sector,  is  ex- 
hibited, at  an  elevation  of  282  feet  above  the  sea,  from  a  white  tower, 
89  feet  high,  with  square  base.  The  white  light  is  visible  18  miles 
and  the  red  light  15  miles.    (For  sectors  see  Light  List  and  chart.) 

Bonifacio  Strait. — For  description  of,  and  directions  for,  see 
page  461. 

Corsica — ^West  coast. — Cape  Pertusato,  named  also  Cape 
Bianco,  is  the  southern  extremity  of  the  island  of  Corsica.  It  is  re- 
markable by  being  pierced  through,  and  the  whiteness  of  its  vertical 
cliffs,  from  which  it  derives  its  name,  is  very  marked  in  contrast  with 
the  dark  surface.  At  the  foot  of  the  cape  and  nearly  connected  to  it, 
is  St.  Antoine  Islet,  a  curious  white  pinnacle  rock  75  feet  high. 
Rocks  skirt  the  shore  from  Sprono  Point  to  Fiumara  Co\  e. 

Fiumara  Cove  lies  1  mile  westward  of  Sprono  Point;  a  small 
rocky  shoal  with  2|  fathoms  of  water  over  it  is  situated  to  the  west- 
ward of  it. 

Telegraph. — A  submarine  telegraph  cable  is  landed  at  tlie  head 
of  this  cove,  the  position  being  marked  by  two  beacons,  painted  blue 
and  white  in  horizontal  bands,  with  circular  white  topniarks.  These 
beacons,  when  in  range  bearing  57°,  lead  close  southward  of  the  line 
of  cable. 

Water. — About  ^  mile  eastward  of  Cape  Pertusato  is  a  cove  with 
a  sandy  beach,  where  there  is  an  abundant  supply  of  good  w^ater. 

Cape  Pertusato — Light. — From  a  square  gray  tower,  52  feet  in 
height,  situated  on  the  summit  of  this  cape,  is  exhibited,  at  an  eleva- 
tion of  325  feet,  a  group  flashing  white.  This  light  is  visible  25 
miles,  except  when  partially  obscured  by  the  land.  It  bears  315"^,  4.3 
miles  from  Lavezzi  Rock  beacon. 

Lloyd's  signals. — There  is  a  Lloyd's  signal  station  on  Cape 
Pertusato. 

Semaphore. — To  the  north-northwestward  of  the  lighthouse  there 
is  a  semaphore  station,  404  feet  above  the  sea. 

Port  Bonifacio. — The  entrance  to  Port  Bonifacio,  between 
Presqu'ile  de  Madonetta,  on  the  west,  and  Pointe  Saint  Antoine,  on 
the  east,  is  about  300  yards  wide,  with  depths  of  from  11  to  17  fath- 
oms; it  is  difficult  to  distinguish  from  a  distance,  but  it  is  marked  by 
the  lighthouse  of  La  Madonetta,  and  large  hollows  in  the  white  cliffs. 

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342  COKSICA  ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN  AKCHIPELAGO. 

which  appear  as  black  triangular  spots,  behind  it  on  the  west,  and 
the  town  and  citadel  on  the  east. 

About  400  yards  inside  the  entrance  the  port  turns  eastward  1,600 
yards,  and  its  width  decreases  to  about  100  yards ;  there  are  general 
depths  of  from  6  to  11  fathoms,  but  above  the  town  it  shoals  to  4^ 
fathoms  about  200  yards  from  the  head.  On  the  northern  side,  which 
is  steep  and  bold,  are  two  creeks;  Calanque  de  I'Arenella,  the  western 
one,  is  very  shoal,  but  Calanque  de  la  Catena,  the  other,  extends  about 
300  yards  northward,  with  depths  8  to  5  fathoms  to  about  half  way 
within ;  a  floating  dock  is  moored  here. 

An  area  at  the  head  of  the  port  has  been  dredged  to  20  feet;  a 
torpedo  station  is  established  here,  and  walls  have  been  built  round 
it,  from  which  five  wooden  piers  extend.  There  are  three  quays;  the 
outer  one  on  the  southern  side  is  about  60  yards  long,  and  vessels  of 
12  feet  draft  can  lie  alongside;  the  one  on  the  northern  side  is  90 
yards  long,  but  vessels  can  not  lie  within  30  feet  of  it ;  the  inner  quay 
on  the  south  side  can  not  be  approached  nearer  than  40  feet ;  on  this 
quay  is  a  fountain  and  the  customhouse.  The  port  office  is  a  little 
eastward  of  the  outer  southern  quay.  Along  both  shores  are  bollards 
for  mooring  vessels. 

Buoys. — ^Four  mooring  buoys  are  placed  on  the  northern  side  of 
the  port,  two  on  each  side  of  Calanque  de  I'Arenella.  A  warping 
buoy  lies  in  the  entrance  to  Calanque  de  la  Catena. 

Directions. — Caution  is  necessary  in  entering  during  strong  south- 
westerly winds,  as  inside  the  entrance  the  sea  is  nearly  smooth,  but 
the  squalls  are  very  violent.  Vessels  using  the  mooring  buoys  anchor 
in  midchannel,  and  secure  their  sterns  to  the  buoys,  leaving  the  south- 
em  side  of  the  channel  clear  for  navigation ;  those  over  150  feet  long 
proceeding  above  Calanque  de  la  Catena  must  swing  southward  of 
the  calanque,  where  there  is  room  to  turn  a  vessel  from  200  to  260 
feet  long,  and  go  up  the  inner  part  of  the  port  stern  first. 

Bonifacio  town  is  situated  on  the  summit  and  eastern  part  of  the 
peninsula  which  forms  the  southern  side  of  the  port;  it  is  grouped 
round  the  church  of  Sainte  Marie  Majeure,  which  has  a  square  steeple 
surmounted  by  a  small  dome;  its  eastern  side  is  limited  by  the  white 
wall  of  the  fortifications,  and  the  southern  side  is  on  the  edge  of  the 
cliffs.  Westward  of  the  southern  part  of  the  town  is  the  large  round 
Tour  de  Bonifacio,  from  which  the  steps  of  Roi  d'Aragon  descend 
vertically  down  the  cliff  to  the  sea.  A  little  northwestward  of  the 
tower  is  the  octagonal  steeple  of  Saint  Dominique,  and  barracks 
with  a  central  clock  tower;  farther  westward  is  an  iron  windmill, 
and  near  the  citadel  at  the  extreme  of  the  peninsula  is  the  low  conical 
spire  of  Saint  Francois.    The  population  was  3,663  in  1911. 

Bonifacio  Approach— Fairway  reserved  for  tra£BLc  when 
submarine  vessels  are  exercising.— When  the  flag  with  a  yel- 

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COBSICA  ISLAND  AND  THE  TUSCAN  AECHIPELAGO.  343 

low  and  a  red  horizontal  stripe  is  hoisted  at  the  signal  stations  or  on 
vessels  escorting  submarine  vessels,  to  indicate  that  the  latter  are 
exercising  submerged,  all  vessels  wishing  to  enter  or  leave  the  Port 
of  Bonifacio  are  earnestly  requested  to  make  use  of  the  fairway,  de- 
fined below,  in  which  submarine  vessels  are  prohibited  from  exercis- 
ing submerged. 

This  fairway  is  limited  as  follows : 

On  the  north  by  the  alignment  63°  from  Catena  Old  Battery  and 
the  clffs  on  the  western  side  of  the  entrance  to  the  port. 

On  the  south  by  the  alignment  53°  from  Catena  Old  Battery  and 
the  cliffs  on  the  western  side  of  the  entrance  to  the  port. 

On  the  west  by  a  line  joining  Cape  Feno  and  Cape  Pertusato. 

The  above  limits  have  not  been  placed  on  the  chart  plates. 

Directions. — The  entrance  to  the  port  will  be  known  by  the 
mountain  of  Trinite,  which  rise^  westward,  a  long  mile  within  Cape 
Feno.  Madonetta  Point  terminates  in  gray  cliffs  and  is  lower  than 
St.  Antoine;  on  it  is  a  chapel  and  lighthouse,  and  on  its  western  side 
is  a  large  cave.  St.  Antoine  Point  is  steep  and  dark,  with  a  battery, 
a  convent,  and  other  buildings  on  it  and  a  large  cave  at  its  foot.  Hav- 
ing the  several  buildings  and  the  caves  in  sight,  steer  midway  between 
the  latter  imtil  the  mouth  of  the  port  is  open,  which  can  be  entered 
only  with  a  fair  wind  by  keeping  in  midchannel.  In  the  middle  of 
the  entrance  there  are  16  fathoms,  which  gradually  decrease  to  7 
fathoms  abreast  the  town  and  5  and  3^  fathoms  near  the  head  of  the 
port.  The  bottom  is  weed.  A  warping  buoy  is  moored  off  the  en- 
trance. During  the  maneuvers  of  1897  the  French  naval  vessel  Ter- 
rible entered  the  port  of  Bonifacio  drawing  24  feet  7  inches  aft  with 
a  displacement  of  7,600  tons. 

Trade — Commiiiiication. — Coral  fishing  is  carried  on.  There  is 
communication  by  coach  to  Ghisonaccia  and  from  thence  by  rail  to 
Bastian  daily.  Steamers  used  to  run  on  alternate  Mondays  to 
Ajaccio. 

Light. — From  a  square  red  tower  36  feet  in  height,  on  building 
situated  on  Madonetta  Point,  is  exhibited  at  98  feet  above  the  sea,  a 
fixed  white  light  visible  11  miles.     (See  Light  List.) 

Dock. — A  floating  dock  is  moored  in  Catena  Inlet.  See,  also,  Ap- 
I>endix  I. 

Supplies  are  limited  to  vegetables.  Water  can  be  procured  from 
a  fountain  near  the  quay,  but  only  in  small  quantities.  There  is  no 
coal. 

lifeboat. — ^There  is  a  lifeboat  and  life-saving  apparatus  at  Boni- 
facio. 

Sea  level. — ^In  the  port  of  Bonifacio,  at  irregular  intervals,  a  rise 
and  fall  of  water,  often  amounting  to  2  and  3  feet,  and  on  some  occa- 
sions as  much  as  4  feet  has  been  observed.  .During  the  winter  the 

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344  CORSICA   ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN   ARCHIPELAGO. 

rise  is  even  greater,  the  water  completely  covering  the  quays.  There 
is  no  appreciable  lunar  tide  at  any  time. 

Local  authorities  at  Port  Bonifacio  state  that  the  rise  and  fall  of 
the  water  is  a  foretelling  of  the  weather  that  may  be  expected.  That 
a  rise  indicates  an  easterly  current  running  in  the  strait  before 
westerly  winds,  which  will  follow  in  a  few  (seldom  less  than  four  or 
five)  hours.  That  the  fall  of  the  water  during  fine  weather  will  in- 
dicate in  like  manner  a  westerly  current  running  before  easterly 
winds,  and  that  the  amount  of  the  rise  and  fall  will  indicate  the 
force  of  the  expected  wind. 

It  is  also  observed  that  the  water  commencing  to  fall  while  a  strong 
westerly  wind  is  blowing  is  an  indication  that  within  a  few  hours  thf 
wind  will  subside  and,  if  the  fall  continue,  easterly  winds  follow. 

Cape  Feno  is  rugged,  foul,  and  projects  to  the  southwest.  Im- 
mediately over  the  cape  is  Mount  Trinite.  the  eastern  peaks  of  which 
are  the  highest;  on  one  of  them  is  a  cross,  known  as  Croix  de  la 
Trinite.  Between  Bonifacio  and  Cape  Feno  the  coast  is  high  and 
mountainous;  midway  is  Paragnano  Cove,  about  ^  mile  deep,  with 
14  fathoms  water  at  the  entrance,  shoaling  to  2  fathoms  at  its  head, 
and  oi^en  to  the  westward.  A  short  distance  eastward  of  this  cove 
is  another  with  two  large  rocks  at  its  mouth ;  small  coasting  vessels 
and  fishing  boats  find  shelter  within  it  from  all  winds. 

There  is  a  small  cove  on  the  eastern  side  of  Cape  Feno  used  by 
fishing  boats,  and  on  the  northwestern  side  of  the  cape  is  a  cove  in 
which  are  rocks  above  water.  The  shore  in  the  vicinity  of  Cape 
Feno  should  not  be  approached  nearer  than  J  mile. 

Bock  southwestward. — A  rock,  with  a  depth  of  4J  fathoms  over 
it,  has  been  discovered  750  yards  223°  from  Cape  Feno  Lighthouse. 

Light. — From  a  square  white  tower  30  feet  in  height,  situated  on 
the  extremity  of  Cape  Feno,  at  an  elevation  of  65  feet  above  the  sea, 
a  fixed  white  light  is  exhibited,  only  visible  over  an  arc  of  32°,  in  the 
direction  of  the  Moines  or  Monachi  Rocks,  the  brilliancy  decreasing 
from  the  center  of  tlie  arc ;  it  should  be  seen  13  miles.  This  light  is 
said  to  be  frequently  hidden  by  fogs  in  the  month  of  May.  (See 
Light  List.) 

Life-saving  station. — There  is  a  life-saving  apparatus  at  Cape 
Feno  Lighthouse. 

Ventilegne  Point,  3  miles  northward  of  Cape  Feno,  and  a  large 
headland  named  Testa  di  Gatto,  about  ^  mile  westward  of  it,  form 
the  termination  of  a  high  moimtain;  both  points  are  skirted  with 
rocks,  and  700  yards  westward  of  the  latter  is  the  Testa  di  Gatto 
Kock,  above  water  with  a  reef  outside  it,  and  others  between  it  and 
the  headland. 

Ventilegne  Bay. — The  coast  between  the  cove  northward  of 
Cape  Feno  and  Ventilegne  Point  falls  back  to  the  east-northeastward 

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CORSICA  ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN   ARCHIPELAGO.  345 

and  forms  a  bay  about  2  miles  deep,  in  which  are  several  shallow 
coves  with  beaches,  but  used  only  by  fishing  boats.  At  IJ  miles 
from  the  cove  of  Cape  Feno,  and  on  the  southern  side  of  the  bay^ 
are  some  islets  and  rocks  close  to  the  shore ;  one  of  the  latter  north- 
ward of  the  inner  islet  is  2  feet  high,  and  outside  it  is  a  patch 
with  4  feet  water  on  it.  These  islets  should  have  a  wide  berth. 
Vessels  taking  shelter  in  this  bay  from  easterly  winds  anchor  in 
the  middle,  or,  rather,  toward  the  north  shore,  in  from  11  to  14 
fathoms,  weeds.  A  rock  with  1  foot  water  on  it  lies  250  yards 
westward  of  the  inner  point  of  the  outer  cove,  on  the  north  shore. 

A  ledge  of  rocks,  the  shoalest  part  of  which  is  awash,  is  situated 
1,600  yards  344°  from  the  northwesternmost  of  the  Tonnara  Islands, 
with  a  head,  on  which  there  is  a  depth  of  5  feet,  about  50  yards 
southeastward  of  the  rocks  and  depths  of  from  1  fathom  to  IJ  fath- 
oms on  the  extremity  of  the  ledge  about  80  yards  from  it  in  the 
same  direction. 

Figarl  Bay.— Figari  Point,  1^  miles  299°  off  the  headland  of 
Testa  di  Gatto,  is  rugged  and  bordered  with  rocks  which  extend 
450  yards  off.  Between  the  two  points  an  inlet  runs  nearly  2  miles 
to  the  northeastward,  called  Figari  Bay.  It  is  encumbered  with 
numerous  rocks;  the  land  at  its  head  is  marshy  and  a  stream  flows 
into  it. 

Bruzzi  Islets. — At  about  i  mile  off  Bruzzi  Point  is  a  cluster  of 
small  islets  or  rocks  of  the  same  name.  Shoal  water  extends  600 
yards  to  the  southward  and  400  yards  to  the  westward  of  the  islets. 
The  ground  is  also  foul  between  the  islets  and  the  point.  The  shore 
between  Bruzzi  and  Figari  Points  forms  a  bay  J  mile  deep  and 
open  to  the  southwest,  where  coasting  vessels  anchor  with  offshore 
w^inds  in  7  or  8  fathoms,  weed. 

Olmeto  Point  is  rugged,  bold,  skirted  with  rocks,  and  has  on  it 
a  white  tower.  It  is  the  termination  of  a  high  mount  of  the  same 
name.  The  coast  between  Bruzzi  and  Olmeto  Points  is  high  and 
rugged  and  forms  two  coves  named  Arbitro  and  Fornello,  the  former 
being  the  eastern  and  smaller,  is  only  fit  for  fishing  boats:  The 
latter  is  formed  by  the  eastern  declivity  of  Mount  Olmeto,  and 
the  western  of  Mount  Arbitro,  and  is  about  800  yards  deep  in  a 
northerly  direction,  affording  shelter  for  small  vessels  from  north- 
erly winds.  The  eastern  shore  is  skirted  with  rocks.  At  the  en- 
trance about  300  yards  from  either  side  is  a  rocky  patch  with  3  feet 
water  on  it.  When  entering,  keep  along  the  western  shore  until 
within  the  3-feet  rock,  and  anchor  in  from  2J  to  6  fathoms,  weeds. 
The  point  terminating  from  Mount  Arbitro  on  the  east  is  sur- 
rounded with  rocks  which  extend  200  yards  off  it. 

Boccapina  Point.— From  Olmeto  Point  the  coast  is  high  and 
rugged  and  trends  288*^  to  Koccapina  Point,  forming  several  small 

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346  CORSICA  ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN  ARCHIPELAGO. 

coves,  rugged  points,  and  small  beaches.  Roccapina  Point  is  low  and 
projects  to  the  southwest,  terminating  in  two  islets.  On  the  ele- 
vated land  behind  it  is  the  tower  of  the  same  name,  and  about  300 
yards  farther  to  the.  northeastward  is  another  tower  in  ruins. 

The  principal  cove  is  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  point,  but  it  is 
obstructed  by  rocks  and  fit  only  for  small  coasting  vessels. 

Pr§tre  Bocks  and  Beacon. — Several  rocks  lie  oflf  this  part  of 
the  coast ;  the  most  remarkable,  named  Pretre,  is  above  water  and  is 
marked  by  a  beacon  tower  11  feet  high,  painted  in  red  and  black 
horizontal  bands.  It  bears  276^  1,400  yards  from  Olmeto  Point,  and 
is  J  mile  from  the  coast.  A  rock  with  14  feet  water  on  it  lies  a  little 
more  than  200  yards  southward  of  the  beacon.  In  cases  of  necessity 
vessels  may  pass  between  it  and  the  land  in  7  or  7^  fathoms  water. 

Olmeto  Bocks. — At  the  distance  of  IJ  miles  237°  from  the  beacon 
tower  on  Olmeto  Point,  is  a  rock  awash  surrounded  by  others  having 
8  and  8  feet  water  on  them,  named  Great  Olmeto.  They  extend  north- 
eastward and  southwestward  nearly  i  mile;  the  channel  between  them 
and  the  Pretre  is  400  yards  wide  with  depths  of  from  12  to  16 
fathoms. 

At  about  1,400  yards  237°  frcm  the  Great  Olmeto  Rock  is  the 
Little  Olmeto  Rock  with  12  feet  water  on  it,  and  from  25  to  30  feet 
close  to. 

A  shoal  with  2 J  fathoms  on  it  lies  170  years  westward  of  Little 
Olmeto  Rock. 

Caution  is  necessary  while  navigating  in  this  neighborhood. 

MonacM  Bocks  (Les  Moines) — ^Beacon. — A  group  of  islets  or 
rocks  surrounded  by  reefs  extending  over  a  space  of  nearly  1.7  miles 
in  a  northeast  and  southwest  direction,  lies  198*^  distant  nearly  2 
miles  from  the  tower  of  Roccapino;  they  have  small  channels  be- 
tween them,  through  which  only  fishing  boats  can  pass;  the  largest 
islet  is  22  feet  high.  The  southwestern  danger  of  the  group  has  only 
4  feet  water  on  it  and  lies  about  J  mile  22G°  from  the  largest  islet, 
and  2|  miles  from  Roccapina  Point;  it  is  marked  by  a  black  beacon 
tower  surmounted  by  a  cylinder.  There  is  no  inconcenienve  in  pass- 
ing between  these  dangers  and  the  coast  during  fine  weather,  as  the 
northern  rocks  are  nearly  1 J  miles  from  Roccapina  Point  and  the 
depth  of  water  from  9  to  24  fathoms;  but  at  other  times  Olmeto  and 
Roccapina  Points  should  have  should  have  a  berth  of  3 J  or  4  miles. 
The  channel  between  the  Monachi  Group  and  Little  Olmeto  is  l^ 
miles  wide,  with  depths  of  from  IG  to  34  fathoms. 

Monachi  Bocks — ^Beacon. — A  new  beacon  on  the  rocks  has  been 
completed;  it  is  in  the  form  of  a  white  tower,  consisting  of  two 
truncated  conical  sections  of  different  diameters,  one  above  the  other, 
the  whole  structure  being  61  feet  high ;  it  is  named  Moines  Tower. 

Light. — A  fixed  red  light,  elevated  80  feet  above  the  sea  and 

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CORSICA  ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN   ARCHIPELAGO.  347 

visible  11  miles,  is  exhibited  from  Moines  Tower,  of  white  masonry, 
on  Monachi  Rocks.     (Unwatched)     (See  Light  List.) 

Caution. — A  vessel  will  pass  to  the  westward  and  southward  of 
the  Monachi  Rocks  by  keeping  outside  of  the  red  and  white  alternate 
flashing  lights  shown  over  an  arc  of  2°  from  Aquila  Point  Light- 
house; also  the  southern  limit  of  light  shown  from  Cape  Feno  passes 
about  3  miles  southward  of  the  beacon  on  the  outer  rock.  (See  Light 
List.) 

Boccapina  Bay. — At  IJ  miles  northwest  of  Roccapina  Point  is 
Mortoli  Point,  a  rocky  headland,  nearly  isolated;  the  intervening 
coast  forming  a  bay,  the  eastern  short  of  which  is  a  steep  sandy 
beach,  but  the  northern  is  rugged  and  skirted  with  rocks  extending 
600  yards  offshore. .  The  beach,  IJ  miles  in  length,  begins  a  little  to 
the  northward  of  Roccapina  Point  and  terminates  at  a  hill  about 
half  the  distance  between  this  point  and  that  of  Mortoli.  The  bay 
affords  shelter  from  northerly  winds  around  by  east  to  southeast; 
anchor  in  the  middle  in  8  to  11  fathoms,  sand.  The  Ortolo  River 
runs  into  the  bay  at  the  northern  end  of  the  sandy  beach. 

Mortoli  Bay. — Nearly  2  miles  293^  from  Mortoli  Point  i^  Lato- 
niccia  Point,  rugged  and  surrounded  with  rocks.  An  islet  or  reck 
of  the  same  name  lies  400  yards  from  the  point,  having  a  passage 
between  which  can  be  used  by  coasting  vessels.  The  coast  between 
forms  a  bay  named  Mortoli,  which  extends  J  mile  to  the  northeast- 
ward, having  a  sandy  beach,  through  which  runs  a  stream,  at  its 
head.  There  is  anchorage  in  this  bay  with  northerly  winds,  in  10 
or  11  fathoms,  sand.  The  shore  is  clear  of  danger,  and  the  islet 
of  Latoniccia  is  steep-to  on  the  western  side,  but  a  rock  with  2^ 
fathoms  water  lies  to  the  southward  of  it,  with  Roccapina  Tower 
in  range  with  the  extremity  of  Mortoli  Point. 

At  2f  miles  186®  from  Latoniccia  Point  is  the  center  of  a  rocky 
bank,  less  than  1  mile  in  extent  eastward  and  westward,  with  12 
fathoms  water  on  it,  upon  which  the  sea  breaks  in  bad  weather,  when 
it  will  be  prudent  to  pass  outside  it.  '  Between  it  and  the  point 
there  are  from  35  to  45  fathoms,  and  the  same  depths  between  it 
and  the  Monachi  Rocks. 

Port  Tizzano. — From  Latoniccia  Point  the  shore  trends  1  mile 
northeastward  to  a  small  cove  and  beach,  beyond  which  is  a  narrow 
inlet  i  mile  deep  named  Port  Tizzano;  it  has  3^  fathoms  at  the 
entrance  and  If  fathoms  in  the  middle  and  is  only  fit  for  small 
vessels.  A  fort  stands  on  the  western  point  of  entrance,  and  west- 
ward of  it,  about  200  yards  from  the  shore,  is  a  rock  which  dries 
li  feet;  and  a  rock  with  3^  fathoms  over  it  lies  500  yards  233°  from 
the  western  extremity  of  the  promontory  separating  Tromba  Cove 
from  Port  Tizzano.    A  small  stream  runs  into  the  head  of  the  inlet. 

Aquila  Point. — From  Port  Tizzano  the  coast  is  rugged,  high,  and 

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348  CORSICA   ISLAND  AND   THE   TUSCAN  ARCHIPELAGO. 

irregular  and  trends  in  a  west-northwestward  direction  to  Aquila 
Point;  it  is  skirted  here  and  there  by  rocks  which  extend  off  about 
300  yards,  and  there  are  two  or  three  coves  with  small  beaches. 
The  Tivella  Eiver  flows  into  the  sea  in  the  western  cove.  Aquila 
Point  terminates  in  a  rocky  projection  nearly  isolated  and  surrounded 
with  rocks,  one  of  w^hich,  having  only  1  foot  water  on  it,  lies  400 
yards  westward  of  the  point. 

Light. — At  Aquila  Point  is  exhibited,  at  an  elevation  of  164  feet 
above  the  sea,  a  flashing  white  light  with  red  sector.  A  sectx)r  of 
flashing  red  light  is  shown  over  Monachi  Eocks  (Les  Moines). 
jV\^ithin  this  sector  the  light  will  be  obscured  by  the  land  as  Lato« 
niccia  Point  is  approached,  the  point  being  higher  than  the  light- 
house. Through  a  sector  of  2°,  or  between  the  bearings  of  328°  and 
330°,  the  light  will  jshow  white  and  red  flashes  alternately,  so  that 
mariners  will  be  thus  warned  of  approaching  the  dangerous  sector. 
In  clear  weather  the  light  will  be  seen  from  a  distance  of  19  miles. 
The  lighthouse,  42  feet  in  height,  consists  of  two  towers  40  feet  apart 
and  joined  by  a  white  building.    (For  sector  see  Light  List.) 

SSnStose  Point,  |  mile  northward  of  Aquila  Point,  terminates 
in  a  small  peninsula  with  high  land  above  it,  on  which  is  a  con- 
spicuous white  tower.  A  rock  which  dries  1^  feet  lies  400  yards  209° 
from  White  Eock,  the  extremity  of  Senetose  Point;  and  a  rock  with 
2  fathoms  water  lies  200  yards  274°  from  its  northwestern  extremity^ 
Both  this  and  Aquila  Point  should  be  given  a  berth  of  a  long  ^  mile. 

Eccica  Point  projects  westward,  showing  a  face  in  that  direction 
of  nearly  700  yards,  and  is  bordered  with  rocks:  an  islet  of  the 
same  name  lies  800  yards  westward  of  the  point,  the  channel  being 
obstructed  by  rocks.  The  intermediate  coast  forms  a  bay,  at  the 
head  of  which  is  Conca  Cove,  about  i  mile  deep  in  a  northeast  direc- 
tion and  terminating  in  a  beach ;  it  is  fit  only  for  small  vessels  with 
offshore  winds.  A  rock  with  2  fathoms  of  water  over  it,  and  IG  to 
20  fathoms  around,  is  situated  in  the  entrance  to  Conca  Cove,  with 
Seuptose  Tower  bearing  141°,  distant  1  mile.  The  shore  between 
this  cove  and  Eccica  Point  should  not  be  approached  too  closely,  as 
rocks  extend  off  700  yards. 

Eccica  Islet. — A  rock,  with  a  depth  of  2|  fathoms,  exists  at  a 
distance  of  250  yards  350°  from  the  eastern  point  of  P2ccica  Islet. 

Campo-Moro  Point. — About  |  mile  eastward  of  Eccica  Point 
is  Agulia  Cove,  thence  follows  Manna  Molina  and  Scalono  Points, 
forming  two  bays;  the  coast  is  rugged  and  rocky.  About  1  mile 
beyond  Scalono  is  Campo-Moro  Point  and  tower,  the  south  point  of 
entrance  to  the  Gulf  of  Valinco.  The  coast  between  the  two  points  is 
high,  rugged,  and  foul:  700  yards  from  Scalono  a  rock  awash  lies 
400  yards  from  the  shore.    The  Campo-Moro  forms  a  high  hill  ren- 


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CORSICA  ISLAND  AND   THE   TUSCAN   ARCHIPELAGO.  349 

dered  remarkable  by  a  Jarge  fortified  tower  on  its  summit.  Kocks, 
white  and  easily  distinguished,  extend  over  1  mile  in  a  north-north- 
east direction  from  the  Moro,  and  on  the  western  side  are  also  several 
islets  and  rocks. 

Anchorage. — There  is  excellent  anchorage,  sheltered  from  the 
southeastern  and  southwestern  quarters,  in  the  bay  on  the  eastern 
side  of  Campo-Moro  Point,  off  a  cove  about  J  mile  southward  of  the 
point,  in  about  11  fathoms,  sand  and  Aveeds,  with  the  Moro  Tower 
bearing  305°  and  the  village  164°.  Small  vessels  anchor  near  the 
shore  in  8i  or  9  fathoms.  The  anchorage  is  protected  by  the  rocks 
extending  from  the  point,  but  the  water  deepens  suddeuly;  at  the 
head  of  the  bay  is  a  beach  and  on  the  eastern  side  the  village  of 
Campo-Moro. 

Supplies. — A  small  quantity  of  water  can  be  procured,  but  at  some 
distance  from  the  beach ;  no  provisions  can  be  obtained. 

Oulf  of  Valinco. — At  3  J  miles  northward  of  Campo-Moro  Point 
is  Porto  Polio  Point.  Between  these  points  the  coast  forms  a  large 
bay  extending  5}  miles  eastward,  named  the  Gulf  of  Valinco.  It 
contains  three  anchorages;  Campo-Moro  just  described,  Porto  Polio 
eastward  of  the  point  of  the  same  name,  and  Propriano,  at  the  head 
of  the  gulf,  which  last  is  exposed  to  westerly  winds. 

From  Campo-Moro  the  land  trends  eastward  to  Cardicciani  Point, 
distant  2  miles;  at  i  mile  from  the  point  and  600  yards  from  the 
coast  is  a  round  islet ;  the  latter  part  of  the  coast  is  skirted  with  rocks. 

Tavaria  or  Valinco  River. — At  f  mile  eastward  of  Cardicciani 
Point  is  the  little  village  of  Portigliolo,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Tavaria 
or  Valinco  River.  At  400  yards  off  the  mouth  of  the  river  is  a  dan- 
gerous rock  from  which  shoal  water  and  rocks  extend  400  yards  to 
the  westward;  and  between  the  rock  and  Cape  Lauroso,  farther  on, 
is  a  group  of  rocks  500  yards  from  the  beach. 

From  the  entrance  to  the  river  a  sandy  beach  trends  eastward  and 
northward  to  Cape  Lauroso;  the  cape  is  rocky  and  thence  the  coast 
turns  eastward  to  the  beach  at  the  head  of  the  gulf.  The  latter  part 
of  the  coast  is  nearly  all  beach,  interrupted  by  cliffs  and  two  or  three 
islets  or  rocks. 

Port  Propriano,  nearly  1  mile  east-northeastward  of  Cape  Lauroso, 
is  sheltered  by  Jetee  Quest,  a  mole,  which  extends  northward  about 
380  yards  from  the  shore  to  Rochers  de  Scoglio  Longo,  whence  Jetee 
Nord  extends  east-northeastward  about  200  yards.  There  is  a  quay 
on  Jetee  Quest,  with  20  feet  water  alongside.  Qn  the  south  shore 
of  the  port  is  a  stone  landing  pier,  leading  to  a  ^small  quay,  within 
which  are  the  customs,  port,  police,  and  post  offices. 

The  port  is  not  sheltered  from  westerly  to  northerly  winds,  and 
the  sea  during  strong  northwesterly  winds  breaks  over  the  jetties. 


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350  CORSICA  ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN   ARCHIPELAGO. 

and  there  is  a  heavy  swell  in  the  port.  Easterly  winds  are  accom- 
panied by  heavy  squalls. 

Vessels  anchor  southeastward  of  Jetee  Nord  and  off  the  landing 
pier  in  5J  fathoms,  sandy  mud. 

Lights. — A  light  is  exhibited,  at  55  feet  above  high  water,  from 
a  white  cylindrical  masonry  tower,  53  feet  high,  on  the  north  end  of 
Jctee  Ouest. 

A  light  is  exhibited  from  a  metal  column,  19  feet  high,  on  the  east 
end  of  Jet^  Nord. 

Buoys. — A  white  mooring  buoy  lies  about  70  yards  northeastward 
of  the  landing  pier,  for  the  temporary  use  of  vessels  which  do  not 
wish  to  anchor. 

A  red  buoy  lies  eastward  of  the  white  buoy,  on  the  edge  of  the  shore 
bank  in  2J  fathoms. 

Pilotage. — There  is  a  pilot  station  at  Port  de  Propriano,  within 
a  line  from  Portigliolo  to  Pointe  de  Taravo. 

The  village  of  Propriano  is  small,  and  the  houses  are  along  the 
road  from  Sartene  to  Aj^ccio.  The  church,  with  a  white  square 
belfry,  is  isolated  on  a  hill  behind  the  houses;  eastward  of  the  village 
is  the  cemetery  where  there  are  several  remarkable  chapels.  The 
population  of  the  \  illage  is  about  900. 

Propriano  is  the  port  of  Sartene  and  Tallano,  and  considerable 
quantities  of  building  wood  and  wine  are  shipped  here. 

Supplies. — Provisions  can  be  procured  at  the  village,  and  water 
from  a  fountain  near  the  quay. 

Life-saving  station. — A  rocket  apparatus  is  stationed  at  Pro- 
priano customhouse. 

Communication. — The  motor  car,  which  runs  daily  between  Boni- 
facio and  Ajaccio,  passes  through  Propriano.  A  steamer  runs  three 
times  a  week  to  Ajaccio  in  fine  weather. 

Anchorage. — The  head  of  the  gulf,  which  forms  the  anchorage 
of  Propriano,  is  1^  miles  in  length  and  f  mile  in  breadth ;  the  mouth 
being  between  Cape  Lauroso  on  the  south,  and  the  point  and  tower 
of  Aglio  to  the  north-northeastward,  distant  about  1  mile.  The 
depth  at  the  entrance  is  more  than  35  fathoms,  which  diminishes 
gradually  to  the  beach  at  the  head,  where  a  small  river  runs  into  the 
sea ;  the  bottom  is  principally  mud. 

Coast. — The  north  coast  of  the  Gulf  of  Valinco  is  less  foul  than 
the  south;  from  the  mouth  of  the  river  at  the  head  of  the  gulf  it 
trends  west,  straight  to  Aglio  Point.  This  point  is  low  and  skirted 
with  rocks  at  a  short  distance  and  has  a  tower  on  it;  f  mile  farther 
westward  is  another  point,  higher  and  steep,  with  a  beach  between, 
fronted  with  rocks.  At  2  miles  farther  on  is  the  tower  of  Bajaccia 
at  the  beginning  of  a  sandy  beach.  The  beach  is  IJ  miles  in  extent 
with  a  bend  to  the  northward,  and  at  its  western  end  the  Taravo 


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COBSICA  ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN   ARCHIPELAGO.  351 

Eiver  runs  into  the  sea,  after  winding  through  the  plains  of  the 
same  name. 

Porto  Polio. — Between  Porto  Polio  Point  and  the  mouth  of  the 
Taravo  River  the  coast  forms  a  bay  1^  miles  wide  with  a  small  beach. 
It  affords  excellent  shelter  with  winds  from  the  northwestern  quarter 
(anchoring  in  from  9  to  11  fathoms,  weeds,  eastward  of  a  tower  in 
ruins),  protected  by  the  land  of  the  cape  and  the  rocks  extending 
from  it  800  yards  to  the  southeastward.  Large  vessels  anchor  farther 
out  in  14  or  15  fathoms. 

From  Porto  Polio  a  road  traverses  the  island  to  the  mouth  of  Orbo 
Eiver  on  the  east  coast,  near  Ghisonaccia,  the  terminus  of  a  railroad 
to  Bastia. 

Porto  Polio  Pointy  forming  the  northern  point  of  entrance  to 
the  Gulf  of  Valinco,  is  high,  rugged,  surrounded  by  rocks  and  pro- 
jects to  the  southwestward ;  it  has  the  ruins  of  a  tower  on  its  summit. 
It  shows  a  face  to  the  southward  nearly  ^  mile  east  and  west,  with 
a  reef  of  rocks  extending  700  yards  from  its  western  extremity,  and 
another  reef  900  yards  from  the  eastern,  which  terminates  in  a  rock 
awash.    This  latter  helps  to  shelter  the  anchorage  of  Porto  Polio. 

The  coast.— About  1  mile  333°  from  Porto  Polio  Point  is  Prata- 
rella  Point,  with  rocks  at  its  foot;  a  rock  with  very  little  water  over 
it  lies  300  yards  237°  outside  the  same,  and  it  has  a  tower  on  its 
simmiit  named  Serra  di  Fero;  the  intermediate  coast  forms  a  bay 
surrounded  by  rocks. 

About  3  miles  to  the  west-northwestward  of  Pratarella  Point  is 
Cape  Nero,  high,  round,  and  of  a  dark  color,  with  a  tower  on  it.  At 
the  foot  of  the  cape  is  a  rock  awash,  and  others  covered  lie  400  yards 
from  the  shore.  The  coast  between  the  two  points  forms  Cupabia 
Bay,  which  extends  about  1^  miles  to  the  northeastward,  terminating 
in  a  sandy  beach,  where  a  small  river  runs  into  the  sea.  There  is  an- 
chorage for  small  vessels,  with  winds  from  northwest  around  by  north 
to  southeast,  in  10  or  11  fathoms  northwestward  of  the  tower  on  the 
southeastern  side  of  the  bay. 

Cape  Muro. — At  2^  miles  296°  from  Cape  Nero  is  Cape  Muro, 
the  coast  between  forming  Orzo  Cove,  terminating  in  a  small  beach, 
which  is  convenient  for' coasting  vessels  with  land  winds.  Cape 
Muro,  a  promontory  projecting  westward,  is  the  termination  of  high 
land  and  presents  a  front  to  the  westward  f  mile  in  extent,  the 
northern  end  of  which  is  called  Guardiola  Point.  A  rocky  shoal 
having  2  feet  water  on  it  lies  200  yards  from  its  southern  extrem- 
ity, and  at  its  northern  extremity,  400  yards  from  the  shore,  is 
another  shoal  of  2  feet  water.  A  rock  aboA^e  water,  named  La  Botte 
du  Cap  Muro,  lies  between  this  latter  shoal  and  the  shore.  A  rocky 
bank  with  6  fathoms  water  on  it  lies  distant  1  mile  from  the  southern 


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352  CORSICA   ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN   ARCHIPELAGO. 

extremity  of  the  cape.    The  shore  from  the  cape  to  Orzo  Cove  is 
skirted  with  rocks.    Xone,  however,  extend  farther  than  300  yards  off. 

The  Gulf  of  AjacciOy  the  largest  inlet  in  Corsica,  lies  between 
Cape  Muro  on  the  south  and  the  Sanguinaires  Islets  on  the  north. 
The  gulf  is  10  miles  deep  in  an  east-northeastward  direction.  Its 
southern  coast  is  irregular,  forming  several  bays,  separated  by  pro- 
jecting points,  with  off-lying  rocks  and  shoals,  none  of  which  extend 
more  than  J  mile  from  the  shore.  The  north  coast  is  less  irregular, 
but  there  are  also  one  or  two  dangers  off  it.  The  head  of  the  gulf 
terminates  in  a  sandy  beach,  and  near  it,  on  the  north  shore,  is  the 
town  of  Ajaccio.  The  water  in  the  gulf  is  very  deep,  there  being  150 
fathoms  1  mile  off  the  beach  at  the  head  of  it.  Westerly  winds,  and 
particularly  those  from  the  southwest,  blow  with  great  force  and 
cause  a  heavy  sea,  which  is  felt  in  nearly  every  part. 

After  rounding  Cape  Muro  the  projecting  points  of  the  coast  trend 
about  northeastward  to  the  head  of  the  gulf,  forming  three  bays  be- 
tween, which  are  about  2  miles  deep. 

Porto  CacaOy  a  cove  1  mile  from  Guardiola  Point,  affords  shelter 
to  coasting  vessels,  from  southerly  winds.  A  tower  stands  on  the 
w^estern  side  of  entrance.  A  rocky  bank  with  5^  fathoms  water  on  it 
lies  350  miles  35°  from  the  tower.  The  coast  is  skirted  at  a  short  dis- 
tance with  rocks. 

Castagna  Pointy  4  miles  from  Cape  Muro,  projects  to  the  north- 
westward, is  cliffy,  and  has  a  tower  on  it ;  from  the  point  reefs  extend 
700  yards  to  the  south  west  ward.  In  the  bay  to  the  southward  of 
Castagna  Point,  and  to  the  westward  of  Chioselle,  recks  have  been 
reported  extending  400  yards  offshore. 

Portigliolo  Cove,  1  mile  eastward  of  Castagna  Point,  is,  though 
small,  capable  of  affording  shelter  to  a  few  coasting  vessels  from 
southerly  winds,  by  anchoring  near  the  beach,  which  is  steep-to,  in 
4J  or  5^  fathoms.  A  rocky  shoal,  with  2^  fathoms  water  en  it,  lie^ 
about  600  yards  299°  from  the  entrance.  About  ^  mile  northeast- 
Avard  of  the  cove  is  Piana  Islet  surrounded  with  rocks  and  close  to 
the  shore.  At  J  mile  beyond  the  islet  is  a  sandy  l)each  through  which 
a  river  runs  into  the  sea :  the  coast  thence  is  sinuous,  composed  of 
cliffs  broken  by  sandy  beaches  and  skirted  here  and  there  by  rocks  as 
far  as  Sette  Nave  Point. 

Sette  Nave  Point  is  the  termination  of  a  nearly  isolated  penin- 
sula having  a  tower  named  IsoleUa  on  its  summit;  from  the  point, 
rocks  above  water  extend  nearly  200  yards  westward  and  a  rock 
witli  a  depth  of  about  3  fath(  ms  on  it  lies  with  Isolella  ToAver 
bearing  11°  733  yards. 

Campania  Rock — Beacon. — A  dangerous  rock  named  Cam- 
pania, having  only  1  foot  water  on  it,  lies  234:°  from  Isolella  Tower 
and  i  mile  from  the  point;  a  beacon  tower  17  feet  above  high  water, 


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CORSICA  ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN   ARCHIPELAGO.  353 

surmounted  by  a  sphere,  and  painted  red  and  black  in  horizontal 
bands  has  been  erected  on  this  danger,  between  which  and  Sette 
Nave  Point  there  is  a  depth  of  7  fathoms  with  very  deep  water  close 
outside.  To  avoid  this  danger,  the  tower  on  Castagna  Point  must 
not  be  brought  to  the  westward  203°  until  Isolella  Tower  on  Sette 
Nave  Point  bears  74°. 

Porticcio  Point  is  cliffy  and  foul,  with  a  rock  awash  about  200 
yards  to  the  westward.  The  intermediate  coast  forms  a  bay  with  a 
sandy  beach,  through  which  a  river  runs  into  the  sea;  the  bay  is 
occasionally  resorted  to  by  vessels  during  easterly  winds;  care  should 
however,  be  taken  to  avoid  the  dangers  off  the  northeastern  side  of 
the  bay.  The  d'Orbera  is  a  group  of  rocks  above  water,  700  yards 
209°  from  Porticcio  Point.  There  are  also  several  rocks  about  600 
yards  from  the  shore  on  the  southern  side  of  the  bay. 

Vescovo  Point. — ^A  rock,  with  a  depth  of  1  fathom,  is  situated 
about  i  mile  226°  from  this  point. 

Prunelli  and  Gravone  Bivers. — ^The  shore  from  Porticcio 
Point  trends  eastward,  then  northward  and  around  northwestward  to 
Aspretto  Point,  forming  a  bay  IJ  miles  deep,  and  2^  miles  wide  be- 
tween the  above  points.  The  shore  at  the  head  of  this  bay  is  a  clear, 
sandy  beach,  through  which  the  Prunelli  and  Gravone  Kivers  enter 
the  sea.  Capitello  Tower  stands  on  a  little  height  1^  miles  north- 
eastward of  Porticcio,  and  at  its  foot  is  the  mouth  of  the  Prunelli, 
separating  two  beaches,  the  southern  being  called  Viva  and  the 
northern  Campo  dell  Oro. 

Anchorage. — There  is  anchorage  in  front  of  these  beaches,  with 
off-shore  winds,  in  11  fathoms,  sand  and  mud. 

Aspretto. — On  Aspretto  Point,  the  eastern  point  of  Ajaccio  Bay, 
are  two  forts,  one  on  a  height  and  another  near  its  extremity ;  there 
is  also  a  lazaretto  on  the  western  shore.  Several  islets  or  rocks  (Les 
Scoglietti)  extend  about  700  yards  southward  of  the  point,  with 
channels  between,  through  which  boats  can  pass. 

Anchorage. — Eastward  of  the  point  there  is  excellent  anchorage 
in  from  9  to  15  fathoms,  mud,  sheltered  from  nearly  all  winds,  and 
named  Aspretto  Anchorage;  it  is  spacious  and  well  adapted  for 
large  naval  vessels. 

Quarantine  anchorage. — Aspretto  anchorage,  eastward  of  the 
point,  is  in  from  9  to  15  fathoms,  mud,  sheltered  by  Les  Scoglietti ; 
the  depths  decrease  suddenly  from  6  and  9  fathoms  to  the  shore  bank ; 
it  is  reserved  for  vessels  in  strict  quarantine. 

Badio.^-A  radio  station  has  been  installed  on  this  point;  call 
letters  F  F  A.  It  lies  400  yards  248°  from  Fort  Aspretto,  and  the 
two  masts  stand  in  the  sea.  It  is  open  to  the  public  from  7  a.  m.  to 
10  p.  m. 

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354  CORSICA  ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN  ARCHIPELAGO. 

Ajaccio. — The  town  of  Ajaccio  stands  partly  on  a  low  rocky  point 
projecting  to  the  southeastward  upon  the  western  side  of  the  bay, 
and  thence  along  shore  to  the  northward.  It  contains  two  or  three 
wide  streets,  of  which  the  principal  is  the  cour  Napoleon,  a  long 
thoroughfare,  with  a  row  of  orange  trees  on  each  side ;  the  houses  are 
large  and  lofty,  but  have  no  architectural  beauty.  It  has  a  citadel 
built  in  1554,  is  the  seat  of  a  bishopric,  has  a  royal  court  and  other 
judicial  establishments,  a  college,  a  model  school,  a  public  library,  a 
good  theater  and  picture  gallery,  and  a  fine  promenade  along  the 
bay.  Ajaccio  is  the  capital  of  the  island  of  Corsica,  and  the  place 
where  Napoleon  I  was  bom  on  August  15,  1769;  the  house  where 
the  event  took  place  is  still  preserved.  Westward  of  the  town  are 
the  botanic  gardens,  Maestrello  battery  and  a  Greek  chapel.  The 
town  is  supplied  with  w  ater  by  an  aqueduct  from  the  Gravone,  and 
drainage  works  were  completed  in  1881. 

Seamen  are  received  at  the  Hospital  Eugenie,  imder  the  control  of 
the  municipality. 

Population. — In  1911  the  population  numbered  22,264. 

Ajaccio  Approach — Fairway  reserved  for  traffic  when  sub- 
marine vessels  are  exercising. — \Yheii  the  flag  with  a  yellow  and 
a  red  horizontal  stripe  is  hoisted  at  the  signal  stations  or  on  the 
vessel  escorting  submarine  vessels,  to  indicate  that  the  latter  are 
exercising  submerged,  all  vessels  wishing  to  enter  or  leave  the  port 
of  Ajaccio  are  earnestly  requested  to  make  use  of  the  fairway,  defined 
below,  in  which  submarine .  vessels  are  prohibited  from  exercising 
submerged. 

This  fairway  is  limited  as  follows : 

On  the  east,  by  the  alignment  of  Ajaccio  Citadel  and  Mount  Ro- 
tondo,  8,626  feet  high,  22  miles  38^ 

On  the  north  by  the  nortliern  coast  of  the  gulf. 

The  above  limits  have  not  been  placed  on  the  chart. 

Climate,  winds,  etc. — According  to  observations  made  during  a 
period  of  25  years,  the  mean  annual  height  of  the  barometer  at 
Ajaccio  is  29.98 ;  the  mean  monthly  heights  in  January,  the  highest,  is 
30.07,  and  in  April,  the  lowest,  29.88.  The  mean  annual  temperature 
is  61.6^ ;  the  mean  monthly  terfiperature  in  January,  the  lowest,  is 
50°,  and  in  August,  the  highest,  76°. 

Rainfall. — The  mean  annual  rainfall  at  Ajaccio  is  22.63  inches. 
Little  rain  falls  in  the  four  months  June  to  September — only  3.14 
inches.  The  heaviest  fall,  3.59  inches,  is  in  October  and  November, 
thence  to  and  including  April,  the  average  fall  is  2.37  inches. 

The  climate  is  considered  exceedingly  good  between  November  and 
June.  The  rocky  range  of  the  central  mountains  arrest  the  north 
wind  and  deprive  it  of  its  sharpness ;  the  mistral  is  tamed  and  almost 
transformed  in  crossing  a  hundred  miles  of  sea.    The  sirocco  is  only 

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CORSICA  ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN   ARCHIPELAGO.  355 

an  occasional  visitor,  and  its  oppressive  and  irritating  heat  is  relieved 
by  a  quantity  of  moisture  absorbed  on  its  journey. 

Bale  and  Port  d'Ajaccio. — Baie  d'Ajaccio  extends  northward 
about  1  mile  between  Pointe  d'Aspretto  and  a  point  on  which  is  La 
Citadeile,  about  1  mile  west-southwestward.  The  shore  from  Pointe 
d'Aspretto  trends  northwestward  about  ^  mile,  and  rocks  and  shoal 
water  extend  300  yards  off  it;  a  sandy  beach  then  curves  westward 
round  the  head  of  the  bay  to  Port  des  Cannes.  There  is  a  conspicu- 
ous high  chinmey  near  the  beach,  about  700  yards  northward  of  the 
lazaretto;  the  railroad  from  Ajaccio  to  Bastia  runs  along  the  beach. 
Castle  Vecchio  stands  on  a  hill,  121  feet  high,  about  200  yards  within 
the  northwestern  corner  of  the  bay,  and  on  the  shore  about  200  yards 
southward  of  it  is  a  house  with  a  white  gable  among  some  red  and 
yellow  buildings.  Five  oil  tanks  are  situated  on  the  shore  southeast- 
ward of  the  castle.  The  town  is  on  the  western  shore  of  the  bay,  and 
Mont  Salario,  a  little  over  ^  mile  to  the  westward  of  it,  is  covered 
with  olives,  and  there  are  many  mortuary  chapels  on  its  slopes. 
There  are  depths  of  from  30  to  63  fathoms  in  the  entrance  to  the  bay, 
which  quickly  decrease  to  20  fathoms,  and  thence  gradually  to  5 
fathoms  near  the  head. 

ficueil  de  la  Citadeile,  a  small  detached  rock,  with  IJ  fathoms 
water,  lies  oOO  yards  southward  of  La  Citadeile.  and  shoal  water  ex- 
tends from  La  Citadeile  to  100  yards  from  it.  A  rock  with  1^  fath- 
oms water  lies  300  yards  northward,  and  a  rock  with  2  fathoms  water 
250  yards  westward,  of  ficueil  de  la  Citadeile.  At  night,  Jetee  de 
Margonaja  Light  open  eastward  of  Jetee  de  la  Citadeile  Light  leads 
eastward  of  the  rocks. 

Beacon. — A  black  masonry  beacon,  surmounted  by  a  cylinder,  25 
feet  high,  and  bearing  the  word  "  Citadeile  "  in  white  letters,  stands 
on  the  rock. 

Telegraph  cable  beacons. — A  telegraph  cable  is  landed  close 
westward  of  La  Citadeile,  where  two  beacons,  painted  bhio  nnd  white 
in  horizontal  bands,  and  surmounted  by  white  disks,  in  vi\n<jr^  bearing 
25°,  indicate  its  direction.    Anchorage  is  prohibited  in  tlie  vicinity. 

Jetties. — Jetee  de  la  Citadeile  extends  northeastward  210  yards 
from  the  northeastern  side  of  La  Citadeile,  and  it  is  being  extended 
a  further  distance  of  90  yards  north-northeastward.  In  the  middle 
of  the  northern  side  of  the  jetty  is  a  large  discharging  quay,  with 
from  16  to  26  feet  water  alongside,  which  is  protected  by  a  shelter 
wall,  but  notwithstanding  this,  the  sea  breaks  over  it  in  heavy  south- 
westerly weather.  The  works  in  progress  for  extending  this  jetty  are 
covered  by  a  green  sector  of  Jetee  de  la  Citadeile  light  and  by  a  red 
sector  of  Jetee  du  La  voir  light. 

Jetee  du  Lavoir  extends  eastward  230  yards  from  the  shore  600 
yards  northward  of  Jetee  de  la  Citadeile.    Quai  Napoleon  is  on  the 

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356  COKSICA  ISLAND  AND  THE  TUSCAN  ABCHIPELAGO. 

shore  between  the  two  jetties,  and  it  has  been  partly  dredged  to  a 
depth  of  22  feet.  The  harbor  and  port  offices  are  on  the  southern 
end,  and  the  health  office  on  the  northern  end  of  the  quay. 

Jetee  de  Margonajo  extends  eastward  about  300  yards  in  a  slight 
curve  from  the  shore,  600  yards  northward  of  Jetee  du  Lavoir.  A 
quay  extends  from  the  root  of  the  jetty  about  600  yards  northward 
to  Plage  des  Cannes.  A  jetty  extends  southwestward  from  the  shore 
in  the  northeast  comer  of  the  bay  into  16^  feet  water. 

Anchorages. — There  are  three  anchorages  on  the  western  side  of 
the  bay.    La  Citadelle  or  Town  Anchorage,  the  southernmost,  is  off 

Capucins  Anchorage  lies  between  Jet^  du  Lavoir  and  Jet^  de  Mar- 
du  Lavoir,  in  from  3i  to  4J  fathoms.  There  is  good  shelter  here  in 
ordinary  weather,  but  with  strong  southwesterly  winds  in  winter 
the  sea  becomes  heavy  southward  of  La  Citadelle,  and  breaks  against 
the  jetty,  sometimes  even  rounding  it  and  breaking  against  Quai 
Napoleon;  then  there  is  but  little  shelter  except  close  northward  of 
Jetee  de  la  Citadelle,  where  vessels  are  moored  with  their  stems  to 
the  jetty ;  other  vessels  have  to  obtain  shelter  at  Cannes  Anchorage. 

Capucins  Anchorage  lies  between  Jetee  du  Lavoir  and  Jete  de  Mar- 
gonajo; here  large  vessels  anchor  in  about  12  fathoms,  mud,  and  good 
holding  ground,  and  the  sea  is  much  less  than  at  La  Citadelle  An- 
chorage during  southwesterly  winds.  This  anchorage  is  reserved 
for  French  naval  vessels  when  required;  it  is  covered  by  the  green 
sector  of  Jetee  de  Margonajo  Light. 

Cannes  Anchorage  is  northward  of  Jetee  de  Margonajo  in  8  fath- 
oms, mud.  It  is  sheltered  from  westerly  winds,  but  in  very  excep- 
tional circumstances  a  heavy  sea  is  caused  by  southeasterly  winds. 
It  is  generally  used  in  winter;  the  principal  part  is  reserved  for 
French  naval  vessels.  The  anchorage  is  covered  by  the  red  sector  of 
Jetee  de  Margonajo  Light. 

Prohibited  anchorage. — The  part  of  Cannes  Anchorage  reserved 
for  French  naval  vessels  must  not  be  entered ;  it  lies  inside  floating 
booms  maintained  by  four  buoys,  extending  from  about  100  yards 
eastward  to  550  yards  northeastward  of  Jetee  de  Margonajo  Light. 

Pilotage. — There  is  a  pilot  station  at  Ajacco  limited  northward 
between  the  Greek  Chapel  and  the  cemetery,  and  southward  by  Tour 
d'Isolella.  When  an  entering  vessel  is  not  boarded  by  a  pilot  until 
within  the  limit  of  the  station,  but  outside  ficueil  de  la  Citadelle,  one- 
half  the  rate  is  paid ;  if  boarded  inside  this  rock  there  is  no  obligatory 
charge. 

There  are  special  rates  for  naval  vessels. 

Speed. — The  speed  of  steamers  entering  or  leaving  the  port  must 
not  exceed  10  knots  when  northward  of  a  line  drawn  90°  from  La 
Citadelle  Lighthouse,  to  prevent  damage  to  the  works  in  progress  at 
Jetee  de  la  Citadelle. 


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COKSICA  ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN  ABCHIPELAGO.  357 

The  town  of  Ajaccio  stands  on  the  low  rocky  point  on  which  is 
La  Citadelle,  and  thence  northward  on  the  west  shore  of  the  bay. 
It  has  two  or  three  wide  streets,  of  which  the  principal  is  Cour  Na- 
poleon, a  long  thoroughfare,  with  a  row  of  orange  trees  on  each  side. 
The  houses  are  large  and  lofty,  but  have  no  architectural  beauty.  It 
is  the  seat  of  a  bishopric,  has  a  royal  court  and  other  judicial  estab- 
lishments, a  college,  a  model  school,  a  public  library,  a  good  theater 
and  picture  gallery,  and  a  fine  promenade  along  the  bay.  La  Cita- 
delle  was  built  in  1554.  Ajaccio  is  the  capital  of  the  island  of  Cor- 
sica, and  Napoleon  I  was  bom  here  on  August  15,  1769.  The  town 
is  supplied  with  water  by  an  aqueduct  from  Riviere  Gravonne.  The 
population  in  1911  was  22,264. 

Winds. — North  to  west  winds  prevail  at  Ajaccio  throughout  the 
year;  in  fine  summer  weather  the  westerly  wind  blows  in  the  bay 
from  lOh.  a.  m.  till  5h.  p.  m.,  and  moderates  the  temperature,  the 
nights  being  calm  and  warm.    The  sirocco  does  not  often  blow. 

Buoys. — A  black  spindle  buoy  with  cylindrical  topmark  is 
moored  off  the  end  of  the  works  for  prolongation  of  the  Citadel 
Mole,  and  another  is  shown  off  the  pier  being  built  out  from  Lavoir 
Point. 

A  sphero-conical  buoy  painted  black  with  cylindrical  topmark, 
in  3^  fathoms,  marks  the  extremity  of  the  ledge  off  Fesch  College 
between  the  first  and  second  anchorage. 

Two  white  buoys,  in  5  fathoms  water,  mark  the  northeastern  and 
southeastern  limits  of  La  Citadelle  Anchorage,  so  that  there  may  be 
access  to  Quai  Napoleon. 

Speed. — In  consequence  of  the  works  in  progress  at  the  moles  of 
(he  Citadel  and  Lavoir  Point,  the  speed  of  steamers  approaching 
the  anchorage  of  Ajaccio  or  Cannes,  must  not  exceed  10  faiots  from 
the  time  of  the  Citadel  Jetty  Light  being  abeam ;  the  speed  of  vessels 
leaving  these  anchorages  must  not  exceed  10  knots  until  the  above 
light  is  abeam. 

Patent  slip. — See  Appendix  I. 

Telegraph — ^Beacons. — ^A  submarine  telegraph  cable  is  landed 
close  westward  of  the  Citadel,  the  position  being  marked  by  two 
beacons,  painted  blue  and  white  in  horizontal  bands,  and  surmounted 
by  white  circular  topmarks.  These  beacons,  when  in  range  bearing 
26°,  lead  close  westward  of  the  line  of  cable. 

BrOcks. — ^A  rock,  with  2  fathoms,  and  depths  of  from  2^  to  3 
fathoms  aroimd,  is  situated  580  yards  216°  from  the  Citadel  Light- 
house. 

Rocks  with  depths  of  IJ,  1^,  and  IJ  fathoms  are  situated,  respec- 
tively, 240  yards  181°,  280  yards  167°,  and,  320  yards  196°  from 
Citadel  Lighthouse. 


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358  CORSICA  ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN  ARCHIPELAGO. 

Landmarks. — A  high  chimney  of  a  steam  sawmill,  situated  about 
1,350  yards  50°  from  the  extremity  of  Margonajo  Mole  is  a  good 
mark  when  coming  from  the  south  westward,  and  the  white  gables 
of  small  houses  painted  red  and  yellow  and  situated  600  yards  338° 
from  the  same  point  are  also  conspicuous. 

Citadel  Bock  and  Beacon  Lies  rather  less  than  400  yards  south- 
ward of  the  Citadel  and  formerly  had  only  7  feet  water  on  it;  a  black 
masonry  beacon  tower,  18  feet  high,  surmoimted  by  a  cylinder,  has 
been  erected  on  the  rock.  Small  vessels  may  pass  inside  the  rock,  but 
large  vessels  should  keep  the  lighthouse  on  Great  Sanguinaire  Island 
well  open  southward  of  La  Botte  (Stivale)  Eock. 

Butticino  Bock^  another  danger  requiring  caution  in  approach- 
ing Ajaccio,  is  small,  and  just  above  water,  with  shallow  water 
around  it;  200  yards  102°  from  it  there  are  only  3  feet,  and  100  yards 
57°  5  feet  water.  Between  the  latter  depths  and  200  yards  74°  from 
the  rock  is  the  Guardiola  Tower,  painted  black,  surmounted  by  a 
cylinder  18  feet  above  the  sea.  The  rock  bears  195°  from  a  Greek 
Chapel,  nearly  i  mile  from  the  shore  and  IJ  miles  westward  of  the 
Citadel.  The  chapel  is  the  most  western  building  on  the  shore.  A 
rock,  with  4^  fathoms  on  it,  is  situated  400  yards  216°  from  Guar- 
diola Tower,  and  a  second  with  4J  fathoms  over  it,  is  204°  250  yards 
from  Guardiola  Tower. 

La  Botte  (Rocher  Stivale)  lies  300  yards  offshore,  southward  of 
the  cemetery,  and  1,200  yards  westward  of  La  Guardiola*  beacon ;  it 
is  13  feet  high,  but  a  rock  awash  lies  200  yards  to  the  southwestward. 
Rocher  Butticino  is  locally  named  Botte  de  la  Chapelle  des  Grecs, 
and  La  Botte,  Botte  du  Cimetiere. 

Lights — Citadel. — From  a  gray  circular  turret  40  feet  in  height, 
on  the  north  salient  angle  of  Ajaccio  Citadel,  is  exhibited,  at  an  ele- 
vation of  62  feet,  a  flashing  group  white  light,  visible  13  miles. 

Citadel  Jetty. — On  the  extremity  of  the  Citadel  Jetty  a  fixed  red 
light,  with  a  green  sector  of  10°,  is  shown,  at  an  elevation  of  45  feet 
from  a  gray  metal  column,  19  feet  in  height;  it  is  visible  4  miles  for 
the  red  and  3^  miles  for  the  green.  (Unwatched.)  (For  arc  of 
visibility,  see  Light  List.) 

Lavoir  Point. — A  fixed  white  light,  with  red  sector,  is  exhibited 
from  a  white  metal  column,  19  feet  in  height,  situated  near  the  inner 
end  of  a  new  jetty,  under  construction  from  Lavoir  Point  The 
white  light  is  visible  8  miles  and  the  red  light  4  miles.  This  light 
also  marks  the  works  in  progress  for  the  extension  of  the  Citadel 
Breakwater.     (Unwatched.) 

Margonajo  Mole. — From  a  gray  metal  column,  19  feet  in  height, 
on  Margonajo  Mole,  about  |  mile  to  the  north-northeastward  of  the 
Citadel,  is  exhibited,  at  an  elevation  of  24  feet,  a  fixed  red  light,  with 


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CORSICA  ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN  ABCHIPELAGO.  359 

green  sector.  The  red  light  is  visible  4  miles  and  the  green  3  miles. 
(For  sectors,  see  Light  List.)     (Un watched.) 

Trade. — The  principal  imports  are  coal,  building  materials,  sugar, 
glass  and  earthen  ware,  forage,  timber,  potatoes,  textiles,  hardware, 
wheat,  iron,  steel,  paper  and  stationery,  soap,  wine,  and  spirits;  and 
the  exports  are  timber,  charcoal,  gallic  acid,  citrons,  bark  for  tanning, 
chestnuts,  cork,  fruit,  copper,  mineral  waters,  wine,  olive  oil,  and 
cheese. 

Supplies. — Two  or  three  days'  notice  is  necessary  for  large  quan- 
tities of  provisions;  meat  is  poor  and  dear.  The  water  is  good,  but 
usually  requires  filtering.  Water  may  be  obtained  free  from  a  hy- 
drant on  the  quay. 

Hospital. — Seamen  are  received  at  Sainte  Eugenie  Hospital,  which 
is  under  the  control  of  the  municipality. 

Repairs. — There  are  two  machine  shops  capable  of  undertaking 
ordinary  repairs. 

Patent  slip. — See  Appendix  I. 

Connnunication. — The  Fraissinet  Line,  which  carries  the  mails, 
has  three  sailings  per  week  to  either  Marseille  or  Nice,  besides  a  coast- 
ing service.  There  is  communication  twice  a  week  with  Nice,  also 
with  Marseille,  Bonifacio,  and  Propriano.  There  is  also  direct  com- 
munication between  Ajaccio  and  Bona  by  the  Compagnie  Generale 
Transatlantique.  There  is  a  railroad  to  Ponte  Leccia,  where  it  con- 
nects with  the  line  between  Bastia  and  Calvi.  There  is  telegraphic 
communication. 

Life-saving  station. — A  lifeboat  is  stationed  in  the  port,  and 
there  are  two  rocket  apparatuses,  one  at  the  customhouse,  and  the 
other  at  the  post  office. 

Wharf. — A  wharf  of  wood  and  iron  has  been  constructed  in  the 
northeastern  angle  of  the  bay,  which  has  a  depth  of  about  IGJ  feet 
alongside. 

Coal. — A  coal  wharf,  196  feet  in  length,  has  a  depth  of  18  feet 
alongside;  there  are  no  coal  merchants,  and  only  sufficient  stock  is 
kept  for  private  houses,  but  the  Government  stock  of  coal  and 
patent  fuel  amounts  to  7,500,  with  space  for  10,000  tons. 

Parata  Point  projects  to  the  southwestward  and  terminates  in  a 
hill  nearly  isolated,  on  which  is  a  tower;  it  projects  from  the  elevated 
land  of  Mounts  Pozzo  di  Borgo  and  St.  Antoine,  and  close  to  its 
foot  is  a  small  islet.  The  point,  in  conjunction  with  the  Sanguinaires 
Islets,  forms  the  north  point  of  the  entrance  to  the  Gulf  of  Ajaccio. 

On  the  eastern  side  of  the  point  is  a  beach  about  400  yards  long  with 
a  building  on  it  belonging  to  a  tunny  fishery.  There  is  good  shelter 
with  winds  from  the  northwestern  quarter,  in  from  5  to  10  fathoms, 
weeds,  southward  of  the  building,  about  i  mile  oflf  the  beach. 


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360  CORSICA   ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN   AECHIPELAGO. 

Scudo  Point,  eastward  of  Parata  Point,  is  rugged  and  rocky, 
with  shoal  water  extending  400  yards  to  the  southward;  it  is  the 
southern  termination  of  Mount  St.  Antoine.  The  intermediate  coast 
is  bold  and  clear  of  danger  with  the  exception  of  some  rocks  which 
lie  close  to  the  land. 

The  Sang^naires  Islets,  a  chain  of  islets  and  rocks,  extend  1  j 
miles  in  a  southwest  direction  from  Parata  Point.  The  largest  and 
outer,  named  the  Great  Sanguinaire,  is  J  mile  long  and  about  i  mile 
broad;  it  is  about  270  feet  high,  rugged,  and  terminating  in  two 
peaks,  the  largest  and  highest  being  near  the  northeastern  end,  hav- 
ing on  it  a  lighthouse  and  battery.  The  other  peak  is  at  the  south- 
western end,  where  there  is  a  tower  and  semaphore  257  feet  above  the 
sea,  and  in  the  break  between  the  two  there  are  a  lazaretto  and 
chapel.  The  islet  is  skirted  with  rocks,  and  at  the  northeastern  end, 
nearly  connected  to  it,  is  the  islet  of  Cala  d'Alga.  The  rocks  extend 
i  mile  from  the  southwestern  end  of  the  Great  Sanguinaire,  the  outer- 
most having  only  i  fathom  water  on  it.  A  bank,  with  6  fathoms  of 
water  at  its  extremity,  extends  1,400  yards  to  the  south  westward  of 
the  island.  From  the  center  of  the  islet  a  bluff  point,  named  Taber- 
nacle, projects  to  the  southeastward,  and  on  its  northern  side  is  a 
small  rocky  cove  and  landing  place. 

The  passage  between  the  Great  Sanguinaire  and  Parata  Point  is 
obstructed  by  smaller  islets  and  rocks;  the  largest  of  these,  named 
Porre,  is  next  to  the  point ;  and  the  whole  are  known  as  the  Little 
Sanguinaires.  The  channel  formed  by  Porre  Islet  and  Parata  Point 
is  i  mile  wide  and  carries  midway  not  less  than  23  feet  water. 

Light. — From  a  square  tower  52  feet  in  height,  with  basement  on 
the  highest  part  of  the  Great  Sanguinaire,  is  exhibited  at  322  feet 
above  the  sea,  a  group  flashing  white  light  visible  24  miles.  (See 
Light  List. 

Tabernacle  Bock— Buoy. — This  danger  is  of  small  extent,  with 
9  feet  water  on  it,  and  bears  141°  from  Sanguinaire  Lighthouse,  dis- 
tant 1,300  yards  from  Tabernacle  Point.  From  the  rock,  Botte  Islet 
(southward  of  Cape  Feno)  is  in  line  with  the  western  end  of  the 
islet  next  westward  of  Porre,  and  the  eastern  angle  of  Ajaccio  Cita- 
del is  open  southward  of  the  Greek  chapel ;  a  black  spindle  buoy  with 
cylindrical  topmark,  is  moored  close  to  the  southward  of  the  rock. 

Another  rock,  with  3  fathoms  on  it,  lies  about  153°  rather  more 
than  400  yards  from  Tabernacle  Point. 

There  is  also  a  rocky  bank  about  400  yards  in  extent,  with  10 
fathoms  on  it,  lying  226°  from  the  lighthouse,  distant  about  IJ  miles 
from  the  islet ;  the  sea  breaks  on  it  in  bad  weather. 

Directions. — ^The  entrance  to  the  Gulf  of  Ajaccio  will  be  known 
at  a  distance  by  Mounts  Lisa  and  St.  Antoine,  the  former  being  to 


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CORSICA   ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN    ARCHIPELAGO.  361 

the  northward  of  the  latter,  higher  and  conical,  and  commands  Cape 
Feno  and  the  Sanguinaires  Islets.  On  a  nearer  approach  the  islets 
and  lighthouse  will  be  seen  and  finally  the  town  of  Ajaccio  on  a  low 
point..  In  the  absence  of  the  Tabernacle  Buoy,  the  rock  will  be 
cleared  by  having  the  outer  part  of  the  citadel  well  open  southward 
of  the  Greek  chapel  bearing  63°.  To  avoid  the  Citadel  Rock  at 
night,  keep  the  red  light  on  the  Margonajo  Mole  open  of  the  green 
light  on  the  Citadel  Mole. 

Cape  FenOy  4J  miles  northward  of  Parata  Point,  is  high,  rugged, 
and  has  a  tower  on  it ;  at  its  foot  are  some  rocks  extending  a  short 
distance  off.  The  intermediate  coast  is  irregular,  forming  Minaccia 
Bay,  with  a  sandy  beach  at  its  head,  where  there  is  anchorage  for 
coasting  vessels  with  offshore  winds. 

A  rocky  patch,  with  a  depth  of  5  feet  over  it,  lies  in  Minaccia 
Bay,  with  la  Botte  Islet  bearing  296°,  distant  1.4  miles,  and  the 
pyramid  on  Corba  Point  bearing  193°. 

La  Botte^  a  small  islet,  only  of  just  sufficient  height  to  be  seen, 
and  having  sunken  rocks  close  around  it,  lies  1.3  miles  186°  from 
Cape  Feno.  Between  the  two  there  is  a  rock  with  6  feet  water  on 
it,  lying  about  700  yards  offshore.  The  islet  is  f  mile  from  the 
coast,  and  in  the  channel  between  there  are  from  9  to  18  fathoms 
water.  This  part  of  the  coast  is  skirted  with  rocks,  which  at  IJ  miles 
northward  of  Parata  Point  extend  off  about  400  yards. 

Gulf  of  Sagone. — ^The  coast  between  Cape  Feno  and  Cargese 
Point  forms  a  large  and  deep  bay  (Sagone  Gulf),  which  contains 
several  smaller  bays  with  beaches  and  anchorages  with  offshore 
winds ;  it  is  open  to  the  westward  and  as  the  winds  from  this  quarter 
blow  with  much  force,  a  heavy  sea  reaches  all  the  anchorages.  The 
gulf  is  7  miles  deep,  and  the  shores  which  are  sinuous  fall  back  to 
the  Bay  of  Liscia  at  its  head.  Several  rivers  flow  into  the  gulf, 
the  principal  being  the  Sagone  and  the  Liamone. 

Lava  Bay. — From  Cape  Feno  a  cliffy  coast  trends  eastward  to 
Pietra  Rossa  Point,  distant  1^  miles;  thence  short  sandy  beaches 
trend  round  north  and  west  to  Pelusetta  Point,  3^  miles  from  the 
cape;  a  rock  1  foot  high  lies  300  yards  from  the  point.  The  inden- 
tation between  the  two  extremities  is  named  Lava  Bay.  About  700 
yards  from  the  land  is  the  small  islet  of  Piombata  surrounded  by 
rocks;  between  it  and  the  coast  there  are  from  3|  to  5 J  fathoms 
water.  Figiera  Islet,  also  surrounded  with  rocks  and  banks,  lies 
just  eastward  of  Pietra  Rossa  Point. 

Port  Provencale,  in  the  northeast  comer  of  the  bay,  where  there 
is  a  sandy  beach  i  mile  in  length  north  and  south,  has  off  it  anchor- 
age with  land  winds  in  from  6  to  10  fathoms,  sand  and  mud,  400 
yards  from  the  shore;  the  Lava  River  here  runs  into  the  sea. 


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362  CORSICA  ISLAND  AND  THE  TUSCAN   ARCHIPELAGO. 

Iiiscia  Bay. — Parragiola  Point  and  islet  lie  about  i  mile  to  the 
north-northwestward  of  Pelusetta  Point,  the  coast  between  being 
high  and  cliffy.  From  this  point  the  rugged  shore,  which  is  fringed 
with  rocks,  trends  to  the  northeastward  to  Castellaccio  Point,  distant 
1^  miles.  At  2.6  miles  farther  on  is  Palmentojo  Point,  with  large 
rocks  projecting  from  it  400  yards  and  shoal  water  600  yards  to  the 
westward ;  1.3  miles  northward  of  it  is  Locco  Point,  the  extremity  of 
an  islet  nearly  connected  to  the  shore  and  also  surrounded  by  rocks. 
These  two  latter  points  have  towers  on  them  and  form  the  entrance 
to  Liscia  Bay,  which  is  somewhat  more  than  1  mile  deep,  open  to 
westward,  and  its  shores  strewed  with  rocks. 

Paliagl  Beef. — This  dangerous  reef,  700  yards  in  extent,  lies  700 
yards  from  the  shore  between  Castellaccio  and  Palmentojo  Points; 
between  it  and  the  shore  is  a  depth  of  12  fathoms.  The  shallowest 
part  qf  the  reef,  where  there  is  3  feet  water,  lies  265°  from  Palmen- 
tojo Tower  and  northeastward  of  Castellaccio  Point. 

St.  Joseph  Point. — At  li  miles  northward  of  Locca  Point  is  St. 
Joseph  Point,  projecting  to  the  southwestward,  and  terminating  in 
an  islet.  The  shore  between  the  two  points  is  a  clean  beach,  and 
midway  between  them  the  Liamone  River,  which  can  be  entered  by 
boats,  flows  into  the  sea. 

St.  Joseph  Beef,  about  ^  mile  237°  from  St.  Joseph  Point,  is  a 
rock  about  3  feet  above  water,  surrounded  by  others  with  more  or 
less  water  on  them,  the  whole  extending  about  800  yards  in  a  north- 
east and  southwest  direction;  in  bad  weather  the  sea  breaks  on  it. 
There  are  6^  fathoms  water  between  the  reef  and  the  point. 

Anchorage. — There  is  anchorage  with  winds  from  northwest 
around  by  north  to  southeast,  southward  of  the  Liamone  River,  400 
or  600  yards  from  the  shore.  Small  vessels  may  pass  midway  be- 
tween the  reef  and  the  rocks  oflf  St.  Joseph  Point. 

Sagone  Bay. — Nearly  IJ  miles  321°  from  St.  Joseph  Point  is  a 
small  fort  or  battery  on  a  rocky  point;  the  shore  between  forms 
Sagone  Bay  with  a  beach,  through  which  the  river  of  the  same  name 
enters  the  sea. 

A  pier  has  been  constructed  at  Sagone,  on  which  and  in  the  rocks 
to  the  westward  are  bollards  for  convenience  in  mooring  small  vessels, 
in  fine  weather. 

Anchorage. — Between  the  battery  and  mouth  of  the  river  is  a 
tower  on  the  cliflfs,  and  about  400  yards  125''  from  the  tower  tempo- 
rary anchorage  may  be  had  in  8  or  9  fathoms,  sand  and  weeds ;  small 
vessels  moor  farther  in,  with  anchors  seaward  and  sterns  secured  to 
the  shore.  With  strong  northeasterly  winds  heavy  squalls  are  ex- 
perienced from  the  high  land,  and  the  whole  bay  is  exposed  to  the 
full  force  of  the  southwest  winds  and  sea. 


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COBSICA  ISLAND  AND  THE  TUSCAN   ABCHIPELAGO.  363 

Directions. — Vessels  bound  to  Sagone  Anchorage  should  give  a 
sufficient  berth  to  St.  Joseph  Reef;  pass  more  than  f  mile  from 
Puntiglione  Point  and  i  mile  from  the  battery. 

Life-saving  stations. — There  is  life-saving  apparatus  at  Sagone 
and  Cargese. 

Puntiglione  Beef. — From  the  battery  the  shore  trends  about  1 
mile  in  a  254°  direction  to  Puntiglione  Point,  which  is  riigged,  rocky, 
and  overlooked  by  high  land.  From  it  a  reef  extends  about  1,400 
yards  in  a  southwest  direction,  with  5^  fathoms  on  its  extremity;  the 
sea  breaks  on  it  with  on-shore  winds. 

Cargese  Point. — From  Puntiglione  Point  the  coast  is  rugged,  in 
places  fringed  with  rock,  sinuous  and  trends  to  the  northwest  as  far 
as  Cargese  Point.  The  point  is  steep,  rather  low,  and  has  a  tower 
on  it;  behind  it  at  the  base  of  some  hills  is  the  town  of  the  same  name. 
A  rock  awash  lies  a  short  distance  from  the  point. 

Marifaja  Bock. — About  i  mile  offshore  is  Marifaja  Rock,  about 
4  feet  high,  with  shallow  ^^ter  on  its  eastern  side.  It  lies  1.8  miles 
119°  from  Cargese  Point  and  293°  from  Puntiglione  Point;  between 
the  rock  and  the  coast  there  are  depths  of  from  7  to  15  fathoms. 

Pero  Bay. — About  1^  miles  316°  from  Cargese  Point  is  Omignia 
"Point,  the  termination  of  a  tongue  of  steep  land  IJ  miles  in  length 
projecting  to  the  south  westward ;  a  tower  stands  on  the  point.  The 
coast  between  forms  Pero  Bay,  with  a  small  sandy  beach  at  its  head, 
and  the  river  of  the  same  name  runs  into  it.  It  is  exposed  to  the 
southwest,  and  at  the  foot  of  the  point  there  are  some  rocks. 

Chioni  Bay. — On  the  northern  side  of  Omignia  Point  is  Chioni 
Bay,  1^  miles  deep  and  about  IJ  miles  wide  at  the  entrance,  narrow- 
ing to  ^  mile  at  the  head,  where  there  is  a  sandy  beach ;  the  river  of 
the  same  name  nms  into  it.  About  |  mile  eastward  of  Orchino  Point, 
the  northern  point  of  the  bay,  is  a  round  hill  with  a  tower  on  it.  A 
short  distance  inland  from  the  head  of  the  bay  is  the  village  of  Lozzi, 
and  another  named  Malzone  1  mile  northward  of  it.  A  round  islet 
surrounded  by  rocks  lies  a  short  distance  from  the  cliffs  of  Orchino 
l^oint. 

Cape  BossOy  a  rocky  precipitous  bluff  1,122  feet  high,  takes  its 
name  from  the  red  color  of  its  cliffs;  the  land  forming  it  is  a  high, 
broken,  and  nearly  isolated  mass,  with  a  tower  on  its  summit.  Two 
islets  of  a  reddish  color  lie  at  the  foot  of  the  cape  and  another,  called 
Black  Rock,  close  to  the  land  about  ^  mile  to  the  southeastward. 
The  coast  between  Orchino  and  Rosso  Points  forms  several  bays 
and  coves  which  are  useful  to  fishing  boats.  The  Sologna  River 
disembogues  in  Arone  Bay,  midway  between  the  two  points;  from 
Tuselli  Point,  which  projects  f  mile  to  the  westward,  a  reef  extends 
400  yards  in  the  same  direction. 


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364  CORSICA  ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN  ARCHIPELAGO. 

Gulf  of  Porto. — ^At  5|  miles  Q"^  from  Cape  Rosso  is  Bossa  Point, 
forming  the  northern  extremity  of  the  entrance  to  Porto  Gulf,  which 
is  6^  miles  deep.  The  gulf  is  open  to  the  westward,  and  there  are 
no  anchorages.  The  south  coast  is  cliffy  and  runs  nearly  straight 
in  an  easterly  direction  to  a  small  sandy  beach  at  the  head  of  the 
gulf,  where  the  Porto  River  enters  the  sea;  the  towns  of  Vistale 
and  Plana  are  to  be  seen  on  the  southern  side  of  the  gulf.  From  the 
mouth  of  the  river  the  coast  is  irregular  and  trends  to  the  north- 
ward and  northwestward  to  Cape  Cenino,  distant  5  miles;  the  mount 
of  this  name  is  immediately  over  the  cape,  and  the  land  has  a  red 
appearance.  The  water  in  the  gulf  is  exceedingly  deep;  several 
jocks  above  water  lie  a  short  distance  from  the  southern  shore ;  one 
with  18  feet  water  on  it  lies  400  yards  northward  of  Vardiola  Point 
and  If  miles  from  Cape  Rosso,  and  one  with  6  feet  water  on  it  lies 
400  yards  westward  of  Plana  Point. 

Castagna  Cove. — Small  vessels  during  the  summer  can  obtain 
sheltered  anchorage  in  depths  of  from  9  to  14  fathoms;  good  hold- 
ing ground,  in  this  cove,  situated  about  f  mile  westward  of  Porto. 

There  is  room  for  three  small  vessels  with  their  stems  secured  to 
bollards  on  the  rocks. 

During  easterly  winds  similar  accommodation  can  be  found  on 
the  western  side  of  Capicciolo  Point. 

Landing  at  Porto  is  difficult  when  there  is  a  swell. 

Life-saving  station. — ^There  is  a  life-saving  apparatus  at  Plana. 

Girolata  Gulf  ^  between  Cape  Cenino  and  Rossa  Point,  is  If  miles 
wide  at  the  entrance  and  2  miles  deep ;  it  is  surrounded  by  elevated 
land ;  there  are  upward  of  100  fathoms  Avater  in  the  center  and  from 
15  to  20  fathoms  100  yards  from  the  coast. 

The  shore  from  Cape  Cenino  trends  northeastward,  and  is  steep 
rocky  cliffs  as  far  as  the  north  foot  of  Mont  Castellaccio,  1,089  feet 
high,  where  it  turns  northward  with  more  accessible  slopes.  There 
is  a  little  beach  in  Anse  de  Trara  (Tuara),  where  landing  can  be 
effected  in  fine  weather,  and  the  track  between  Osani  and  Girolata 
reached. 

Port  Girolata,  in  the  middle  of  the  head  of  the  gulf,  is  eastward 
of  a  small  peninsula  projecting  from  the  northern  side  of  a  little 
bight;  on  the  peninsula  is  a  gray  fort,  within  which  is  an  old  tower 
and  some  houses.  The  port,  which  is  about  200  yards  in  length,  is 
only  accessible  to  boats,  for  the  bottom  is  strewn  with  large  stones 
thrown  overboard  from  vessels  after  serving  as  ballast. 

There  is  anchorage  in  about  10  fathoms  200  yards  southward  of 
the  fort,  but  it  is  open  to  the  westward. 

The  shore  between  Girolata  and  Point  Rossa  is  rocky,  and  the 
few  small  beaches  are  at  the  base  of  cliffs,  and  do  not  afford  landing. 


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COBSICA  ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN  ARCHIPELAGO.  365 

The  cjliffs  from  about  1  mile  northwestward  of  Girolata  to  Point 
Bossa  are  dark  red  granite,  and  from  650  to  980  feet  high. 

Caution.r— When  navigating  in  Gulf  of  Porto  or  that  of  Girolata, 
pay  attention  to  the  weather  so  as  not  to  be  caught  by  westerly 
winds,  which  are  indicated,  a  little  in  advance  of  their  arrival,  by 
flaky  clouds  appearing  on  Cape  Kosso  toward  the  evening  or  morn- 
ing on  the  opposite  side  of  the  cape  to  the  direction  the  wind  will 
come  from ;  that  is,  northeast,  east,  or  southeast  of  the  cape,  according 
as  the  wind  will  come  from  southwest,  west,  or  northwest.  When 
Luccio  forest,  on  the  ridge  to  the  northeastward  of  Girolata,  is 
covered  by  white  clouds,  westerly  winds  may  be  expected.  The  set- 
ting in  of  a  swell  is  also  an  indication,  but  generally  it  precedes 
the  wind  by  a  very  short  time. 

Bossa  Point  is  a  high  red  cliff,  projects  to  the  southwestward, 
and  is  the  termination  of  very  high  land.  Two  sunken  rocks  and 
others  above  water  lie  about  150  yards  from  the  foot  of  the  point. 

Gar^alo  Island,  2  miles  northward  of  Rossa  Point,  is  nearly  i 
mile  in  extent,  417  feet  high,  rugged  and  black  colored ;  on  its  sum- 
mit is  a  tower.  It  is  only  separated  from  the  coast  by  a  channel 
about  50  yards  wide,  in  which  are  scattered  rocks;  at  its  southern 
end  is  an  islet  and  close  to  its  northern  end  is  a  remarkable  high  red 
rock;  it  is  steep-to. 

Palazzo  Point. — At  about  1,400  yards  to  the  northeastward  of 
Gargalo  Island  is  Palazzo  Point,  projecting  to  the  northward,  and 
having  close  to  its  foot  two  islets. 

Focolara  Bay.— Three  miles  62°  from  Palazzo  Point  is  Validori 
Point,  with  high  land  above  it.  The  intermediate  coast  forms  sev- 
i^ral  bays;  the  largest,  Focolara,  is  open  to  the  northward  and  west- 
ward. There  are  several  small  islets  and  rocks  along  the  shore;  the 
largest  and  outermost,  named  Pori,  is  400  yards  304°  from  Scandola 
Point  and  midway  between  Palazzo  and  Validori  Points. 

Scoglietti  Bocks  are  a  group  of  rocks  about  600  yards  from  the 
coast;  small  vessels  can  pass  between  them  and  the  shore.  A  short 
distance  338°  from  these  rocks  is  a  rocky  bank  with  5  fathoms  water 
on  it;  between  the  two  there  are  14  fathoms. 

Gulf  of  Qaleria. — ^Three-fourths  of  a  mile  eastward  of  the  Scog- 
lietti Rocks  is  Stollo  Point,  the  coast  between  being  fringed  with 
rocks.  The  Gulf  of  Galeria,  formed  between  the  latter  point  and 
Ciuttone  Point,  is  1.3  miles  deep  and  at  its  head  is  a  sandy  beach; 
Fango  River  runs  into  it,  and  on  the  southern  side  of  its  mouth  is 
Galeria  Tower.  About  llj  miles  southward  of  the  tower,  at  the 
entrance  of  the  river,  is  the  elevated  peak  of  Mount  Tondo.  In  the 
southern  corner  of  the  gulf  is  a  bay  with  a  sandy  beach,  where  small 
coasting  vessels  anchor  in  from  14  to  17  feet  water,  to  load  with 


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366  CORSICA  ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN   ABCHIPELAGO. 

charcoal.  The  western  shore  of  this  bay  is  composed  of  cliffs,  which 
extend  250"^  yards  to  the  northeastward  of  Fontana  Point  and  then 
turn  to  the  westward  as  far  as  Stollo  Point;  they  are  skirted  with 
rocks. 

Danger  BrOck. — A  rocky  bank,  with  6  feet  water  on  it,  lies  at  the 
entrance  of  the  bay,  500  yards  from  the  southern  shore  and  77° 
300  yards  from  Fontana  Point. 

Anchorage. — Large  vessels  in  fine  weather,  or  with  offshore 
winds,  may  anchor  about  700  yards  to  the  northwestward  of  the 
tower,  in  from  18  to  12  fathoms,  sand  and  mud ;  they  are,  however, 
exposed  to  westerly  winds. 

Ciuttone  Point  is  rounded  and  the  termination  of  a  si>ur  project- 
ing about  4  mile  into  the  sea  from  the  elevated  land  behind  it,  sepa- 
rating the  Gulf  of  Galeria  from  Crovani  Bay. 

Cape  Morsetta  is  a  mass  of  high  steep  rock,  with  an  islet  on  its 
western  face  and  another  at  its  southern  extremity,  both  close-to. 
From  Ciuttone  Point,  the  intermediate  land  forms  Crovani  Bay, 
which  is  more  than  1  mile  deep,  with  a  clear  sandy  beach  nt  its  head, 
where  a  small  river  enters  the  sea.  There  is  anchorage  here  for 
coasting  vessels  with  offshore  winds,  in  8  to  10  fathoms.  On  the 
slope  of  the  hill  behind  the  village  of  I'ArgenteUe  are  lead  mines  and 
smelting  works. 

Cape  Cavalo,  about  2.6  miles  23°  from  Cape  Morsetta,  has  a 
semaphore  signal  station  on  it,  at  which  the  International  Code  is 
used ;  the  intervening  coast  is  high,  rugged,  and  steep-to,  and  nearly 
midway,  on  the  tableland  which  it  forms,  is  the  tower  of  Truccia. 

Nichiareto  Bay. — From  Cape  Cavalo  the  coast  trends  eastward 
2i  miles  to  the  northern  point  of  the  small  bay  of  Nichiareto,  when 
it  assumes  a  northerly  direction,  forming  several  points  and  bays,  to 
Bianca  Point,  distant  nearly  4  miles  29°  from  the  cape.  There  is  a 
small  beach  in  Nichiareto  Bay,  but  the  rest  of  the  coast  is  irregular 
and  rocky,  with  islets  or  rocks  here  and  there  near  the  shore.  A 
rocky  shoal  of  4  fathoms  water  lies  600  yards  from  the  shore,  1^ 
miles  54'^  from  Cape  Cavalo. 

Sevellata  Point. — From  Bianca  Point  the  coast,  with  a  slight 
indentation  trends  to  the  northeastward  to  Revellata  Point.  This 
latter  point,  which  is  high  and  projects  to  the  northward,  has  an  islet 
close  to  it  and  forms  the  western  extremity  of  the  Gulf  of  Calvi. 

Light. — From  a  square  tower  52  feet  in  height,  with  a  basement, 
on  the  extremity  of  Eevellata  Point,  is  exhibited,  at  an  elevation  of 
289  feet,  a  group  flashing  white  liglit.  It  is  visible  24  miles,  except 
when  obscured  by  the  land.     (See  Light  List.) 

Life-saving  station. — There  is  a  life-saving  apparatus  at  Revel- 
lata Lighthouse. 


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COBSIOA  ISLAND  AND  THE  TUSCAN   ARCHIPELAGO.  367 

Oulf  of  Calvi. — At  3^  miles  76°  from  Revellata  Point  is  Espano 
Point.  The  intermediate  coast  forms  a  bay  extending  2^  miles  to 
the  southeastward,  with  an  extensive  beach  at  its  head.  It  is  divided 
by  the  steep  point  of  San  Francesco  and  the  town  of  Calvi  into  two 
parts,  that  to  the  westward  being  known  as  Revellata  Bay,  and  the 
whole  as  the  Gulf  of  Calvi.  It  is  surrounded  by  elevated  land, 
Mount  Grosso,  8  miles  southeastward  of  the  town,  being  seen  in  clear 
weather  from  a  distance  of  75  miles.  Revellata  Bay  is  clear  of  dan- 
ger and  affords  shelter  against  winds  from  north-northwest  round 
by  south  to  east-southeast.  There  are  from  8  to  10  fathoms,  sand  and 
weeds,  about  \  mile  from  the  head  of  the  bay.  There  is  a  natural 
landing  place  in  the  bight  on  the  southern  side  of  Pointe  Osselhicia 
(Oscellucia.) 

A  rocky  point  projects  eastward  from  the  coastline  about  400 
yards  southeastward  of  Pointe  San  Francesco,  and  on  it  is  the  cita- 
del ;  it  is  covered  with  fig  trees.  Pointe  San  Francesco  is  surmoimted 
by  a  remarkable  escarpment.  Immediately  southward  of  the  town  a 
sand  beach  conmiences  and  extends  round  the  head  of  the  gulf  to  the 
mouth  of  Fiume  Secco,  when  it  becomes  rocky  and  a  little  broken  to 
Pointe  Caldano.  The  land  within  the  beach  is  low  and  marshy,  and 
the  5-fathom  curve  is  about  600  yards  from  the  beach.  It  is  sur- 
rounded by  high  land,  Mont  Grosso,  7  miles  to  the  southeastward, 
being  6,368  feet  high. 

Port. — The  quay  of  the  port  is  in  front  of  the  low  town,  and  large 
stone  steps  facilitate  landing.  A  jetty,  228  feet  long,  extends  south- 
eastward from  the  citadel,  and  affords  slielter  to  boats. 

Buoys. — Two  mooring  buoys  have  been  placed  in  the  port  for  the 
use  of  the  mail  steamers. 

Calvi. — There  are  two  towns  at  Calvi — the  high  town  inclosed 
within  the  walls  of  the  citadel  contains  most  of  the  Government 
buildings,  which  are  now  falling  into  ruins,  and  the  low  town,  to  the 
southward,  which  is  progressing  slowly.  Each  has  its  church.  The 
spire  of  the  low  town  church  is  slender,  and  the  belfry  of  the  high 
town  church  is  a  square  tower,  which  rises  near  the  dome  at  the 
summit  of  the  citadel.    The  population  is  about  2,000. 

Supplies. — Provisions  can  be  obtained.  Water  can  be  procured 
from  two  pipes,  one  in  the  middle  and  the  other  at  the  end  of  the 
jetty,  on  application  to  the  harbor  master. 

Communication. — A  railroad  extends  from  Calvi  to  He  Kousse, 
and  thence  via  Ponte  Leccia,  where  it  connects  with  the  line  to 
Ajaccio  and  Casamozza,  to  Basia  and  Ghioiiaccia. 

Life-saving  station. — There  is  a  life-saving  apparatus  at  Calvi. 

Anchorage. — The  anchorage  is  southeastward  of  the  citadel  in 
7  or  8  fathoms,  sand  and  weeds,  good  holding  ground.  Small 
vessels  anchor  farther  in  and  secure  to  the  shore. 


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368  CORSICA  ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN  ARCHIPELAGO. 

A  rocky  bank,  on  which  is  a  depth  of  8  fathoms,  lies  just  eastward 
of  the  anchorage,  600  yards  from  the  cliffs  of  the  town,  which  vessels 
should  avoid  when  anchoring. 

Lights. — From  a  yellow  iron  shed  situated  at  the  foot  of  the 
citadel  of  Calvi,  at  an  elevation  of  97  feet  above  the  sea,  a  fixed  white 
light  is  exhibited,  visible  8  miles. 

From  a  green  metal  post  at  the  pierhead,  at  an  elevation  of  33 
feet  above  the  sea,  is  exhibited  a  fixed  green  light,  visible  4  miles. 
(Unwatched.)     (See  Light  List.) 

Caldano  Point. — About  1|  miles  63°  from  Calvi  Light  is  Cal- 
dnno  Point,  with  a  tower  on  it,  surrounded  with  rocks  which  extend 
off  nearly  300  yards;  the  bay  between  is  about  1  mile  in  depth  with 
several  streams  falling  into  it.  To  the  southward  of  the  point,  and 
at  the  termination  of  Calvi  Beach,  is  Pietra  Mala,  a  round  islet  or 
rock,  close  to  the  shore.  Between  Calvi  and  Caldano  Point  are 
depths  of  from  18  to  23  fathoms,  sand  and  weeds. 

Espano  Point. — The  northeastern  extremity  of  the  Gulf  of  Calvi 
is  low,  projects  to  the  west,  and  has  a  fortified  tower  on  its  north 
part.  An  islet  lies  300  yards  from  the  point,  with  other  small  islets 
or  rocks  around  it;  they  are  steep-to  but  should  not  be  approached 
too  closely. 

Algajola  Bay. — From  Espano  Point  the  coast  trends  eastward, 
backed  by  elevated  land,  to  St.  Damiano  Point,  distant  2^  miles;  be- 
tween is  a  bay  extending  southward,  but  of  no  use  to  the  navigator. 

Point  Sant'  Ambrogio  is  about  1  mile  eastward  of  Espano  Point, 
and  midway  between,  a  little  inland,  are  two  large  rocks,  which  re- 
semble an  elephant  in  shape. 

On  the  eastern  side  of  St.  Damiano  Point  ib  the  cove  of  the  same 
name ;  partially  sheltered  from  northerly  winds  by  a  jetty,  used  by 
coasting  vessels  with  offshore  winds;  and  on  the  shore  about  ^  mile 
to  the  east-southeastward  of  the  point  is  the  town  of  Algajola  with 
a  clean  sandy  beach  extending  about  1  mile  beyond  it.  The  anchor- 
age off  the  town  is  exposed  to  northerly  winds  and  is  only  used  by 
coasting  vessels  in  fine  weather.  An  islet,  6  feet  high,  with  a  rock 
awash  outside  it,  lies  about  400  yards  from  the  coast  between  St. 
Damiano  Point  and  Algajola. 

Algajola  Bocks. — At  1.4  miles  316°  from  the  town  of  Algajola 
is  the  center  of  dangerous  rocky  patches  of  the  same  name,  about 
500  yards  long,  north  and  south,  and  500  yards  wide,  with  only  1 
foot  water  on  the  shallowest  part;  there  are  from  6  to  8  fathoms 
around  them.  The  center  lies  about  5 J  miles  65°  from  Revellata 
Lighthouse  and  1  mile  327°  from  St.  Damiano  Point  Between  these 
patches  and  the  latter  point  there  are  from  14  to  18  fathoms  water. 
To  pass  westward  of  them  keep  the  town  of  Calvi  open  westward  of 


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COESICA  ISLAND  ANP  THE   TUSCAN   AKCHIPELAGO.  369 

the  Espano  Islets.  To  pass  between  them  and  the  land  bring  Eevel- 
lata  Lighthouse  just  open  of  Espano  Islets. 

Beacon. — An  iron  beacon  15  feet  above  the  sea,  painted  with  red 
and  black  horizontal  bands  alternately,  and  surmounted  by  a  ball, 
has  been  erected  near  the  center  of  Algajola  Eocks,  but  is  said  to  be 
difficult  to  distinguish. 

Vallitone  Point. — Nearly  li  miles  40^  from  Algajola  is  Valli- 
tone  Point,  rugged  and  surrounded  with  rocks,  which  extend  200 
yards  northward ;  the  intervening  coasts  form  three  small  bays  with 
beaches.  - 

Durance  Bock. — This  danger  (on  which  the  Fraissinet  Co.'s 
steamer  Durance  was  wrecked  in  February  1880)  has  3  feet  water 
over  it  and  lies  with  the  western  extremity  of  Vallitone  Point  bear- 
ing 216°,  distant  400  yards.  Arock^ith  one  foot  over  it  lies  100 
yards  216°  from  Durance  Rock. 

He  Brousse. — At  2^  miles  eastward  of  Vallitone  Point  are  the 
Kousse  Islets,  one  of  which  is  large  and  the  remaining  three  small, 
with  several  rocks  around  them.  On  the  eastern  end  of  the  largest 
islet  (Pietra),  which  is  700  yards  long  in  a  northwest  and  southeast 
direction,  there  is  a  tower  and  a  battery. 

Pietra  is  connected  by  a  jetty  with  the  other  islet  (Sicota)  and  a 
stone  bridge  connects  the  latter  with  the  mainland,  forming  a  small 
port  which  affords  shelter  from  westerly  winds. 

A  high  mole  also  extends  200  yards  130°  from  the  southeastern  end 
of  Pietra. 

Buoys. — A  ^mooring  buoy  lies  about  150  yards  southeastward  of 
the  high  mole;  it  is  used  for  maneuvering  the  mail  steamers,  and 
affords  no  security  for  mooring.  There  are  two  mooring  buoys  in 
the  port. 

Slipway. — A  small  slipway  is  situated  on  the  southwestern  side 
of  Sicota  Island  and  forms  a  good  boat  landing  with  offshore  winds. 

BrOUSse  Bock,  about  250  yards  40''  from  the  smallest  and  outer 
islet,  has  3J  fathoms  of  water  on  it.  Mount  Orcica,  just  over  the  end 
of  the  mole  167°,  leads  clear  to  the  eastward. 

Naso  Bank,  with  8  fathoms  of  water  on  it  and  13  and  19  fath- 
oms round  it,  lies  1,200  yards  74°  from  the  same  islet. 

The  town  of  lie  Bousse  is  situated  on  a  tongue  of  land  400 
yards  eastward  of  the  bridge  connecting  the  mainland  to  the  islands 
and  is  a  place  of  some  commercial  importance.  The  country  around 
is  rich  in  various  fruits,  an  export  trade  of  which,  and  oil  and  pine 
wood,  is  carried  on  with  Marseille  and  neighboring  ports.  A  short 
mole  projects  to  the  eastward,  northward  of  the  town,  and  there 
is  a  battery  on  the  shore  a  little  beyond;  on  both  sides  of  the  town 
is  a  sandy  beach.    Population  is  about  1,900. 

68850—17 24 


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370  OOBSIOA  ISIAKD  AND  THB  TUSCAN  ABOHIPELAGO. 

Communication. — The  town  is  on  the  railroad  between  Calvi, 
and  Ponte  Leccia,  the  junction  with  the  lines  to  Bastia,  Ghisonnaccia, 
and  Ajaccio.  There  is  railroad  communication  to  Bastia  and  Calvi 
nnd  steamers  call  here  between  Marseille  and  Bastia. 

There  is  a  fortnightly  service  with  Marseille,  Nice,  and  Toulon. 
There  is  also  telegraphic  communication. 

Lights. — On  the  summit  of  the  largest  of  the  Rousse  group 
(Pietra)  is  a  square  turret  on  building  which  exhibits,  at  180  feet 
above  the  sea,  a  group  occulting  light,  with  red  sector.  It  is  visible 
19  miles  for  the  white  and  15  miles  for  the  red.  It  shows  red  over 
the  shoal  northward  of  Point  Vallitone  and  Algajola  Rocks  and  white 
in  other  directions.     (For  limits  of  sector  see  Light  List  and  chart.) 

A  fixed  green  light  is  shown  from  a  masonry  turret  15  feet  in 
height  on  the  mole  head  northward  of  the  town  of  He  Rousse ;  it  is 
visible  10  miles. 

Semaphore. — There  is  a  semaphore  signal  station  497  feet  above 
the  sea,  on  an  isolated  hillock  f  mile  212^,  from  the  lighthouse; 
communication  can  be  made  by  the  International  Code. 

Anchorage. — The  mail  steamers  berth  alongside  the  mole,  the 
outer  part  of  which  is  resened  for  them.  Other  vessels  anchor 
southward  of  the  mole,  and  haul  their  stems  to  about  30  feet  from 
it,  lying  head  to  the  south-southwestward.  The  port  is  reserved  for 
vessels  of  moderate  size,  and  large  vessels  anchor,  in  about  11  fathoms 
water,  about  400  yards  eastward  of  the  mole  lighthouse,  but  must 
leave  should  northerly  or  northeasterly  winds  set  in. 

The  Rousse  Islets,  in  conjunction  with  the  coast,  affords  excellent 
shelter  for  all  classes  of  vessels  with  winds  from  northwest  around 
by  south  to  southeast.  The  anchorage  is  in  about  8  fathoms  (sand 
and  mud),  halfway  between  the  eastern  point  of  the  islands  and  the 
town.  This  anchorage  should,  however,  be  abandoned  in  the  event 
of  northerly  or  northeasterly  winds. 

Life-saving  station. — ^There  is  a  life-saving  apparatus  at  He 
Rousse  customhouse. 

Supplies  can  readily  be  obtained.  Water  can  be  procured  from 
a  fountain  on  the  shore  near  the  inner  end  of  the  high  mole,  or 
better  from  a  pipe  on  the  small  mole  near  the  north  end  of  the  town. 

Coal. — There  is  a  Government  stock  of  400  tons  of  patent  fuel,  but 
no  coal  for  sale. 

The  coast. — From  the  town  of  He  Rousse  the  coast  trends  east- 
ward and  gradually  around  to  north  as  far  as  Alciolo  Point;  it  is 
low,  backed  by  elevated  lands,  and  forms  a  bend  to  the  southeast- 
ward, with  one  or  two  small  sandy  bays.  Two  rivers  enter  the  sea. 
the  Regino,  3^  miles  from  He  Rousse,  and  the  Ostriconi,  2  miles 
southward  of  the  point.    The  Ostriconi  disembogues  in  the  bay  of 


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CORSICA  ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN   ARCHIPELAGO..  371 

the  same  name,  called  also  Marina  de  Porajola,  on  one  side  of  which 
there  is  a  remarkable  white  patch,  while  on  the  southwest  is  the 
Cime  al  Area,  a  long,  green  mount  of  some  elevation.  Alciolo  Point 
is  low,  rocky,  and  projects  to  the  north-northwestward,  and  ti  short 
distance  inshore  is  Mount  Orlando,  with  three  small  elevations. 

To  the  northeastward  of  Alciolo  Point  the  coast  is  higher  and 
rugged,  backed  by  high,  mountainous  land,  on  the  slopes  of  which 
are  numerous  towns  and  villages. 

From  Alciolo  Point  the  coast  curves  slightly  outward  to  the  north- 
eastward to  Mignale  Point,  a  distance  of  5|  miles,  thence  it  trends 
eastward  and  southeastward  4  miles  to  Mortella  Point.  This  part 
of  the  coast  is  irregular  and  rugged,  with  several  points;  the  most 
projecting  are  named  Solche,  Mignale,  and  PeraUo.  It  is  fringed 
here  and  there  with  rocks  at  a  short  distance  from  the  shore;  the 
Lenti  River  flows  into  the  sandy  bay  westward  of  Perallo  Point, 
and  eastward  of  it,  fronted  by  a  similar  beach,  is  Lake  Loto.  Port 
Malfalco,  3J  miles  from  Alciolo  Point,  is  a  small  inlet,  extending 
about  450  yards  southward,  having  from  12  to  7  feet  water,  and 
affording  shelter  to  coasting  vessels  with  offshore  winds.  There  is 
also  anchorage,  with  southerly  winds,  off  the  beach  of  Padulella, 
westward  of  Perallo  Point,  called  also  Marina  de  Fecajo. 

Mortella  Point  is  low,  rugged,  and  surrounded  by  rocks,  and 
forms  the  western  point  of  entrance  to  the  Gulf  of  St.  Florent ;  about 
350  yards  southward  of  it  on  a  projecting  point  is  a  tower  in  ruins. 

Light. — From  a  white  masonry  turret  on  main  building  44  feet 
high,  situated  on  Mortella  Point  is  exhibited  at  an  elevation  of  140 
feet  above  the  sea,  an  occulting  white  light,  visible  16  miles.  (See 
Light  List.) 

Signal  station. — There  is  a  semaphore  67  feet  high  and  262  feet 
above  high  water  on  Mortella  Point,  where  the  International  Code 
is  used.    Closed  until  further  notice  (1914.) 

Anchorage. — About  700  yards  southward  of  the  tower,  and  about 
J  mile  from  the  shore,  is  the  anchorage  of  Mortella,  which  affords 
excellent  shelter  from  southwest  winds,  in  from  9  to  11  fathoms,  mud 
and  weed. 

Life-saving  station. — ^There  is  a  life-saving  apparatus  at  Mor- 
tella Point  Lighthouse. 

Gxilf  of  St.  Florent,  the  entrance  to  which  is  3  miles  broad 
between  Mortella  Point  and  the  point  and  tower  of  Vecchiaja,  is  2^ 
miles  deep.  The  head  of  the  gulf  and  part  of  the  eastern  shore  is 
sandy,  and  several  streams  enter  the  gulf  on  both  sides;  the  largest, 
named  Nebi,  passing  through  the  sandy  beach  at  the  head. 

Fomali  Cove,  a  small  inlet  convenient  for  fishing  boats,  lies  3  miles 
southward  of  Mortella  Point;  over  its  southern  point  is  a  tower.    A 


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372  .  CORSICA  ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN  ABCHIPELAGO. 

rock  awash  lies  in  the  middle,  and  the  depth  of  water  diminishes 
rapidly  to  the  head  of  the  port,  250  yards  to  the  southwestward, 
where  a  small  stream  disembogues.  Between  this  cove  and  Mortella 
Point  is  another  point  projecting  to  the  northeastward,  with  a  bat- 
tery on  it  and  surromided  with  rocks. 

St.  Florent  Anchorage. — Small  vessels  anchor  in  from  3  to  3^ 
fathoms  about  200  yards  southward  of  La  Tegnosa  Beacon,  but  the 
holding  ground  is  bad,  and  the  sea  heavy  with  northerly  winds.  In 
approaching  this  anchorage  pass  westward  of  La  Tegnosa. 

Pilotage. — There  is  a  pilot  station  at  St.  Florent;  its  northern 
limits  are  Pointe  Perallo  and  Plage  de  Xegro. 

Sailing  merchant  vessels  pay  on  entry  and  departure.  There  are 
special  rates  for  naval  vessels. 

Town. — The  town  of  St.  Florent  is  situated  on  a  point  1  mile 
east-southeastward  of  Pointe  de  Fornali,  and  immediately  north- 
ward of  the  mouth  of  L'Aliso. 

The  citadel,  on  a  little  hill  northeastward  of  the  town,  is  sur- 
roimded  by  bastions. 

There  is  a  quay  on  the  southwest  side  of  the  town  and  two  small 
moles  extend  about  20  yards  off  it;  one  senes  as  a  breakwater,  and 
boats  go  alongside  the  other. 

Supplies. — Usually  provisions  are  not  abundant,  but  they  could 
be  obtained  if  notice  was  given  in  advance.  Water  can  be  procured 
at  the  town  quays. 

Communication. — There  are  roads  to  lie  Rousse,  Nonza,  and 
Bastia ;  there  is  telegraphic  communication. 

Lifeboat. — There  is  a  lifeboat  and  life-saving  apparatus  at  St. 
Florent  customhouse. 

Telegraph  cable  beacons. — A  submarine  cable  is  landed  at  the 
head  of  this  gulf  in  a  position  marked  by  two  beacons,  painted 
white  and  blue  in  horizontal  bands,  surmounted  by  white  circular 
topmarks. 

These  beacons,  when  in  range  bearing  191°,  lead  close  westward  of 
the  line  of  cable. 

Beacon — Tegnosa  BrOck,  with  a  rock  awash,  lies  westward  of  the 
town,  and  is  marked  by  a  black  beacon  tower,  17  feet  high,  sur- 
mounted by  a  cylinder.    The  head  of  the  gulf  is  shallow. 

The  anchorage. — Large  vessels  anchor  in  from  7^  to  9  fathoms, 
weed,  with  the  tower  bearing  about  i  mile  260°  from  the  shore; 
small  vessels  go  farther  in.  The  only  inconvenience  at  this  anchor- 
age with  northerly  winds  is  the  sea  thrown  in  from  that  direction; 
the  wind,  however,  rarely  blows  home,  being  repelled  by  the  sur- 
rounding high  land.  The  town  should  not  be  approached  nearer 
than  about  700  yards. 


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CORSICA   ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN   ARCHIPELAGO.  373 

At  the  head  of  the  gulf  there  are  some  dark-looking  hills  which 
from  the  low,  marshy  land  around  them  appear  at  a  distance  like 
islands.  On  a  near  approach  the  town  of  St.  Florent  and  Fornali 
Tower  will  be  seen.  In  the  middle  of  the  gulf,  between  Mortella 
and  Vecchiaja  Towers,  there  are  from  28  to  35  fathoms,  mud,  dimin- 
ishing gradually  to  3^  fathoms  at  700  yards  northward  of  the  town, 
whence  it  shoals  rapidly  to  the  beach.  From  the  town  the  eastern 
coast  of  the  gulf  trends  to  the  northeastward  and  northward,  the 
first  part  being  a  sandy  beach  bordered  by  shallow  water;  then<'^ 
to  Vecchiaja  Point  it  is  rugged  and  fringed  with  a  few  rocks. 

Light. — From  a  square  white  tower  on  Fornali  Point,  at  an  ele- 
vation of  46  feet  above  the  sea,  a  fixed  green  light  is  exhibited  whicli 
is  visible  5  miles.     (See  Light  List.) 

Vecchiaja  Point,  the  eastern  extremity  of  the  entrance  to  the 
Gulf  of  St.  Florent,  has  a  pyramid  on  it;  it  is  bold  and  steep-to  and 
the  beginning  of  a  high,  rugged  coast.  On  the  heights  are  several 
towns  and  villages. 

Canelles  Point,  7^  miles  northward  of  Vecchiaja  Point,  is  high 
and  steep,  with  recks  at  its  foot.  The  intermediate  roast  is  high 
but  broken  by  small  sandy  beaches,  approachable  only  by  small 
coasting  vessels  in  fine  weather.  These  beaches  are  mostly  defended 
by  towers  and  aie  respectively  named  Farinole.  Negro,  Nonza,  and 
Albo,  and  the  houses  adjoining  serve  as  points  of  communication 
with  the  towns  in  the  moimtains.  The  coast  is  bold  and  steep,  except 
a  rock  here  and  there  near  the  shore;  the  most  dangerous  lies  about 
i  mile  northward  of  the  point  and  abreast  a  stream  from  the  village 
of  Canari;  the  rock  is  awash  and  is  500  yards  from  the  shore. 

Life-saving  station. — There  is  a  life-saving  station  at  Nonza. 

Minervio  Point. — Cape  Bianco,  the  northwestern  extremity  of 
the  island  of  Corsica,  derives  its  name  from  the  w^hite  color  of  the 
land  which  forms  it.  Minervio  Point,  3.0  miles  northward  of 
Canelles  Point,  is  high  and  terminates  in  a  peak,  the  intermediate 
coast  forming  an  indentation  with  a  small  beach  on  whi(!h  are  a 
few  houses  and  Giotta  Tower:  close  to  the  foot  of  Minervio  Point 
is  a  small  islet  or  rock. 

Aliso  Bay. — Nearly  2J  miles  to  the  northeastward  of  Minervio 
Point  is  the  small  bay  and  beach  of  Aliso,  open  to  the  wcvstward, 
and  fit  only  for  coasting  vessels  during  land  winds.  On  the  southern 
extremity  of  the  bay,  which  is  low,  is  a  tower  and  the  town  of  Pino. 

Port  Centuri. — At  IJ  miles  southward  of  Cape  Bianco  is  the 
small  island  of  Centuri,  of  moderate  height,  witli  the  ruins  of  a 
tower  on  its  southwestern  part;  it  is  about  200  yards  from  the  coast 
and  the  passage  between  is  choked  with  rocks.  A  shoal  with  only  ^ 
feet  water  on  it  lies  200  vards  northward  of  the  island. 


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374  CORSICA  ISLAND  AND  THE  TUSCAN  ABCHIPBLAGO. 

A  small  cove,  in  the  middle  of  the  bight  formed  by  the  coast  in 
conjunction  with  Centuri  Island,  is  named  Port  CenturL  The  bight 
is  open  to  the  northwestward,  but  the  cove,  though  small,  shelters 
vessels  of  5  and  6  feet  draft;  the  town  is  built  round  the  shore  of 
the  cove,  and  on  the  north  side  of  the  entrance  is  a  beacon  tower  in 
ruins.  Large  vessels  find  temporary  anchorage  with  offshore  winds 
to  the  northwestward  of  the  mouth  of  the  cove  in  7  or  8  fathoms,  sand. 

Bock. — A  rock,  with  If  fathoms  water,  is  situated  100  yards 
northeastward  of  the  islet  in  the  middle  of  Marine  de  Morsiglia, 
southward  of  Centuri  Island. 

Beacon. — A  metal  beacon,  painted  black  and  surmounted  by  a 
cylindrical  topmark,  is  erected  on  Teja  Shoal. 

Life-saving  station. — There  is  a  life-saving  apparatus  at  Port 
Centuri. 

Centuri  Bank. — On  the  parallel  of  and  2^  miles  260°  from  Cape 
Bianco  is  a  small  rocky  bank  called  Centuri.  It  has  8  fathoms  water 
on  it,  16  to '27  fathoms  close  around,  and  between  it  and  the  coast 
32  fathoms.  When  the  sea  is  heavy  vessels  should  give  the  bank  a 
wide  berth. 

The  coast  between  the  Gulf  of  St.  Florent  and  Cape  Bianco  is 
generally  cliffy,  bold,  and  steep-to,  and  in  direction  runs  nearly 
parallel  with  the  east  coast  between  Bastia  and  the  islets  of  Finocchi- 
arola.  The  two  shores  alluded  to  form  the  east  and  west  outline  of 
the  remarkable  promontory  extending  20  miles  in  a  northerly  direc- 
tion from  the  main  body  of  the  island,  with  a  breadth  varying  from 
5  to  8  miles.  The  shape  of  this  notable  ridge  of  land  has  been  com- 
pared to  the  head  of  a  tortoise,  to  which  animal  the  outline  of  the 
whole  island  bears  some  fanciful  resemblance.  Several  towns  are  tu 
be  seen  on  the  western  slopes  of  the  elevated  chain  of  mountains 
which  form  the  above  arm,  the  most  remarkable  being  Centuri,  Mor- 
siglia, Pino,  Canari,  and  Ogliastro;  steep  and  winding  roads  cross 
the  mountains  in  various  directions. 

Life-saving  stations. — ^There  are  life-saving  stations  at  Canari 
and  Pino. 

TUSCAN  AJtCHIPET.AQO. 

The  Tuscan  Archipelago  belongs  to  the  Kingdom  of  Italy,  and 
consists  of  eight  islands  and  two  groups  of  rocks,  with  deep  and 
safe  channels  between  them ;  they  are  situated  between  the  northern 
part  of  Corsica  and  the  west  coast  of  Italy.  The  group  forms  the 
figure  of  a  parallelogram,  the  western  side  of  which  comprises  the 
islands  of  Capraia,  Pianosa,  and  Monte  Cristo,  and  the  Africa  Rock; 
the  channel  between  them  and  Corsica  is  from  15  to  22  miles  wide; 
the  eastern  side  comprises  the  islands  of  Elba,  Palamajola,  Cerboli, 
Giglio,  and  Giannutri,  and  the  Formiche  de  Grosseto  Rocks,  all  being 
5  to  8  miles  distant  from  the  coast  of  Italy. 

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CORSICA   ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN   ARCHIPELAGO.  375 

Capraia  or  Capraja  (ancient  iEgilon),  a  volcanic  island  lying  IG^ 
miles  88°  from  Cape  Corso,  is  4^  miles  long  south-southwest  and 
north-northeast,  with  an  average  breadth  of  2  miles,  and  is  the  most 
northern  of  the  islands  composing  the  archipelago.  A  high  ridge 
extends  the  whole  length  of  the  island  along  its  western  side,  the 
highest  peak  of  which,  Mount  Castello,  is  1,467  feet  in  height.  The 
coast  is  bold  and  cliffy  and  is  steep-to  except  at  the  northern  end,  off 
which  are  a  few  tocks  above  water;  10  fathoms  will  be  found  within 
200  yards  of  the  shore  in  all  other  directions,  over  a  bottom  of  sand 
and  gravel. 

Capraia  town  is  situated  on  Punta  Ferrajone,  ^on  the  northeast 
side  of  the  island,  and  on  the  eastern  side  of  a  bay  J  mile  in  extent, 
at  the  head  of  which,  and  within  a  mole,  is  a  secure  port,  with  a 
depth  of  about  11  feet,  for  small  craft.  The  town  has  a  convent,  two 
chapels,  and  several  houses.  About  ^  mile  southward  of  the  point  is 
a  fort,  299  feet  above  high  water,  on  the  dark  bastions  of  which  is  a 
yellow  building  surmounted  by  a  slender  cylindrical  column.  There 
is  a  penal  settlement  here  with  some  500  convicts,  and  there  is  also 
a  population  of  about  200,  chiefly  fishermen. 

Buoy. — A  mooring  buoy  is  laid  down,  with  the  tower  on  the  east- 
em  side  of  the  bay  bearing  122°  distant  220  yards. 

Wreck. — The  wreck  of  a  brigantine,  which  is  not  entirely  sub- 
merged, lies  near  the  entrance  to  the  small  harbor  of  Capraia.  The 
wreck  constitutes  a  menace  to  small  vessels. 

Semaphore. — A  semaphore  station  is  established  on  Mount  Ar- 
pagna,  1,345  feet  above  the  sea.  The  house  is  painted  in  wlute  and 
black  in  chequers.    Storm  signals  are  exhibited  at  the  semaphore. 

Anchorage. — The  bay  is  open  to  northeasterly  winds,  which 
cause  a  heavy  sea.  There  is  anchorage  in  from  12  to  14  fathoms,  sand 
and  weeds  bottom,  but  the  holding  ground  is  only  moderately  good. 

Communication. — Steamers  from  Leghorn  call  here  twice  a 
week,  and  from  Genoa  weekly. 

There  is  telegraphic  communication. 

Tunny  fisheries. — Tunny  nets  are  sometimes  laid  out  to  a  dis- 
tance of  about  100  yards  from  the  coast  near  Punta  di  Porto  Vecchio 
and  Punta  Mortola,  600  and  1,800  yards,  respectively,  northward  of 
the  port,  and  near  Punta  della  Fica,  i  mile  southward  of  Punta 
Ferrajone. 

The  coast  from  Porto  di  Capraia  trends  northward  1^  miles  to 
Punta  Teglia,  the  northern  point  of  the  island,  on  which  there  is  a 
little  fort  with  a  turret. 

The  Formiche,  a  group  of  three  or  four  rocks  above  water,  lie 
about  400  yards  northeastward  of  Teglia  Point,  the  northern  extrem- 
ity of  Capraia.    Midway  between  them  and  the  shore  is  a  sunken 

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376  CORSICA  ISLAND  AND  THE  TUSCAN  AEOHIPELAGO. 

rock  with  7  fathoms  inside  it.  A  tower  stands  a  little  south  westward 
of  Teglia  Point. 

On  the  western  side  of  Capraia,  3  miles  southward  of  Teglia 
Point  and  close  to  the  shore  is  the  islet  of  Pajola,  abreast  which  is 
the  extinct  crater  of  Cancelle,  elevated  1,1^  feet-  Zenobito  Point, 
the  southern  extremity  of  the  island,  is  bold  and  has  a  tower  on  it,  1 
mile  northeastward  of  which  are  Scoglione  Kocks  a  short  distance 
offshore. 

Telegraph. — A  submarine  cable  is  laid  to  the  island  of  Elba.  It 
is  landed  on  the  eastern  side  of  Cape  Ferrajone,  under  the  light- 
house. Its  direction  (marked  by  two  beacons  in  range)  is  211°  for 
550  yards,  thence  135*^. 

Cape  Ferrajone — ^Lights. — An  occulting  white  light,  elevated  92 
feet  above  the  sea  and  visible  11  miles,  is  exhibited  from  an  iron 
frame  attached  to  a  white  stone  building  near  the  extremity  of  Cape 
Ferrajone. 

Mole. — From  the  Inner  Molehead,  which  projects  southward 
from  the  northern  entrance  to  the  port  a  fixed  green  light,  elevated 
16  feet  above  the  sea  and  visible  2  miles,  is  shown  from  a  column 
1  r>  feet  high,  on  a  square  masonry  base.  The  light  is  obscured  toward 
the  land.     (See  Light  List.) 

Elba  (ancient  Ilva),  the  largest  island  of  the  Tuscan  Group,  is 
separated  from  the  main  by  the  Piombino  Channel,  5  miles  across. 
Elba  is  of  triangular  form  with  a  rounded  head  to  the  westward, 
the  coast  being  broken  by  a  succession  of  deep  bays  and  rugged 
headlands;  it  is  15 J  miles  long  east  and  west,  and  from  2  to  10  miles 
broad,  and  is  high  and  mountainous,  being  traversed  by  three  sepa- 
rate ridges,  the  western  or  highest  culminating  in  Mount  Capanne. 
3,348  foot  above  the  sea;  the  formation  is  chiefly  granite,  clay  slate, 
and  marble  limestone.  The  western  coast  is  bold  and  clear  of  danger 
at  200  yards  distance,  and  elsewhere  the  shore  may  be  safely  ap- 
proached to  within  1  mile. 

The  island  is  healthful  and  the  soil  productive,  and  there  are 
numerous  springs  and  rivulets.  Excepting  the  cork  and  chestnut 
there  are  not  many  forest  trees,  but  evergreen  shrubs  cover  a  large 
extent  of  the  hill  slopes  and  fruits  of  various  kinds  are  abundant. 
Marble  is  quarried  and  iron  (for  which  Elba  was  noted  even  in  the 
time  of  the  Romans)  is  now  most  extensively  worked,  the  principal 
mines  being  at  Rio  among  the  eastern  hills.  In  the  northern  bays 
there  are  tunny  fisheries  and  mullet  and  other  fish  in  the  surrounding 
waters. 

Trade.- -The  chief  imports  are  coal,  building  materials,  engines, 
cereals,  grocorio^,  oils,  iron,  and  steel.  The  exports  consist  of  wine, 
fish,  fruit,  and  iron,  large  quantities  of  the  latter  being  smelted  at 


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CORSICA  ISLAJ^D  AND  THE  TUSCAN  ARCHIPELAGO.  377 

Porto  Ferraio,  Follonica,  and  adjacent  ports.  The  population  in 
1911  was  29,549. 

PortQ  Ferraio  (ancient  Portus  Argseus),  the  chief  town  of  Elba, 
is  situated  on  the  extreme  western  point  of  the  eastern  bay  on  the 
north  shore  of  the  island ;  it  occupies  a  commanding  position  and  is 
surrounded  by  fortifications;  on  the  south  side  is  the  arsenal  basin 
and  naval  depot,  and  within  the  moles  a  depth  of  from  7  to  3  fathoms 
over  a  space  of  about  8  or  6  acres.  There  is  a  Government  house, 
two  churches,  town  hall y- military  barracks,  hospital,  blast  furnaces 
for  smelting  iron  ore,  and  some  small  manufactories.  In  1911  Porto 
Ferraio  contained  a  population  of  9,435. 

The  entrance  to  the  bay,  between  Fort  Stella  on  the  west  and  Fal- 
conaia  Point,  is  about  1  mile  across,  within  which  it  opens  out,  ex- 
tending 2  miles  east  and  west  and  IJ  miles  north  and  south.  The 
eastern  shore  is  elevated,  broken  into  coves  and  steep-to  within  200 
yards  of  the  shore.  Nearly  halfway  along  the  southern  shore  is  I^, 
Grotte  Point,'  at  the  foot  of  Monte  Orello,  and  on  which  is  the  ruin 
of  Giotone  Castle;  it  is  rather  more  than  i  mile  southward  of  the 
town,  and  between  them  the  bay  narrows  and  extends  westward  about 
1  mile,  forming  an  inner  anchorage.  On  both  sides  of  I^-  Grotte 
Point,  and  especially  westward  of  it,  the  land  is  flat,  and  there  are 
several  salines  or  sjxlt  pans  along  the  shore. 

A  shelving  bank  surrounds  the  southern  and  western  sides  of  tlie 
bay,  extending  from  300  to  500  yards  off,  having  from  6  to  15  feet 
over  it,  and  a  bar,  over  w  hich  is  3|  to  5  fathoms,  connects  I^e  Grotte 
Point  with  the  southern  point  of  the  Arsenal  Basin.  Westward  of 
this  is  a  pool  with  a  depth  of  from  5  to  8  fathoms,  mud  and  weed. 
There  are  depths  of  20  fathoms  at  the  entrance  to  the  bay,  shoaling 
gradually  to  13  in  the  center;  within  100  yards  of  the  town  walls  is  a 
depth  of  5  fathoms,  knd  that  depth  is  foimd  within  J  mile  of  the 
southern  shore. 

To  the  southward  of  Tower  Point,  dredging  operations  have 
brought  the  depth  at  the  entrance  of  the  pool  to  31  feet. 

A  channel,  about  80  yards  wide,  has  been  dredged  to  a  depth  of 
30  feet  across  the  bar  nbout  150  yards  southward  of  Torre  Martello, 
but  shoal  spits  extend  about  75  yards  southward  and  south  westward 
from  the  tower;  the  light  on  the  mole  of  the  captain  of  the  port  is 
obscured  over  the  spits.  To  the  westward  of  the  bar  is  an  area, 
about  800  yards  long  northeast  and  southwest  and  from  100  to  600 
yards  broad,  with  depths  of  from  5  to  8  fathoms,  and  locally  know^n 
as  "  La  Fossa." 

La  Darsena,  the  entrance  to  which,  between  Torre  Martello  and 
the  short  mole  of  the  captain  of  the  port,  extending  southeastward 
from  Gallo  Fort,  is  130  yards  wide,  and  extends  about  250  yards 


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378  CORSICA  ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN  ARCHIPELAGO. 

northeastward  with  a  breadth  of  220  yards;  there  are  depths  of 
from  5^  to  4  fathoms  in  the  middle  of  the  basin,  decreasing  gradually 
to  the  wharves  around  it;  a  short  mole  projects  from  the  head  of 
the  basin,  and  is  reserved  for  mail  steamers.  The  basin  is  surrounded 
by  the  houses  of  the  town,  except  on  the  southeast  side,  where,  on 
the  tongue  of  land  named  Linguella  Peninsula,  which  terminates  in 
Torre  Martello,  is  the  convict  establishment. 

Seno  del  Porticello,  westward  of  La  Darsena,  is  shallow,  and  an 
iron  pier  projects  about  300  yards  east-southeastward  from  the 
western  shore,  with  a  depth  of  30  feet  along  the  northern  side  of  its 
outer  part.  The  large  ironworks  of  the  Alti  Fomi,  with  three  tall 
chimneys  and  a  large  black  cylindrical  reservoir,  are  on  the  west 
shore  of  the  bay.  There  are  also  four  chinmeys  to  the  northward  of 
those  just  mentioned. 

Scoglietto. — ^Three-quarters  of  a  mile  northward  of  Fort  Stella 
is  Scoglietto  Islet,  65  feet  high,  which  should  be  given  200  yards  berth 
in  passing  on  either  side. 

Bianco  Shoal. — Half  a  mile  westward  of  Scoglietto  is  the  point 
of  a  rocky  spit  which  extends  600  yards  northeastward  of  Bianco 
.Point.  The  shore  between  this  point  and  Fort  Stella  is  rocky  for 
some  little  distance  off. 

Lightbuoy. — On  the  northeast  edge  of  Bianco  Shoal  is  moored 
in  9  fathoms  a  lightbuoy  showing  a  flashing  green  light  every  3  sec- 
onds, thus:  Flash  0.3  second,  eclipsed  2.7  seconds,  visible  4  miles. 

Lights — Scoglietto  Islet. — A  flashing  red  light,  elevated  79  feet 
above  the  sea  and  visible  8  miles,  is  exhibited  from  a  circular  tower 
above  a  small  yellow  house,  situated  on  the  summit  of  Scoglietto 
Islet.    Unwatched. 

Stella  Fort. — A  flashing  white  light,  elevated  206  feet  above  the 
sea  and  visible  18  miles,  is  exhibited  from  a  white  conical  tower,  82 
feet  high,  situated  on  the  northeast  bastion  of  Stella  Fort.  (For  arc 
of  visibility,  see  Light  List.) 

Oallo  Fort. — A  fixed  red  light,  elevated  18  feet  above  the  sea  and 
visible  5  miles,  is  exhibited  from  an  iron  frame,  with  house  at  base,  on 
the  head  of  the  mole  of  the  captain  of  the  port. 

A  fixed  white  light  visible  4  miles  is  shown,  at  an  elevation  of  13 
feet,  from  an  iron  standard  on  the  head  of  the  mole  on  the  northern 
part  of  the  basin  (La  Darsena.) 

Two  fixed  red  lights,  vertical,  visible  2  miles,  are  shown  from  a 
metal  support  on  the  pierhead  in  Porticello  Bay.    (See  Light  List.) 

Bifle  practice  occasionally  takes  place  from  the  vicinity  of  a 
beach  eastward  of  Fort  Inglese,  when  a  red  flag  is  hoisted  at  San 
Fine  bastion,  at  the  eastern  end  of  the  beach,  which  should  then  be 
given  a  berth  of  over  a  mile. 


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COBSICA  ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN  ARCHIPELAGO.  379 

Buoys. — There  are  two  cylindrial  iron  mooring  buoys,  one  large 
and  the  other  small,  in  La  Darsena. 

Anchorage. — Anchor  in  the  outer  anchorage  with  Forte  Stella 
Lighthouse  bearing  359°,  and  Torre  Martello  in  line  with  the  north- 
western extremity  of  Forte  Inglese,  302®,  in  9  fathoms,  mud  and 
weeds,  and  in  the  inner  anchorage  with  the  pierhead  in  Seno  del 
Porticello  12°,  distant  300  yards,  in  8  fathoms  water. 

Winds  from  the  eastward  between  north  and  south,  especially 
between  south  and  southeast,  prevail  in  winter,  when  sometimes 
northerly  winds  are  fresh,  and  cause  much  sea  in  the  outer  anchorage. 
In  spring  and  summer  northwest  and  southeast  winds  prevail,  and 
there  are  sometimes  violent  southwesterly  gales.  Northwesterly 
winds  in  summer  are  sometimes  so  strong  as  to  oblige  vessels  in  the 
outer  anchorage  to  drop  a  second  anchor,  but  they  generally  decline 
some  hours  after  Sunset. 

Monte  Capanne  seen  amongst  cumuli  clouds  indicates  north- 
westerly winds;  the  mountains  around  Porto  Ferrajo  covered  with 
clouds  indicate  southeasterly  winds,  which  will  be  violent  when  the 
water  in  the  port  rises  and  remains  above  its  normal  level. 

Communication. — ^There  is  a  daily  service  of  steamers  between 
Porto  Ferraio  and  all  the  ports  and  roadsteads  along  the  Elban 
coast,  also  steamers  twice  daily  to  Cavo,  Piombino,  and  Port 
Vecchio;  weekly  steamers  from  Genoa,  Leghorn,  Naples,  and  Tunis 
call  at  Porto  Ferraio.  There  is  telegraphic  communication.  A 
service  of  motor  cars  covers  practically  all  the  island. 

Supplies. — Provisions  can  be  obtained,  but  the  supply  is  limited 
without  previous  notice.  An  aqueduct  for  supplying  the  town  has 
t)een  established  at  Porto  Ferraio  capable  of  supplying  150  tons 
daily  to  vessels.  A  reserve  reservoir  contains  2,000  tons  for  the  use  of 
the  Italian  Navy.  The  water  is  supplied  by  a  lighter  with  pump  on 
board. 

Hospital. — The  civil  hospital  has  100  beds  and  receives  patients. 

Tunny  fishery. — Tunny  nets  are  laid  in  Porto  Ferraio,  near 
Scarpellini  Point  in  a  southwest  direction,  and  near  Pina  Point,  in 
a  northwest  direction,  extending  110  yards  from  the  shore. 

Coal  is  imported  for  private  use  of  mines  and  blasting  furnaces. 
There  is  no  coal  on  sale. 

Iron  and  iroft  ore  are  exported. 

Repairs. — Small  repairs  to  hull  or  machinery  can  be  made  at  the 
Besano  works,  near  the  west  gate  of  the  town ;  the  Alti  Fomi  have 
also  a  work  shop. 

Cape  Enf ola. — The  coast  westward  from  Stella  Fort  trends  west- 
ward 3^  miles  to  Cape  Enfola,  an  elevated  headland  connected  to  the 
shore  by  a  narrow  neck,  and  forming  the  eastern  point  of  a  bay  about 


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380  COKSICA  ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN  ABCHIPELAGO. 

»S  miles  in  breadth  and  2  in  depth.    Rocks  both  above  and  under 
water  extend  off  the  cape  in  a  northern  direction  about  300  yards. 

The  eastern  shores  of  the  bay  are  broken  into  several  coves  with 
sandy  beaches.  The  western  side  is  bold,  and  the  bay,  generally 
without  danger  a  short  distance  off,  has  depths  gradually  decreasing 
from  40  fathoms  to  5,  close  in.  On  the  western  point  is  the  Marina 
di  Marciana,  with  a  population  of  about  2,000,  and  along  the  shore 
westward  there  are  many  scattered  houses. 

Marina  di  Marciana — ^Mole. — A  mole  has  been  built  at  Marina 
di  Marciana,  which,  beginning  at  the  point  immediately  to  the  north- 
west of  the  town,  extends  22  yards  toward  Cape  Enfola,  then  bends 
in  a  circular  direction  toward  the  southeast,  and  continues  in  a 
straight  line  for  66  yards,  the  total  length  being  109  yards. 

Buoy. — A  red  mooring  buoy  is  laid  out  in  Marina  di  Marciana 
Bay  in  4^  fathoms. 

Firing  practice  with  rifles  occasionally  takes  place  from  near 
Torre  di  Marciana.  During  the  practice  a  white  flag,  with  a  red  disk 
in  the  middle,  is  hoisted  at  the  tower,  and  then  a  good  berth  should 
be  given  to  the  coast  between  Punta  del  Nasuto  and  the  tower. 

Tunny  fishery. — Tunny  nets  are  laid  to  the  eastward  of  Cape 
Enfola,  extending  710  yards  from  the  shore  in  a  northerly  direction; 
also  near  Fichetto  Point,  110  yards  from  shore,  in  a  northerly  direc- 
tion. Nets  are  also  laid  in  ^^ticcio  Bay,  off  Arena,  Penisola,  and 
Forno  Points;  also  off  Bagno  di  Marciana,  extending  656  yards  from 
the  shore  in  11°  direction. 

Polveraja  Point — ^Light. — A  flashing  white  light,  elevated  170 
feet,  and  visible  13  mile^,  is  exhibited  from  an  octagonal  masonry 
tower,  surmounting  a  one-story  building,  the  whole  painted  white 
and  situated  on  this  point  li  miles  west-southwestward  of  Cape  St. 
Andre. 

Telegraphs. — The  submarine  cable  to  Capraia  is  landed  at  Ma- 
rina di  Marciana;  its  direction  is  marked  by  two  beacons.  The  front 
beacon,  a  post  surmounted  by  a  framework  globe,  is  on  the  eastern 
side  of  the  cable  house,  situated  54  yards  from  the  sea,  with  the 
words  "Telegraphs  Sottomarine,"  on  the  side  facing  the  sea,  and 
the  usual  notice  respecting  prohibited  anchorage  above.  It  bears 
358°  from  the  rear  beacon,  on  which  bearing  the  cable  is  laid  for 
1,000  yards,  thence  315°.  The  cable  to  the  island  of  Pianosa  is 
landed  in  Caroli  Bay,  southern  coast.  2 J  miles  westward  of  Cape 
Poro:  its  direction  182°  for  900  yards  is  marked  by  two  beacons  in 
line  and  the  usual  notice,  thence  205°. 

The  coast. — From  the  Marina  di  Marciana  a  bold  coast  trends 
about  271°  3  miles  to  Cape  St.  Andre,  whence  it  rounds  to  the  west- 
ward and  southward,  without  any  particularly  marked  feature,  to 


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CORSICA  ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN  ARCHIPELAGO.  381 

Fetovaja  Point,  distant  7  miles;  about  halfway  between  these  points 
is  the  small  island  of  Timoni  close  to  the  shore.  The  western  ex- 
tremity of  Elba  is  about  ^  mile  to  the  northwestward  of  Timoni. 

Fetovaja  Point  is  a  narrow  tongue  of  land  projecting  J  mile  147°, 
and  3^  miles  91*^  beyond  is  Cape  Poro,  the  cliffy  coast  between  being 
slightly  curved,  with  a  small  bay  in  the  center. 

Campo  Bay,  between  Capes  Poro  and  Fonza  (2  miles  apart),  is 
1^  miles  in  depth,  terminating  in  a  sandy  beach,  in  the  southern 
comer  of  which  is  the  small  village  of  Campo,  with  a  tower  on  the 
point  eastward  of  it ;  the  bay  is  open  to  the  southeastward.  Streams 
from  which  water  can  be  procured  flow  through  some  cultivated  land 
at  the  head  of  the  bay.  Ariglia  Rock  will  be  seen  on  entering,  lying 
i  mile  off  the  eastern  shore,  and  there  are  a  few  scattered  rocks  a 
short  distance  off  the  points  of  the  bay,  otherwise  it  is  clear  of  dan- 
ger, shoaling  gradually  from  30  fathoms  at  the  entrance  to  5  fathoms 
at  400  yards  from  the  beach.  Except  with  winds  from  the  south- 
east, the  bay  offers  convenient  anchorage  in  from  6  to  8  fathoms,  sand 
and  mud,  off  the  tower  near  the'  village. 

Light. — A  fixed  white  light,  with  red  sector,  is  exhibited  from 
the  Marina  di  Campo  Tower,  visible  9  miles  for  the  white  and  5  for 
the  red.  Vessels  working  into  the  bay  should  not  stand  beyond  the 
western  limit  of  the  illuminated  arc,  which  leads  clear  of  all  danger 
on  that  shore.     (For  limits  of  visibility,  see  Light  List.) 

Campo  Bay — Bock. — A  rock,  with  a  depth  of  IJ  fathoms,  is  situ- 
ated between  Triglia  Rock  and  Mele  Point,  at  a  distance  of  150  yards 
from  the  latter. 

Acona  and  Stella  Bays. — Nearly  2  miles  eastward  of  Cape 
Fonza  is  Cape  Stella,  a  wooded  promontory  which  projects  1^  miles 
to  the  southward.  On  the  western  side  of  the  latter  cape,  between  it 
and  Fonza,  is  Acona  Bay ;  and  on  the  eastern  side  is  the  larger  bay  of 
Stella.  The  slopes  of  the  hills  around  Stella  Bay  are  thickly  wooded 
and  the  bay  is  clear  of  danger,  there  being  a  depth  of  5  fathoms  at 
400  yards  from  the  shore. 

Gemini  Island. — The  eastern  side  of  Stella  Bay,  from  which 
project  several  rocky  points,  trends  to  the  southward,  and  at  3  miles 
from  the  head  of  the  bay  is  the  small  island  of  Gemini,  a  short  dis- 
tance from  the  shore. 

Innamorata  Creek — Light. — A  fixed  red  light,  elevated  19  feet 
above  the  sea,  is  shown  from  the  end  of  an  iron  jetty,  164  yards  long, 
in  Innamorata  Creek,  situated  northward  of  Gemini  Islet,  south  coast 
of  Elba. 

Corbelli  Rock. — Half  a  mile  westward  of  Gemini  is  the  Corbelli, 
a  rock  above  water,  with  deep  water  between ;  vessels,  however,  should 
not  pass  between  the  Corbelli  Rock  and  Gemini  Island. 


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382  CORSICA  ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN  ABCHIPELAGO. 

Gape  Galamitay  1  mile  to  the  southeastward  of  Gemini  Island, 
is  famous  for  loadstone,  which  is  found  and  quarried  from  the  moun- 
tain above. 

liocal  attractioii. — Vessels  have  found  their  compasses  mate- 
rially ^affected  when  approaching  this  and  other  parts  of  the  eastern 
coast 

Siparti  Pointy  the  southeastern  point  of  Elba,  is  an  elevated 
headland,  on  the  southwestern  side  of  which  is  Rimaolo  Rock  above 
water;  the  shore  is  bold  and  bordered  by  high  cliffs,  and  at  1  mile 
from  it  is  a  depth  of  50  fathoms. 

Cape  Ffno  lies  1  mile  to  the  northward  of  Eiparti  Point. 

Longone  Bay. — Between  Cape  Gardo  and  Cape  Arco  2J  miles 
northward  of  it  is  a  bay  2  miles  deep  and  open  to  the  eastward. 
The  shore  on  both  sides  is  rocky  and  indented  with  small  coves,  at 
the  head  of  which  are  sandy  beaches.  Topi  Islet  lies  close  off  the 
shore  1  mile  northwestward  of  Cape  Gardo,  but  there  are  no  hidden 
dangers  beyond  200  yards  from  the  shore,  at  which  distance  5  fath- 
oms will  be  found  throughout,  except  at  the  head  and  in  the  coves 
on  the  northern  side.  The  water  shoals  gradually  from  45  fathoms 
across  the  entrance  to  6  fathoms  about  ^  mile  from  the  head  of 
the  bay;  it  then  shelves  up,  and  at  400  yards  off  the  beach  there 
are  but  2  and  3  feet;  the  bottom  is  chiefly  mud,  sand,  and  weed. 

The  hills  slope  steeply  down  on  all  sides,  and  the  western  and 
southern  sides  are  well  covered  with  wood.  About  1  mile  from  the 
riead  of  the  bay  is  the  village  of  Capoliveri. 

Port  Longone. — At  the  head  of  a  small  cove  on  the  northern  side 
of  the  bay  is  the  town  of  Longone,  containing  a  population  of  about 
4,587,  who  are  chiefly  employed  in  fishing.  The  principal  industries 
are  mining,  sardine  and  anchovy  fishing,  and  the  production  of  wine. 
It  is  strongly  fortified,  a  citadel  occupying  an  elevated  position  on 
a  bold  promontory  eastward  of  the  town,  and  on  a  rocky  point 
on  the  south  shore  is  Fort  Focardo.  The  poii;  is  about  300  yards 
each  way ;  from  the  eastern  shore  is  a  pier  about  200  feet  in  length, 
inclosing  depths  of  from  5  fathoms  near  the  entrance  to  18  and 
11  feet  within.  A  good  road  was  made  during  Napoleon's  residence 
across  to  Porto  Ferraijo. 

Wharf. — ^A  wharf  for  the  use  of  coasting  vessels  was  constructed 
in  1907. 

Mole  extended — ^Provisional  light. — ^The  small  mole  southeast- 
ward of  the  port  office  is  to  be  extended  to  a  total  length  of  about 
90  yards.  A  provisional  fixed  green  light  has  been  established  at 
the  head  of  the  mole,  and  this  light  will  be  moved  out  as  the 
work  progresses. 


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OOBSIOA  ISLAND  AND  THE  TUSCAN   AKCHIPELAGO.  383 

Mooring  buoy. — A  gray  mooring  buoy  has  been  laid  down  by 
the  Society  Elba,  about  77  yards  south-southwestward  from  Cape 
Bianco  Pier. 

Lights — Focardo  Point. — ^An  occulting  white  light,  elevated  105 
feet  above  the  sea  and  visible  16  miles,  is  exhibited  from  an  octagonal 
tower  21  feet  high  on  Focardo  Point. 

San  Giovanni  Point. — A  fixed  red  light,  elevated  46  feet  above 
the  sea  and  visible  4  miles,  is  exhibited  from  a  rectangular  shed  on 
San  Giovanni  Point,  the  western  point  of  the  port. 

A  white  light  on  the  port  office  mole,  visible  7  miles.  (See 
Light  List.) 

Innamorata  Cove — Mole  Light. — A  fixed  red  light  has  been 
established  on  a  mole  recently  completed  (1915)  extending  from 
the  shore  164  yards  west-northwestward,  in  Innamorata  Cove. 

Approximate  position,  latitude  42°  43'  N.;  longitude  10°  22'  E. 
(See  Light  List.) 

Mooring  buoys. — Four  mooring  buoys^  have  been  established  for 
the  use  of  the  Elba  Company  near  the  east  coast  of  Elba,  northward 
of  Cape  Arco.  One  lies  about  100  yards  northeastward  of  the  Can- 
nelle  Bridge,  Cape  Arco,  two  others  lie  about  1,250  yards  98°  and 
about  1,450  yards  111*^,  respectively,  from  the  trigonometrical  point 
on  Mount  Arco,  and  the  fourth  at  about  87  yards  east-northeastward 
of  the  loading  pier  at  Ortano.  There  is  a  yellow  cylindrical  iron 
mooring  buoy  in  the  entrance  to  the  port. 

Anchorage  may  be  had  in  the  port  a  little  outside  the  pier  in  6 
and  7  fathoms,  from  whence  coasting  vessels  might  in  the  event  of 
easterly  winds  haul  farther  in ;  large  vessels  anchor  in  the  bay  with 
San  Giovanni  Point  Lighthouse  bearing  314°,  and  San  Vincenzo 
Point  68^,  in  8  fathoms.  Small  craft  obtain  shelter  from  south- 
easterly winds  about  100  yards  off  the  south  shore,  with  San 
Giovanni  Point  Lighthouse  bearing  about  22°,  in  4  fathoms  water. 

.Supplies  are  plentiful.  Water  may  be  obtained  from  the  port 
office  mole.  Xear  the  above-mentioned  chapel  is  a  fountain  and 
several  small  streams  from  which  water  can  also  be  procured. 

Goal  is  imported  for  private  use  only. 

Gonununication. — ^There  is  a  motor  car,  by  a  good  road,  to 
Porto  Ferrajo  twice  daily,  which  connects  with  the  steamers  to  and 
from  Piombino.    There  is  telegraphic  communication. 

The  coast. — Three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  the  citadel  is  a  watch 
house  on  Royal  Point,  southward  of  which  shallow  water  extends 
about  200  yards  offshore.  Nearly  2  miles  from  Cape  Arco  is  Cape 
Ortano,  and  between  them  is  a  small  sandy  bay,  off  the  south  shore 
of  which  is  a  small  island;  down  the  valley,  between  high  wooded 
hills,  runs  the  largest  stream  of  the  island,  rising  near  the  mountain 
village  of  Bio. 

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384  CORSICA  ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN   ARCHIPELAGO. 

Bio  Marina,  nearly  1  mile  northward  of  Cape  Ortano,  is  the 
shipping  place  for  the  iron  ore  from  the  mines,  situated  chiefly  in  a 
deep  gorge  of  the  mountains  to  the  westward.  Vigneria,  Portello, 
and  Rio  Albano  are  shipping  places  northward  of  Rio  Marina. 

Bio  Bock  (locally  called  Isolotto). — Off  the  shipping  place  of 
Rio  Marina  is  a  large  rock  with  deep  water  around  it.  This  rock  is 
connected  with  the  mainland  by  a  breakwater ;  on  the  northwest  side 
bollards  have  been  established  to  serve  as  stern  mooring  for  small 
vessels. 

The  pier  at  Rio  Marina  has  been  extended  to  a  length  of  110  yards. 

At  Vigneria  are  situated  two  piers  near  one  another,  each  about 
65  yards  long.  There  are  several  houses  along  the  shore.  The  iron 
mines,  for  which  Elba  is  noted,  are  chiefly  in  a  deep  gorge  of  the 
mountains  above,  and  from  hence  the  ore  is  taken  for  the  purpose 
of  smelting. 

Buoy. — A  gray  mooring  buoy  lies  about  87  yards  northward  of 
the  Scoglietto  Jetty. 

Light — Breakwater. — An  occulting  red  light,  exhibited  39  feet 
above  the  sea  and  visible  1  mile,  has  been  established  on  a  post  on 
the  summit  of  Rio  Rock.    (See  Light  List.) 

Mole  under  construction — ^Light. — A  mole  is  under  Construc- 
tion northward  of  Rio  Marina.  The  mole  will  extend  110  yards 
105°  from  a  point  435  yards  356°  from  the  fixed  white  light  on  the 
head  of  the  mole  at  Rio  Marina. 

A  fixed  green  light,  visible  3  miles,  is  established  at  the  head  of  the 
construction  work  and  is  moved  out  as  the  work  progresses. 

Caution. — On  account  of  the  work  in  progress  for  the  construc- 
tion of  the  port  of  Rio  Marina-,  vessels  are  forbidden  to  approach  the 
roads  in  the  pass  between  the  Scoglietto  and  Voltoni  Jetties,  where 
material  is  being  deposited  for  the  foundation  of  the  new  mole. 

Lights — ^Rio  Marina. — A  fixed  white  light,  elevated  28  feet 
above  the  sea  and  visible  2  miles,  is  shown  from  an  iron  pillar  at  the 
end  of  Rio  Marina  Jetty.    Unwatched. 

A  fixed  white  light,  elevated  23  feet  above  the  sea  and  visible  2 
miles,  is  shown  from  a  small  crane  on  Vigneria  pier  end.  Un- 
watched.    (See  Light  List.) 

Supplies — Coal. — No  stock  of  coal  is  kept,  except  for  stea,»nship 
companies. 

Anchorage  can  be  obtained  in  11  fathoms  water  about  400  yards 
eastward  of  the  head  of  Vigneria  Jetty. 

At  Portello,  about  J  mile  north  of  Vigneria,  ari  iron  pier  260  yards 
long  has  been  built.  A  fixed  red  over  a  fixed  white  light,  elevated, 
respectively,  56  and  40  feet  and  visible  2  miles,  are  shown  from  a 
metal  support  at  the  end  of  the  pier.  Supplies  are  plentiful  and 
cheap ;  water  can  be  obtained  from  the  pier  at  Rio  Marina. 


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COKSICA  ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN  ARCHIPELAGO.  385 

Cape  Pero. — The  coast  from  Rio  Marina  to  Cape  Pero,  2  miles 
distant,  is  bold,  with  deep  water  close  in. 

Shoal. — ^A  rocky  shoal  of  7  fathoms  lies  i  mile  94°  from  Cape 
Pero. 

Piers. — Two  piers,  each  about  30  yards  long,  are  situated  close 
westward  of  this  cape,  and  three  piers  at  about  ^  niil^  to  the 
southward;  the  northern  of  these,  at  Rio  Albano,  has  been  extended 
to  a  length  of  about  200  yards  and  is  marked  by  a  fixed  white  light 
over  a  fixed  red  light. 

Telegraph. — A  submarine  telegraph  is  laid  to  Piombino ;  the  end 
is  landed  about  i  mile  to  the  northwestward  of  Cape  Pero. 

Light. — ^A  fixed  white  light,  elevated  36  feet  above  the  sea  and 
visible  5  miles,  is  exhibited  from  a  small  metal  tower  on  stone  build- 
ing situated  near  the  bridge  at  Cape  Pero.    Unwatched. 

The  coast. — A  similar  shore  trends  from  Cape  Pero  to  the  north- 
westward 2  miles  to  Cape  Vita,  the  northern  extremity  of  the  island. 
Halfway  is  a  bay  with  a  sandy  beach  along  which  are  some  cottages 
and  the  chapel  of  St.  Menato.  The  northern  point  of  the  bay  is  a 
sharp  projection  on  which  are  some  defensive  works,  and  a  short 
distance  out  is  the  island  of  Topi,  with  10  fathoms  close  outside  and 
5  within  it;  a  few  rocks,  but  close  in,  lie  on  the  western  side  of  the 
point,  whence  a  sandy  beach  curves  around  to  Cape  Vita. 

A  shoal  of  only  4 J  fathoms  lies  350°,  nearly  f  mile  from  Cape  Vita. 
The  bottom  is  gravel,  sand,  and  weed. 

The  eastern  mountain  range  of  Elba  slopes  to  a  broken  coast  line, 
extending  in  a  southwestern  direction  5  miles  from  Cape  Vita  to 
the  head  of  Ferrajo  Bay;  it  is  partially  wooded  and  watered  by 
several  small  streams.  The  shore  is  bold  with  but  one  patch  of  rocks 
(lying  a  short  distance  off,  abreast  some  reddish  cliffs) ;  and  10 
fathoms  will  be  found  all  along  it  at  200  yards  from  the  land. 

Mount  Grosso — Semaphore. — Vessels  proceeding  to  Genoa  and 
hoisting  a  ball  below  the  number  will  be  reported  to  the  Consorzio 
Autonomo. 

Semaphore. — A  semaphore  is  established  on  Mount  Grosso  at  an 
elevation  of  1,139  feet  above  the  sea. 

Falmajola  Island  and  Channel. — Nearly  2$  miles  102^  from 
Cape  Vita  and  IJ  miles  52°  from  Cape  Pero  is  the  island  of  Paliiia- 
jola,  300  feet  high,  with  a  rounded  green  surface.  A  rock  above 
water  and  a  reef  over  which  is  15  feet  extends  about  i  mile  to  the 
northeastward;  on  the  southern  side  the  island  is  bold,  with  8  fath- 
oms close  to  the  shore  and  from  10  to  18  fathoms  in  the  channel 
between  it  and  Elba. 

Light. — On  the  summit  of  Palmajola  Island  is  a  white  rectan^^i- 
lar  tower,  with  dwelling  attached,  from  which,  at  an  elevation  of 
68850—17 25 


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386  CORSICA  ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN   ARCHIPELAGO. 

344  feet  above  the  sea,  a  flashing  white  light  is  exhibited  visible  24 
miles.    Between  Palmajola  and  Piombino  is  the  Piombino  Channel. 

A  black  ball  hoisted  at  Palmajola  Lighthouse  indicates  urgent 
necessity  for  help. 

Fog  signal. — A  fog  signal,  consisting  of  a  bell  which  sounds  1 
stroke  every  15  seconds,  is  established  at  Palmajola  Island  Light 
Station. 

The  bell  is  elevated  328  feet  above  the  sea.    (See  Light  List.) 

Gerboli  Island. — Nearly  3^  miles  100°  from  Palmajola  is  the 
small  island  of  Cerboli,  with  three  summits,  243  feet  high.  It  lies  in 
a  southwest  and  northeast  direction,  is  i  mile  in  length,  and  very 
narrow;  on  the  center  summit  is  a  tower,  and,  the  water  being 
deep,  it  may  be  closely  approached  on  all  sides  except  the  northwest. 

Pianosa  Island,  lyii^g  about  7  miles  206**  from  the  southwestern 
extremity  of  Elba,  is  3  miles  in  length  nearly  north  and  SQuth  and 
2|  miles  in  breadth  over  the  southern  half.  The  northern  part  of  the 
island  projects  northward,  forming  a  long,  narrow  point  nearly  2 
miles  in  length  and  varying  from  200  yards  to  i  mile  in  width.  The 
island  is  very  flat  except  at  the  southeastern  end,  where  it  is  95  feet 
high.    A  tower  stands  on  the  southwestern  point  of  the  island. 

Cala  San  Giovanni. — ^The  church,  houses,  and  some  ancient  ruins 
are  on  the  eastern  side,  on  a  point  eastward  of  a  sandy  bay  named 
Cala  San  Giovanni,  defended  by  a  battery.  The  port  or  landing 
place  is  between  a  mole  on  the  northern  side  of  the  point  and  the 
battery  west  of  it ;  there  is  also  another  on  the  southern  side.  There 
is  a  penal  settlement  here.  Pianosa  (ancient  Planacia)  in  early  days 
supplied  Rome  with  marble.  AVhen  Napoleon  was  at  Elba,  the 
island,  then  called  Pia  Nosa,  was  uninhabited;  in  1835  it  was  col- 
onized by  some  agriculturists,  which  with  a  few  fishermen  composed 
the  population  until  its  establishment  as  an  Italian  penal  settlement. 
The  island  is  fertile  and  the  vine  is  extensively  cultivated.  There  is 
communication  with  the  mainland  by  weekly  steamer. 

Dangers. — ^The  former  shoal,  with  8f  feet  of  water,  191  yards 
northward  of  the  battery  light  in  the  Cala  San  Giovanni,  has  been 
dredged  to  3 J  fathoms;  between  this  depth  and  that  of  BJ  feet,  more 
to  the  southward,  there  is  a  depth  of  2^  fathoms. 

About  400  yards,  57°  from  the  mole  are  two  rocks  nearly  in  line, 
on  the  same  bearing,  and  600  yards  158°  from  Scola  Islet  (abreast 
the  lighthouse)  is  another,  with  1^  fathoms  of  water  over  it. 

Beacon. — ^A  pyramidal  beacon  46  feet  high,  painted  in  black  and 
white  bands,  has  been  erected  on  the  shore  of  Cala  San  Giovanni, 
711  yards  311°  from  the  battery  light,  this  beacon  in  range  with 
Belvedere  House  268°  clears  the  shoal  water  off  the  mole. 

Scarpa  Sock. — Off  Marchese  Point  the  northern  end  of  the  island 
is  Scarpa  T?ock,  above  water:  peveral  rocky  patches  of  from  1  to  2J 


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CORSICA  ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN   ARCHIPELAGO.  387 

fathoms  water  lie  around  Scarpa  Rock,  and  it  should  not  be  ap- 
proached within  i  mile. 

Telegraph. — ^The  cable  to  Elba  is  landed  in  Cala  San  Giovanni, 
close  to  the  lighthouse,  and  its  direction  is  38°  for  1.2  miles  (marked 
by  two  beacons  in  range),  thence  25°. 

The  notice  board  is  on  the  rear  beacon,  at  the  boundary  wall  be- 
tween the  free  colony  and  penal  settlements 

Supplies  can  be  procured,  and  small  game  abounds.  Water  may 
be  obtained  from  a  fountain  on  the  beach  at  the  settlement. 

Lights. — A  flashing  light  is  exhibited  from  a  tower  painted  white 
and  blue  in  horizontal  bands  over  a  yellow  dwelling,  situated  on  the 
point  near  Scola  Islet,  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  penal  establish- 
ment, at  an  elevation  of  140  feet  above  the  sea.  The  flash  is  visible 
18  miles. 

A  fixed  green  light,  elevated  72  feet  above  the  sea  and  visible 
4  miles,  is  exhibited  from  a  white  pillar,  5  feet  in  height,  on  a  bat- 
tery, western  side  of  the  port.    (See  Light  List.) 

Africa  Bock  and  Shoal. — Nearly  13J  miles  189°  from  Pianosa 
Lighthouse  is  Africa  Rock,  6  feet  above  water,  on  which  is  a  light- 
house; shoal  water  extends  nearly  f  mile  north-northeastward  and 
south-southwestward  from  it,  and  the  rock  should  not  be  approached 
within  1  mile.  About  2^  miles  29°  from  the  rock  is  Africa  Shoal, 
or  Formiche  di  Monte  Cristo,  a  patch  of  15  feet,  nearly  i  mile  from 
which,  in  the  same  direction,  is  another  of  3J  fathoms.  Between  the 
rock  and  the  shoal  are  depths  of  from  10  to  17  fathoms. 

Light. — A  flashing  white  light,  elevated  56  feet  above  the  sea  and 
visible  13  miles,  is  exhibited  from  a  hexagonal  iron  frame,  52  feet  in 
height,  situated  on  Africa  Eock. 

The  following  night  signals  are  made  from  the  lighthouse:  Ob- 
scuring the  light  toward  Pianosa  Island,  calls  attention;  light 
eclipsed  twice,  at  intervals  of  two  minutes,  doctor  needed;  light 
eclipsed  three  times,  at  intervals  of  three  minutes,  apparatus  dam- 
aged. These  signals  will  be  made  one  hour  after  the  time  of  light- 
ing.   (See  Light  List.) 

Monte  Cristo  (ancient  Oglaso)  lies  10  miles  102°  from  the  Africa 
Rock ;  it  is  about  2^  miles  in  length  north  and  south  and  a  little  less 
in  breadth,  bold  upon  all  sides,  its  summit  being  2,093  feet  above  the 
sea.  On  it  are  the  ruins  of  the  ancient  church  and  monastery  of  St. 
Manugliano,  formerly  tenanted  by  Camaldolese  monks,  but  wild  goats 
are  now  nearly  the  sole  occupiers  of  the  island,  which  has  been  made 
into  a  small  penal  settlement.  The  only  landing  place  is  in  the  Cala 
Maestra.  The  soundings  are  very  deep  around  it,  there  being  60 
fathoms  within  i  mile  of  the  shore. 


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388  CORSICA   ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN   ARCHIPELAGO. 

Buoys. — There  are  two  mooring  buoys  in  Gala  Maestra,  lying  131 
yards  eastward  and  westward  of  each  other,  one  cylindrical  and  the 
other  conical,  both  painted  white. 

Telegraph  cable. — A  telegraph  cable  is  laid  from  Gala  Maestra, 
Monte  Gristo  Island,  to  Pianosa.  Vessels  anchoring  in  Gala  Maes- 
tra must  be  careful  to  avoid  damaging  the  cable,  which,  starting 
from  a  point  about  219  yards  eastward  of  the  point  of  the  creek, 
passes  over  the  western  mooring  chain  of  the  outer  of  the  two  buoys, 
and  runs  about  north-northwestward  across  the  summit  of  Point 
Portale,  then  bending  a  little  to  the  westward. 

Formiche  di  Grosseto. — ^These  islets  or  rocks,  lying  about  7^ 
miles  to  the  southwestward  of  Ombrone  River,  on  the  coast  of  Italy, 
extend  2  miles  in  a  north-northwestward  and  south-southeastward 
direction. 

The  North  Bock^  which  is  the  largest,  is  J  mile  in  length  and 
32  feet  high ;  two  rocks  lie  oflf  its  northern  end  and  a  reef  projects 
HOC  yards  from  the  southern  end.  About  700  yards  322**  from  the 
northern  end  is  a  rocky  patch  of  If  fathoms,  between  which  and  the 
rock  is  a  depth  of  40  fathoms. 

The  Middle  Bock  is  f  mile  147°  from  the  above,  narrow,  with 
a  rock  above  water  on  the  eastern  side.  A  shoal  extends  a  short 
distance  off  its  southern  end,  and  there  is  only  5  fathoms  200  yards 
off  the  northern  end ;  in  the  channel  between  it  and  the  North  Rock 
there  are  depths  of  20  to  40  fathoms,  and  above  50  in  that  between 
the  Middle  and  South  Rocks. 

The  South  Bock,  800  yards  150*"  from  the  Middle  Rock,  is  very 
small,  and  13  feet  high;  it  should  not  be  approached  within  500 
yards,  as,  except  on  the  western  side,  shoal  water  extends  off  it.  The 
bottom  is  of  gravel  and  mud.  During  gales  of  wind  there  are  over- 
falls about  ^  mile  southward  of  the  South  Rock. 

Light — Formiche  di  Grosseto. — A  flashing  white  light,  elevated 
77  feet  above  the  sea,  and  visible  14  miles,  is  exhibited  from  a  cylin- 
drical masonry  tower,  38  feet  high,  painted  white  and  black  in  hori- 
zontal bands,  situated  on  the  summit  of  North  Rock,  Formiche  di 
Grosseto. 

The  following  signals  have  been  instituted  at  this  lighthouse: 
Black  flag  with  white  ball  in  center  indicates  doctor  required ;  black 
and  white  checkered  flag  indicates  apparatus  damaged;  black  ball, 
urgent  necessity  for  help.    (See  Light  List.) 

Giglio  (ancient  Igiliimi)  is  the  third  largest  of  the  Tuscan  Group, 
and  nearly  equal  in  size  and  somewhat  similar  in  shape  to  Capraia ; 
it  lies  nearly  7^  miles  westward  of  the  promontory  of  Argentario,  is 
4f  miles  in  length  north  and  south,  and  from  1^  to  2^  miles  in 
breadth;  is  rugged,  well  wooded,  and  its  summit,  on  which  is  a 


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CORSICA  ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN  ARCHIPELAGO.  389 

small  beacon,  is  1,634  feet  above  the  sea.  On  the  western  side  of  the 
island  is  a  bay  called  Campese  Gulf,  with  a  sandy  beach  at  the  head 
and  a  tower  on  its  eastern  shore;  and  with  the  exception  of  a  few 
rocks  lying  200  yards  off  the  cliffy  coast  northward  of  the  tower,  the 
water  is  very  deep.  From  this  bay  the  west  coast  of  the  island  trends 
southward,  forming  a  broad  headland,  off  the  center  of  which, 
named  Pazzarelli  Point,  are  some  rocks.  Southward  the  coast  is  bold 
and  cliffy  to  Capo  Eosso,  the  southern  point  of  the  island,  close  off 
which  are  some  rocks  above  water. 

Semaphore. — A  semaphore  has  been  permanently  erected  on  the 
castle  of  the  island,  and  is  1,312  feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea.  Ves- 
sels can  communicate  with  this  station. 

Croce  Sock. — The  eastern  shore  is  more  indented  than  the  west- 
em  but  equally  clear  of  danger  except  to  the  northeastward,  where  at 
f  mile  102°  from  Fienaio  Point,  is  Croce  Eock,  on  which  is  15  feet 
water ;  it  lies  i  mile  offshore  with  22  fathoms  between. 

Port  Giglio  is  situated  on  the  east  coast  in  a  small  bay  about  1 
mile  wide;  on  the  northern  point  is  a  lazaretto  tower,  and  off  the 
southern,  named  Castellari,  are  several  islets.  A  mole  from  the 
southern  shore  protects  the  beach,  round  which  are  a  few  houses,  and 
within  it  is  a  depth  of  12  feet.  The  town  is  on  the  highland,  1,335 
feet  above  the  sea ;  the  population  is  chiefly  engaged  in  agricultural 
pursuits  and  in  fishing  fOr  pilchards;  there  are  quarries  of  beauti- 
ful marble  and  iron  mines;  and  with  small  quantities  of  wine,  tim- 
l>cr,  and  fish  form  a  limited  export  trade. 

Telegraph. — The  cable  to  Mount  Argentario  is  landed  near  the 
mole  in  Port  (iiglio;  its  direction  is  marked  by  two  beacons,  the 
front  one  with  the  notice  board  attached. 

Lights. — From  an  octagonal  yellow  tower  83  feet  in  height,  situ- 
uated  on  Fenaio  Point,  Giglio  Island,  elevated  129  feet  above  the  sea, 
a  flashing  white  light  is  exhibited,  visible  17  miles. 

From  an  octagonal  yellow  to\ver  situated  on  Capo  Eosso  Point  (the 
southern  point  of  the  island),  elevated  295  feet  above  the  sea,  a  flash- 
ing white  light  is  exhibited,  visible  24  miles,  but  is  obscured  by  Gian- 
nutri  Island  (8°). 

An  occulting  red  light,  elevated  24  feet  above  the  sea  and  visible  6 
miles,  is  exhibited  from  the  end  of  molehead.  Port  Giglio.  (See 
Light  List.) 

Sounding^. — At  about  3^  miles  westward  of  Giglio  Island  there 
are  above  100  fathoms;  in  the  channel  between  it  and  Argentario 
from  60  to  70,  and  southward  Giannutri  from  70  to  80  fathoms,  mud 
bottom. 

Giannutri  Islet  (Dianium  of  the  Greeks,  Artemisia  of  the  Ro- 
mans), 8^  miles  east-southeastward  from  Rosso  Point,  the  southern 
extremity  of  Giglio,  is  an  irregular  crescent  in  form,  with  the  con- 

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390  CORSICA  ISLAND  AND  THE   TUSCAN  ARCHIPELAGO. 

vex  side  to  the  westward,  1^  miles  long  north  and  south,  and  from 
J  to  f  mile  broad.  The  summit  of  the  island,  near  the  southern  end, 
is  305  feet  high,  and  elsewhere  the  hills  are  from  272  to  141  feet  in 
height.  The  coasts  are  rocky  and  steep -to,  the  only  exception  being 
a  spit  with  2  fathoms  water  which  projects  100  yards  northward 
from  Punta  Secca,  the  northern  point  of  the  island.  There  is  no 
water  on  the  island  except  what  is  obtained  from  reservoirs  for  rain. 

Cala  Maestra,  on  the  northwestern  side  of  the  island,  can  only  be 
used  by  small  craft  in  fine  weather;  there  is  no  anchorage  off  it,  as 
the  depths  increase  rapidly.  There  are  some  ruins  of  Eoman  build- 
ings near  the  cove,  and  a  square  gray  house  on  Punta  Scaletta,  its 
northern  point.  .  It  is  the  only  locality  in  the  island,  except  the 
lighthouse,  which  is  inhabited,  and  here  there  are  a  few  fishermen. 

Spalmatoi  Bay,  on  the  eastern  side,  extends  ^  mile  northwestward 
from  its  entrance  between  Punta  del  Calettino  and  Punta  di  San 
Francesco,  ^  mile  northeastward,  and  its  shores  are  generally  bare  and 
rocky ;  the  depths  decrease  from  30  fathoms  in  the  entrance  to  about 
10  fathoms  near  the  shores;  although  affording  shelter  from  all  but 
southeast  winds,  the  holding  ground  is  bad. 

Light. — A  flashing  white  light  is  exhibited  from  a  white  octag- 
onal tower  30  feet  high,  with  white  dwelling  attached,  on  a  hill  about 
200  yards  northwestward  of  Rossa  Point,  the  southern  point  of  the 
island,  elevated  200  feet  above  the  sea,  visible  15  miles. 

Goniniunication. — A  boat  is  sent  to  Giannutri  from  Porto 
Ercole  every  15  days. 


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CHAPTER  VL 


THE  ISLAND  OF  SARDINIA. 

North  coast. — Capo  Testa  (the  ancient  Erebantium  Prom.) 
forms  with  Capo  Feno  (Corsica),  which  bears  347*^,  distant  9  miles 
from  it,  the  western  entrance  to  Bonifacio  Strait.  Capo  Testa,  a 
small  peninsula,  nearly  circular,  is  united  to  the  coast  by  a  neck  of 
sand,  and  rugged;  its  western  face  is  formed  of  bare  granite  cliffs, 
fringed  with  rocks  which  extend  seaward  ^  mile.  A  signal  tower, 
named  Torre  Santa  Betarata,  stands  on  its  summit  at  an  elevation  of 
417  feet  above  the  sea. 

Light. — Near  the  northern  extremity  of  Capo  Testa  a  white 
square  tower,  76  feet  in  height  and  surmounting  a  white  dwelling, 
exhibits  at  an  elevation  of  220  feet  above  the  sea  an  alternating 
fixed  and  flashing  white  and  red  light;  it  is  visible  20  miles.  (For 
arc  of  visibility  see  Light  List.) 

Lloyd^s  signal  station — Semaphore. — Near  the  lighthouse  is 
a  Lloyd's  signal  station  and  a  black  and  white  semaphore,  at  an 
elevation  of  137  feet  above  the  sea,  with  which  vessels  can  com- 
municate. 

Outlying  dangers. — North  Testa  Eock,  nbout  20  yards  in  di- 
ameter and  with  a  depth  of  3^  fathoms,  lies  264*^  1.1  miles  from 
Capo  Testa  Lighthouse. 

South  Testa  Eock,  30  yards  in  diameter,  with  a  least  depth  of 
4  fathoms,  lies  236"^  1.6  miles  from  Capo  Testa  Lighthouse. 

There  is  deep  water  between  these  rocks  and  the  shore. 

Foul  rocky  ground  extends  800  yards  westward  of  the  cape. 

Two  shoals  of  small  extent,  with  the  least  depth  of  4^  and  4 
fathoms,  lie  respectively  220°  distant  J  mile,  and  211°  1,800  yards 
from  Torre  Santa  Eeparata,  and  there  are  other  shoals  between  these 
and  the  shore. 

Baia  di  Santa  Reparata. — On  the  northern  side  of  the  promon- 
tory of  Capo  Testa  is  Cala  Spinosa,  a  small  cove,  and  farther  east- 
ward Baia  di  Santa  Eeparata,  formed  by  the  neck  of  sand  uniting  the 
promontory  to  the  coast,  is  nearly  circular,  800  yards  deep,  with 
11  fathoms  water  at  the  entrance,  which  depth  diminishes  gradually 
to  the  beach.  Small  vessels  here  find  shelter  from  nearly  all  winds, 
being  only  exposed  to  the  north  westerly  swell  when  the  wind  is  from 

301 

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392  THE   ISLAND  OF   SABDINIA. 

that  quarter.  A  chapel  stands  near  the  beach  in  the  western  comer 
of  the  bay.  Near  Gala  Spinosa  the  columns  for  the  Pantheon  of 
Eome  were  said  to  have  been  quarried,  and  many  shafts  and  other 
parts  of  such-like  structures  were,  not  very  long  since,  lying  near  the 
chapel  on  the  beach. 

Water  may  be  procured  from  a  grotto  near  the  sea. 

Isolotto  Monica,  about  1  mile  northeastward  of  Baia  di  Santa 
Reparata  and  lying  close  to  the  coast,  is  400  yards  in  length,  in  a 
north  and  south  direction,  surrounded  by  rocks  and  shallow -water, 
and  from  it  the  rocks  extend  nearly  400  yards  to  the  northeastward 
and  northwestward. 

Porto  LongosardOy  entered  i  mile  southeastward  of  Isolotto 
Monica,  extends  f  mile  in  a  south-southwesterly  direction,  and  is 
about  700  yards  wide  at  the  entrance,  but  narrows  to  200  yards  across, 
at  nearly  halfway  in,  where,  abreast  Santa  Teresa  Gallura  Village, 
there  is  only  a  depth  of  6  feet,  over  a  bottom  of  mud  and  weed; 
outside  this  are  depths  of  3  to  10  fathoms. 

The  port  is  used  by  small  vessels,  which  find  fair  shelter,  and  no 
great  inconvenience  from  northerly  winds.  A  circular  towerj  130 
feet  above  the  sek,  at  the  southwestern  end  of  a  triangular  wall, 
stands  on  the  western  point  of  entrance;  near  the  western  shore  of 
the  port,  south  westward  of  the  tower,  is  the  village  above  mentioned, 
and  on  a  height  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  inlet  is  a  castle  in  ruins. 

Shoals. — ^At  about  700  yards  from  the  shore,  and  16°  from  the 
above  tower,  is  a  rocky  shoal  with  11  feet  water  over  it,  and,  nearly 
midway  between  it  and  the  shore,  another  shoal  on  which  the  depth 
is  3  fathoms. 

A  shoal  with  a  depth  of  11  feet  over  it  lies  1,600  yards  40°  distant 
from  the  town. 

Buoys. — Both  the  11-foot  shoals  are  marked  by  buoys.  The 
one  on  the  starboard  hand,  entering,  is  a  black  conical  buoy  with 
black  staff  and  cone;  that  on  the  port  hand  is  a  red  conical  buoy  with 
red  staff  and  drum. 

Communication. — Steamers  between  Porto  Torres  and  Genoa 
call  here,  and  there  is  telegraphic  communication  at  limited  hours. 

Supplies. — Fresh  provisions  in  small  quantities  may  be  obtained. 

Landing. — A  small  landing  mole  is  situated  at  the  head  of  the 
port. 

Punta  Falcone^  IJ  miles  eastward  of  the  tower  on  the  western 
side  of  the  entrance  to  Porto  Longosardo,  and  the  northern  extremity 
of  Sardinia  is  modei-ately  high  and  rugged,  and  between  it  and 
Punta  Marmorata,  i  mile  farther  eastward,  rocks  and  shoals  extend 
for  nearly  i  mile  in  a  northeasterly  direction.  The  coast  between 
Porto  Longosardo  and  Punta  Falcone  is  foul,  especially  on  the 


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THE   ISLAND   OF   SARDINIA.  393 

western  side  of  the  entrance  to  Porto  Quadro,  where  a  group  of  rocks 
extend  200  yards  from  the  shore. 

The  strait,  between  Piinta  Falcone  and  Pecca  Lavezzi,  from  the 
5-fathcm  curve  is  3  miles  wide,  with  depths  of  from  35  to  38  fathoms 
in  the  center. 

Signal  station — Semaphore. — On  Punta  Falcone  is  a  black  and 
white  semaphore,  with  which  vessels  can  communicate. 

Submarine  vessels — Caution. — See  pa^e  37. 

Contra  di  li  Scale — ^Beacon. — On  Contra  di  li  Scale,  a  liill  307 
feet  high,  about  1,200  yards  southward  of  Pimta  Falcoms  is  a  white 
masonry  beacon.  A  line  through  this  beacon  and  a  similar  one  on 
Punta  Marmorata  marks  the  western  territorial  limit  of  the  Sar- 
dinian tunny  fisheries. 

Isole  Marmorata. — About  i  mile  east-southeastward  of  Punta 
Falcone  is  Punta  Marmorata,  with  a  white  masonry  beacon  on  its 
extremity,  and  close  beyond  it  and  near  the  coast  are  two  islets  of 
the  same  name,  lying  in  a  northeast  and  southwest  direction ;  rocks 
and  shallow  water  extend  600  yards  to  the  northeastward  of  the 
islets;  also  about  300  yards  eastward. 

Punta  MonterossOy  2  miles  southeastward  of  Punta  Marmorata, 
is  rugged  and  surrounded  by  rocks,  which  extend  J  mile  to  the 
northeastward;  the  outer  of  these  rocks,  named  Paganetto,  is  awash. 
Scogli  Colombo  lie  near  the  coast  about  ^  mile  to  the  southeastward 
of  the  point. 

Beacon. — Scoglio  Paganetto  is  marked  by  a  white  iron  pole 
beacon  and  surmounted  by  a  flag,  but  no  dependence  should  be  placed 
on  it. 

Secca  Colombo^  having  a  depth  of  23  feet,  is  of  small  extent  and 
situated  southeastward  distant  900  yards  from  Scoglio  Paganett'). 

Clearing  mark. — ^The  southwestern  point  of  Isola  di  Santo 
Stefano  in  line  with  Pmita  Sardegna,  bearing  123°,  leads  to  the 
northward  of  Scoglio  Paganetto  and  Secca  Colombo. 

Porto  FozzOy  a  narrow  vein  of  water,  with  depths  of  from  3^  to 
8  fathoms,  extends  for  a  distance  of  nearly  1^  miles,  between  the 
main  island  and  the  western  side  of  Isole  delle  Vacche.  The  entrance 
is  about  200  yards  in  width  in  the  deep-water  channel,  from  which 
the  inlet  slightly  enlarges  in  width,  and  at  the  distance  of  IJ  miles 
it  is  about  300  yards  wide,  with  a  depth  of  3f  fathoms,  over  mud  and 
weeds.  At  the  head  of  the  inlet  there  is  a  basin,  somewhat  circular, 
with  from  5  to  8  fathoms  of  water,  over  mud. 

Although  the  mouth  of  the  inlet  is  open  to  the  northward,  it  is 
not  much  aflfected  by  the  sea,  being  protected  by  the  islands  and 
south  coast  of  Corsica. 

Anchorage. — The  anchorage  is  on  the  island  side,  1  mile  within 
the  entrance,  in  6  fathoms  water,  over  a  bottom  of  mud  and  weeds; 

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394  THE   ISLAND  OF   SARDINIA. 

to  the  southward  the  shore  is  a  sandy  beach,  and  here  i?everal  small 
streams  flow  into  the  sea. 

Isole  delle  Vacche,  which  bounds  the  eastern  side  of  Porto 
Pozzo,  is  1.6  miles  in  length  in  a  north  and  south  direction,  308  feet 
above  the  sea,  and  united  to  the  main  island  by  a  small  neck  of  sand. 
A  shoal,  with  3|  fathoms  water  over  it,  extends  about  600  yards 
northward  of  the  island,  and  its  eastern  coast  is  bordered  by  shallow 
water  extending  for  a  distance  of  about  400  yards. 

Beacon. — Secca  Macchiamala,  nearly  1  mile  south-southeastward 
of  the  northern  point  of  the  island,  and  extending  about  400  yards 
from  the  shore,  is  marked  by  a  white  iron  pole  beacon,  surmounted 
by  a  red  flag. 

Porto  Liscia^  a  nearly  semicircular  bay,  is  formed  between  the 
southeastern  side  of  Isole  delle  Vacche,  and  Isole  Cavalli,  w^hich  is 
nearly  |  mile  in  length,  in  a  north  and  south  dii-ection,  52  feet  above 
the  sea,  and  also  joined  to  the  shore  by  a  small  sandy  neck.  The 
bay,  f  mile  wide  at  its  entrance,  is  open  to  the  northward,  but  there 
is  some  shelter  in  the  western .  corner  under  Isole  delle  Vacche,  in 
about  11  fathoms  water,  over  weeds.  Fiume  Liscia,  having  its  source 
in  the  mountains  beyond  Tempio  Pansania,  flows  into  the  bay,  after 
winding  down  the  hills,  and  out  through  a  marshy  plain. 

A  weedy  shoal,  with  5  fathoms  water  over  it,  lies  at  the  entrance 
to  Porto  Liscia,  and  southeastward,  distant  600  j^ards  from  the  east- 
ern point  of  Isole  delle  Vacche,  and  a  bank,  about  100  yards  in  ex- 
tent, with  a  least  depth  of  3|  fathoms,  lies  within  the  port,  and 
bears  199°,  distant  900  yards  from  the  same  point. 

Porto  PoUo^  on  the  eastern  side  of  Isole  Cavalli,  is  a  bay  about  1 
mile  deep  and  800  yards  wide  at  the  entrance,  with  irregular  shores; 
the  shore  at  the  head  of  the  bay  is  a  continuation  of  the  low  sandy 
beach  of  Porto  Liscia.  An  islet,  46  feet  above  the  sea,  lies  in  the  inner 
part,  but  the  passage  northward  and  eastward  of  it  is  only  suitable 
for  boats. 

Anchorage. — Large  vessels  may  anchor,  in  case  of  necessity,  in 
the  entrance,  in  9  fathoms  water,  over  weeds  partially  sheltered  from 
northerly  winds  by  the  islands  in  the  vicinity.  To  the  southward  of 
the  islet  there  is  excellent  anchorage  for  small  vessels,  in  a  depth  of 
about  8  fathoms:  a  shoal,  with  2  fathoms  water  over  it,  lies  i  mile 
northwestward  of  the  island. 

Coast. — From  Punta  Diego,  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  entrance 
to  Porto  Polio,  and  oif  which  a  shoal  extends  300  yards  in  a  north- 
western direction,  the  coast,  for  a  distance  of  IJ  miles,  in  an  easterly 
direction  to  Punta  Sardegna,  is  clear  of  danger.  Cala  di  Trana,  ^ 
mile  westward  of  Punta  Sardegna,  is  open  to  the  northward,  has 
from  5  to  8  fathoms  water,  a  sandy  beach,  and  is  used  by  coasting 
vessels.    Punta  Sardegna  forms,  with  Isola  Maddalena,  a  channel  f 

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THE  ISLAND  OF  SARDINIA.  395 

mile  wide,  which  will  be  described  with  the  adjacent  islands.  (See 
Caution,  page  401.) 

Light— Punta  Sardegna. — ^A  flashing  white  light  is  exhibited 
from  a  white  building,  situated  near  the  northern  extremity  of  Punta 
Sardegna;  the  center  of  the  lantern  is  elevated  115  feet.  (See  Light 
List.) 

Water. — ^There  is  a  spring  of  good  water  in  Cala  di  Trana. 

Submarine  telegraph  cable. — A  telegraph  cable  connects  Isola 
Maddalena  with  the  main  island  in  the  neighborhood  of  Punta  Sar- 
degna. 

Bada  di  Mezzo  Schifo  (Agincourt  Boad). — From  Punta  Sar- 
degna the  coast  is  clear  and  bold,  and  trends  southward  1^  miles 
nearly  to  a  bay  named  Mezzo  Schifo,  with  a  sandy  beach  at  its  head ; 
the  bay  is  said  to  be  safe  and  commodious  for  all  classes  of  vessels, 
and  though  open  to  the  northward  no  great  sea  sets  in,  and  the  hold- 
ing ground  is  good. 

Anchorage. — The  anchorage,  in  11  fathoms  water,  over  weed, 
is  southeastward  of  Punta  Stropello,  abfiut  J  mile  from  the  shore, 
with  Punta  Sardegna  bearing  331°,  and  Capo  Ferro  Lighthouse  in 
range  with  the  southern  point  of  Santo  Stefano,  bearing  110°;  in 
the  northern  part  of  the  road  the  holding  ground  is  bad. 

Secca  di  Mezzo  Passo^  a  group  of  three  black  rocks  2  feet  above 
the  sea,  lies  i  mile  to  the  southwestward  of  Forte  Tegge,  Isole  Mad- 
dalena. 

Beacon. — A  white  pyramidal  stone  beacon  marks  the  rocks. 

Secca  del  Parau  or  Faura,  a  group  of  four  rocks  about  3  feet 
above  the  sea  (with  a  rock  awash  on  their  western  side),  lying  about 
800  yards  south-southeastward  of  Mezzo  Passo,  are  on  the  eastern 
side  of  the  main  channel ;  the  water  is  deep  200  yards  from  them. 

Beacons  and  buoy. — The  western  and  southern  extremities  of 
the  rocks  are  marked  by  white  stone  pyramidal  beacons;  the  north- 
eastern extremities  by  a  white  conical  buoy,  surmounted  by  a  cylinder 
with  *'  Parau  "  on  it  in  black. 

La  Faura  Islet — Beacon. — A  white  truncated  pyramidal  ma- 
sonry beacon,  7.8  feet  high,  is  erected  on  the  shoal  close  to  the  13-foot 
sounding  west-northwestward  of  La  Paura  Islet. 

Prohibited  anchorage.— Between  a  line  joining  Punta  Sardegna 
and  Punta  Nido  d'Aquila  on  Isole  Maddalena  in  an  east-northeast- 
ward direction,  and  a  line  from  Punta  Stropello,  104°  to  the  south 
beacon  of  Secca  del  Parau,  from  which  it  is  extended  northeastward 
to  Punta  Nera  on  Isole  Maddalena,  in  an  area  over  which  anchorage 
is  prohibited. 

Parau  is  the  name  of  a  bay  |  mile  southeastward  of  Mezzo  Schifo. 
On  the  western  side  of  the  bay  is  the  village  of  Parau,  where  a  small 


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396  THE   ISLAND  OF   SARDINIA. 

quantity  of  fresh  provisions  and  a  plentiful  supply  of  water  may 
be  obtained;  there  is  also  a  small  pier  about  100  feet  in  length. 

Secca  Due  Piagge — Beacon. — A  shoal,  with  13  feet  of  water 
over  it,  lies  400  yards  westward  of  Punta  Nera,  the  eastern  point 
of  the  bay,  and  is  marked  by  an  iron  pole  beacon  surmounted  by  a 
white  cylindrical  topmark. 

Capo  d'Orso  is  the  termination  of  a  high,  barren  mount  of  the 
same  name,  the  sharp,  rocky  summit  of  which,  from  some  points  of 
view,  resembles  a  bear  reclining,  whence  it  takes  its  name.  Between 
the  cape  and  Rada  di  Mezzo  Schifo,  a  distance  of  2J  miles,  the  coast 
is  fringed  by  rocky  and  foul  ground  extending  seaward  nearly  300 
yards. 

A  rocky  shoal  of  small  extent,  having  a  depth  of  5^  fathoms  over 
it,  lies  in  the  channel  between  Capo  d'Orso  and  Isolotto  Porco,  and 
bears  104°,  distant  1  mile  from  Capo  d'Orso. 

Golf  o  Saline,  1  mile  southward  of  Capo  d'Orso,  is  nearly  1  mile 
deep  and  ^  mile  wide  at  the  entrance,  with  9  fathoms  water  in  the 
center,  and  3  fathoms  near  the  beach  at  its  head;  though  open  to 
the  eastward  it  is  somewhat  protected  by  Punta  Rossa,  Isole  Caprera. 

Anchorage. — There  is  anchorage  at  the  entrance  and  within  the 
bay,  in  from  8  to  12  fathoms  water,  over  a  bottom  of  weed. 

Golf o  di  Arsachena. — From  Golfo  Saline  the  coast  trends  to  the 
southward  for  a  distance  of  3.3  miles  to  the  head  of  the  Golfo  di 
Arsachena.  From  Capo  Tre  Monti,  on  the  eastern  side  of  entrance, 
the  gulf  is  about  2f  miles  deep,  f  mile  wide,  with  from  5  to  11 
fathoms  water,  over  mud  and  weed,  and  affords  shelter  to  all  classes 
of  vessels;  this  anchorage  was  much  used  by  Lord  Nelson. 

The  head  of  the  gulf  as  well  as  its  western  shore  is  shallow,  and 
should  be  cautiously  approached ;  off  the  eastern  point  there  is  a  rock 
nearly  700  yards  off,  but  above  the  shore  is  less  foul.  The  entrance 
to  this  gulf,  open  to  the  northward,  is  formed  between  Punta 
Arsachena,  on  the  west,  and  Capo  Tre  Monti  on  the  east,  the  former 
being  2|  miles  to  the  southward  of  Capo  d'Orso,  and  the  latter  3 
miles  southeastward  of  the  same  cape. 

Beacon. — A  rock,  with  5  feet  water  over  it,  is  situated  650  yards 
170°  from  Punta  Arsachena,  is  marked  by  an  iron  pole  beacon,  sur- 
mounted by  a  sphere. 

Capo  Tre  Monti,  the  termination  of  a  height  with  three  peaks 
immediately  within  it,  is  bordered  on  its  western  side  by  shallow 
water,  which  extends  off  about  ^  mile.  The  whole  space  between 
Capes  Orso  and  Tre  Monti  affords  shelter  from  all  winds,  and  is 
protected  by  Caprera  and  the  other  islands  from  the  sea  caused  by 
northerly  gales. 

A  shoal  extends  300  yards  northwestward  of  Punta  Battistone, 
1  mile  eastward  of  Capo  Tre  Monti. 


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THE  ISLAND  OF   SARDINIA.  397 

Seccft  Tre  Monti. — A  rocky  shoal,  with  17  feet  water  over  it, 
lies  1,600  yards  348°  from  Capo  Tre  Monti ;  there  are  depths  of  from 
14  to  21  fathoms  between. 

The  southwestern  point  of  Isola  Santo  Stefano  just  open  of  Capo 
d'Orso,  bearing  300°,  leads  to  the  northward  of  Secca  Tre  Monti. 

Lightbuoy. — A  lightbuoy,  exhibiting  a  flashing  red  light,  is 
moored  at  a  distance  of  100  yards  64°  from  the  center  of  Secca  Tre 
Monti.  It  is  visible  6  miles.  The  light  support  has  horizontal  red 
and  black  bands.    (See  Light  List) 

Anchorage. — At  the  entrance  to  the  gulf  and  ^  mile  off  either 
point,  there  will  be  found  depths  of  from  7  to  11  fathoms,  over  good 
holding  ground,  and  sheltered  from  all  winds,  especially  those  from 
the  eastward,  round  south,  to  about  northeast.  This  anchorage  is 
named  Rada  di  Arsachena;  a  fair  berth  is  in  11  fathoms  water,  on 
the  parallel  of  Capo  Tre  Monti,  halfway  between  it  and  the  western 
shore ;  inside  the  gulf  the  5-f athom  curve  extends  generally  from  600 
to  800  yards  from  the  shore  on  either  side,  leaving  only  a  narrow 
vein  of  depths  of  from  6  to  10  fathoms  between. 

Prohibited  anchorage. — Anchorage  is  prohibited  within  the 
area  bounded  to  the  eastward  by  a  line  joining  Isoli  Pecora  and 
Cappuccini,  and  to  the  westward  by  a  line  joining  Isolotto  Porco 
and  Capo  Tre  Monti. 

Landing  is  prohibited  in  the  vicinity  of  Capo  Tre  Monti  battery ; 
also  on  any  part  of  the  coast  between  Punta  Battistone,  Capo  Tre 
Monti,  and  Baia  Mucchi-bianchi. 

Water. — A  small  stream  nms  into  the  head  of  the  gulf,  and  water 
can  be  procured  on  the  western  side. 

Capo  Ferro. — From  Capo  Tre  Monti  the  coast,  trending  in  a  gen- 
eral easterly  direction  to  Capo  Ferro,  forms  several  coves  and  pro- 
jecting points.  This  cape,  the  northeastern  extremity  of  Sardinia, 
is  moderately  high,  rugged,  and  bold  on  its  northeastern  side,  and 
of  a  dark,  iron  red  color,  with  a  table  summit.  Some  rocks  above, 
and  others  under  water,  lie  off  its  northeastern  part,  but  not  exceed- 
ing 200  yards  from  the  shore ;  others  to  the  southeastward  of  the  cape 
at  about  400  yards  from  the  shore. 

Light. — On  the  hill,  at  the  northeastern  part  of  Capo  Ferro,  is  a 
yellow  circular  tower,  59  feet  in  height,  and  surmounting  a  dwell- 
ing, which  exhibits,  at  an  elevation  of  171  feet  above  the  sea,  a  fixed 
and  flashing  white  light,  visible  16  miles. 

From  a  window  in  the  same  tower  a  fixed  red  light  is  exhibited  at 
an  elevation  of  140  feet  above  the  sea,  which  is  visible  5  miles.  (For 
arc  of  visibility,  see  Light  List  and  Chart.) 

Signal  station — Semaphore. — About  400  yards  east-southeast- 
ward of  Capo  Ferro  Lighthouse  is  a  semaphore,  151  feet  above  the 
sea,  with  which  vessels  can  communicate:  the  semaphore  is  worked 

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398  THE  ISLAND  OP   SARDINIA. 

both  by  day  and  night.  Signals  respecting  submarine  vessels  are 
made  here. 

Cala  Liscia  di  Vacca,  immediately  westward  of  Capo  Ferro,  is 
more  t!inn  J  mile  deep  and  nearly  the  same  broad,  with  from  7  to  14 
fathoms  water ;  it  has  good  holding  ground  and  affords  shelter  from 
all  winds  for  small  vessels.  Cappuccini,  a  small  islet,  lies  on  the 
northern  side  of  the  entrance  of  the  cove,  about  i  mile  from  the  land 
of  Capo  Ferro,  and  midway  between  there  is  a  depth  of  3|  fathoms, 
with  rocks  on  both  sides  of  the  channel. 

Anchorage. — The  anchorage,  southward  of  the  islet,  is  in  about 
10  fathoms  water,  over  weed,  400  yards  distant  from  the  shore;  off 
the  southern  side  of  the  cove  is  a  small  rock  and  shoal,  lying  300 
yards  from  the  shore. 

Isola  Biscie^  lying  about  J  mile  northward  of  Capo  Ferro,  is 
about  i  mile  in  length  in  a  northwesterly  and  southeasterly  direction, 
and  600  yards  in  breadth,  low,  barren,  with  several  rocks  aroxmd  it, 
the  largest  being  on  the  southwestern  side.  A  group  of  rocks  lies  800 
yards  northward  of  Isola  Biscie,  and  in  the  channel  between  there 
is  3^  fathoms  water. 

The  channel  formed  by  Capo  Ferro  and  Isola  Biscie  is  clear  and 
deep,  having  a  depth  of  13  fathoms  in  mid-channel,  and  is  frequently 
used  by  vessels  from  the  ports  on  the  east  coast  of  Sardinia  to  Mad- 
dalena  and  vice  versa.    See  Caution  and  Prohibited  passage,  p.  401.) 

Secca  delle  Biscie^  nearly  1^  miles  northeastward  of  the  center 
of  Isola  Biscie,  consists  of  fouv  rocky  heads  in  a  space  about  700 
yards  in  extent,  in  an  easterly  ?*nd  westerly  direction ;  on  the  western 
head  the  least  depth  is  2i  fathoms,  and  on  the  eastern  3 J  fathoms; 
there  are  9  and  12  fathoms  water  around,  and,  between  it  and  the 
island,  depths  of  from  15  to  22  fathoms.  From  the  least  water,  on  the 
western  head,  Capo  Ferro  Lighthouse  bears  193"^,  distant  nearly  2 
miles.    The  fixed  red  light  on  Capo  Ferro  shows  over  this  shoal. 

Secca  Pecora,  about  200  yards  in  extent,  and  having  2f  fathoms 
water  over  it,  lies  i  mile  316^  from  the  northwestern  point  of  Isola 
Biscie.  A  rocky  patch  about  100  yards  in  extent,  and  having  3J  fath- 
oms water  over  it,  lies  600  yards  283°  from  the  same  point.  The 
description  of  the  coast  of  Sardinia  is  continued  on  page  408. 

Intermediate  Islands  (Arcipelago  della  Maddalena). — ^The  sev- 
eral islands  lying  off  the  northeast  coast  of  Sardinia,  and  between 
it  and  Corsica,  are  known  as  the  Intermediates  (Arcipelago  della 
Maddalena) ;  they  are  composed  of  red  granite,  and  form,  with  the 
Sardinia  coast,  secure  shelter  for  any  class  of  vessels. 

Isola  Sazzoliy  the  northwestern  of  the  group,  is  1.3  miles  in 
length  in  a  northwestern  and  southeastern  direction,  and  1,600  yards 
in  breadth,  rocky  and  arid ;  Monte  Cappello,  near  the  southern  end,  is 
213  feet  above  tlie  sea.     Tiiere  are  two  coves,  one  on  tlio  east,  tlie 

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THE  ISLAND  OF  SARDINIA.  399 

other  on  the  west,  but  they  are  only  suitable  for  fishing  boats.  Two 
small  islets  named  Callot  and  some  sunken  rocks  lie  about  200  yards 
off  the  northern  end ;  and  Secca  di  Eazzoli,  having  4J  fathoms  water 
over  it,  lies  ^  miles  310°  from  the  lighthouse. 

Light. — On  a  ridge  200  yards  within  the  northwestern  point  of 
Isola  Razzoli,  on  the  southern  side  of  the  eastern  entrance  to  Boni- 
facio Strait,  is  a  tower,  painted  in  black  and  white  horizontal  bands, 
89  feet  in  height,  with  a  square  base,  which  exhibits,  at  an  elevation 
of  282  feet  above  the  sea,  an  occulting  white  light  with  a  red  sector. 
The  sector  shows  over  Secca  Lavezzi;  the  white  light  is  visible  18 
miles,  and  the  red  light  15  miles.  (For  arc  of  visibility  and  sector, 
see  Light  List  and  Chart.)     (Reported  irregular,  1912.) 

Isola  Santa  Maria^  161  feet  above  the  sea,  and  cultivated,  is  sepa- 
rated from  the  eastern  side  of  Razzoli  by  a  narrow  channel  only  100 
yards  wide  and  3  feet  deep ;  the  two  islands,  of  nearly  equal  extent, 
appear  as  one.  The  northern  end  of  Santa  Mari^  is  nearly  united  to 
Isolotto  La  Presa,  which  is  164  feet  above  the  sea,  and  about  ^  mile 
in  length,  in  an  east  and  west  direction ;  it  forms,  with  Santa  Maria, 
Baia  Bacicia,  open  to  the  westward,  with  12  to  18  fathoms  water  in 
the  middle,  sheltered  from  all  winds  but  those  from  the  northwest, 
and  terminating  in  a  beach. 

There  is  a  small  cove  with  a  beach  on  the  southeast  coast,  off 
which,  in  case  of  necessity,  small  vessels  may  obtain  shelter  with  off- 
shore winds.  A  rocky  patch  with  2  feet  water  over  it  lies  about  300 
yards  off  the  eastern  point  of  the  cove,  and  other  shoals  are  reported 
to  exist,  so  great  caution  is  necessary  until  a  proper  examination  has 
been  made ;  several  rocks  above  water  lie  off  the  western  point. 

Isola  Santa  Maria — Light. — An  occulting  white  light  is  shown 
from  a  lighthouse  erected  on  Punta  Filetto,  the  eastern  extremity  of 
Isola  Santa  Maria.  The  lighthouse  is  painted  black  and  white  in 
horizontal  bands. 

Isola  Budelliy  lyir^g  southwestward  of  Razzoli  and  Santa  Maria 
Islands,  is  barren,  and  of  about  the  same  extent  as  the  others;  Monte 
Budelli,  on  the  southern  side,  is  285  feet  above  the  sea.  It  forms,  with 
the  southern  coasts  of  the  other  two  islands,  a  curved  channel  named 
CanallettOj  JTnile  wide,  but  the  southeastern  entrance  to  it  is  ob- 
structed by  a  group  of  rocks  named  Cecca  di  Morto,  leaving  only  a 
boat  passage  between  them  and  Isola  Budelli. 

Beacon. — ^There  is  a  white  masonry  beacon  on  the  southern  point 
of  Isola  Budelli.  This  beacon,  in  conjunction  with  one  on  Guardia 
dell  Turco  (Isola  della  Maddalena),  marks  the  limit  of  the  Sar- 
dinian tunny  fisheries. 

Secca  Budelli^  with  a  depth  of  3J  fathoms,  lies  southwestward 
of  Punta  Cistema,  the  western  extremity  of  Isola  Budelli,  distant 
1.200  Tjird?. 


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400  THE  ISLAND  OF  SAKDINIA. 

Isolotti  Corcelli,  Barrettlniy  Barrettinelli.— The  island  of 
Santa  Maria  forms,  with  the  northern  extremity  of  Maddalena,  a 
passage  2J  miles  wide,  which  is  obstructed  by  four  large  and  some 
smaller  islets;  the  three  northern  islets  are  named  Corcelli,  the 
western  102  feet  above  the  sea;  the  center  Barrettini  (131  feet),  and 
the  southern  Barrettinelli. 

Passo  di  Santa  Maria^  the  channel  between  Santa  Maria  and 
the  islets,  is  i  mile  wide,  and  has  general  depths  of  from  9  to  13 
fathoms,  but  nearly  in  mid-channel  is  Secca  Barrettini,  about  100 
yards  in  extent,  and  having  3^  fathoms  water  over  it.  From  the 
shoal  the  southwestern  extremity  of  Isolotto  Corcelli  bears  130°, 
distant  700  yards;  its  position  is  generaly  perceptible  from  the 
strong  current  ripple  near  it.  Vessels  should  keep  on  the  western  side 
of  mid-channel. 

Passo  di  Barrettini  (Barrettinelli),  the  other  channel  between 
Isolotto  Barrettinelli  and  Maddalena,  is  I  mile  wide,  and,  with  the 
exception  of  a  patch  with  9  fathoms  water  over  it,  has  depths  of 
from  26  to  33  fathoms.  By  keeping  in  mid-channel,  there  is  no 
difficulty  in  passing  through  the  channel. 

The  channel  between  Corcelli  and  Barrettini  Islets  is  400  yards  in 
width,  between  the  5-fathom  curve,  and  has  depths  of  from  10  to  13 
fathoms. 

Isola  Sparg^y  1^  miles  to  the  southward  of  Budelli,  and  about 
the  same  distance  from  the  coast  of  Sardinia,  is  nearly  circular,  IJ 
miles  in  diameter,  and  more  populous  than  any  of  the  others; 
Guardia  Preposti,  the  highest  point  near  the  southern  end,  is  509  feet 
above  the  sea.  On  the  southwestern  side  are  two  coves  named  Cala 
d'Arga  and  Cala  Corsara. 

A  rocky  shoal,  with  45  fathoms  water  over  it,  lies  i  mile  eastward 
of  Punta  Bonifazzina,  the  northeastern  point  of  the  island. 

Washington  Rock^  100  yards  in  diameter,  and  having  a  depth 
of  35  fathoms,  lies  with  Punta  Bonifazzina  bearing  124°,  distant  1 
mile. 

Secca  Corsara^  with  1^  fathoms  water  over  it,  and  steep-to,  lies 
i  mile  from  the  southwestern  end  of  the  island. 

Buoy. — A  square  buoy  with  a  pyramidal  iron  framework  sur- 
mounted by  a  cylindrical  topmark  is  moored  on  the  southern  side 
of  the  rock. 

Clearing  mark. — The  southwestern  point  of  Isola  di  Santo 
Stefano  in  range  with  Punta  Sardegna,  bearing  123°,  leads  south- 
ward of  Secca  Corsara. 

Isola  Spargiotto,  157  feet  above  the  sea,  lies  about  800  yards 
westward  of  Spargi,  and  the  channel  between  being  foul,  should 
not  be  navigated;  Spargiottello,  a  small  rock,  is  situated  on  the 
northwestern  side  of  Spargiotto,  and  a  rock,  with  li  fathoms  water 


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THE  ISLAND  OF   SABBINIA.  401 

over  it,  lies  200  yards  westward  of  the  islet,  and  one  with  a  similar 
depth,  at  the  same  distance  southwestward  of  it. 

Channels — Caution. — Between  Spargi  and  Maddalena  there  is  a 
clear  channel  1,600  yards  in  width,  with  depths  of  from  21  to  23 
fathoms,  which  is  used  by  vessels  bound  to  and  from  Maddalena,  and 
between  Spargi  and  the  coast  of  Sardinia  a  channel,  1  mile  wide, 
has  depths  of  from  21  to  25  fathoms  in  the  center.  Vessels  passing 
through  the  various  channels  surrounding  Isola  Maddalena  are 
obliged  to  hoist  their  national  flag.  No  dependence  should  be  placed 
on  the  beacons  or  buoys. 

Passage  prohibited. — Merchant  vessels  are  prohibited  from  en- 
tering the  area  contained  within  the  limits  described  below,  unless 
bound  for  any  port  within  those  limits : 

(a)  By  a  line  joining  Capo  Ferro  Semaphore  and  the  summit  of 
the  southwestern  of  Isolotti  Monaci. 

(&)  By  a  line  joining  the  summit  of  the  southwestern  of  Isolotti 
Monaci  to  the  northernmost  extremity  of  the  largest  of  Isolotti  Bar- 
rettini. 

(e)  By  a  line  joining  the  northwestern  islet  of  Isolotti  Barrettini 
to  the  northern  extremity  of  Isola  Spargiotto. 

(d)  By  a  line  joining  the  northern  extremity  of  Spargiotto  and 
Secca  Corsara  Buoy. 

(e)  By  a  line  joining  Secca  Corsara  Buoy  and  the  northern  ex- 
tremity of  Punta  Sardegna. 

(/)  By  the  coastline  between  Punta  Sardegna  and  Capo  Ferro 
Semaphore. 

The  prohibited  area  is  shown  on  the  chart  by  pecked  lines. 

Isola  della  Maddalena^  rather  less  than  1  mile  eastward  of 
Spargi,  and  the  largest  of  the  group,  is  rocky  and  its  shores  is 
fringed  with  rocks.  Guardia  Vecchia,  near  the  southwestern  end, 
is  499  feet  above  the  sea,  and  the  highest  point  of  the  island,  i  mile 
farther  northward,  522  feet.  Punta  Marginetto,  the  northern  ex- 
tremity of  the  island,  is  low  and  surrounded  by  rocks  at  the  distance 
of  300  yards,  and  between  it  and  Isolotto  Barrettinelli  is  the  pass, 
already  mentioned. 

Isolotto  Giardinelli,  on  the  east  coast,  2J  miles  southward  of  Punta 
Maginetto,  is  low,  nearly  circular,  |  mile  in  diameter,  and  close  to 
the  shore.  It  is  fringed  with  rocks  and  shoals  (more  especially 
round  the  eastern  shore)  which  extend  off  more  than  400  yards. 
Westward  of  the  islet  and  between  it  and  some  rocks  off  Maddalena  is 
La  Peticchia,  a  narrow  inlet  ^  mile  deep,  open  to  the  northeastward, 
having  depths  from  3  to  7  fathoms. 

Passo  della  Moneta,  about  700  yards  in  width,  shallow,  and  full  of 
rocks  is  between  the  southeastern  point  of  Isolotto  Giardinelli  and 

68850—17 2e 


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402  THE   ISLAND  OP   SARDINIA. 

Isola  Capera,  and  from  Punta  Moneta,  the  southeastern  extremity  of 
Maddalena,  a  breakwater,  with  an  opening  82  feet  in  width,  crossed 
by  a  swing  bridge,  extends  to  Punta  Puntarella  in  Caprera  and 
affords  shelter  to  the  anchorage  off  the  naval  establishment. 

Ouardia  del  Turco — ^Beaco^. — On  Guardia  del  Turco,  the  north- 
em  summit  of  Isola  della  Maddalena,  276  feet  high,  is  a  white 
masonry  beacon.  Aline  drawn  through  this  beason  and  a  similar 
one  on  the  southern  extremity  of  Isola  Budelli  marks  the  northern 
territorial  limit  of  the  tunny  fishery  between  Sardinia  and  Corsica. 

Isolotto  Chiesa^  about  1  mile  westward  of  Punta  Moneta,  is 
about  300  yards  in  diameter  and  52  feet  above  the  sea.  •  From  its 
southeastern  end  a  mole  extends  in  a  south  and  southwest  direction 
for  a  distance  of  300  yards.  The  eastern  side  of  the  island  is  con- 
nected to  the  main  island  by  a  bridge. 

Breakwater — Lights. — A  breakwater  has  been  constructed  west- 
ward of  Chiesa  Bay  and  two  fixed  red  lights  have  been  erected  on  the 
outer  extremity  on  the  bearings:  Signal  mast,  1°  30%  distant  147 
yards;  two  lights  on  the  breakwater  on  the  southern  end  of  Chiesa 
Island,  121°. 

Liglits. — A  fixed  red  light  is  exhibited,  at  an  elevation  of  16  feet 
feet  above  the  sea  near  the  port  office,  Cala  Gavetta. 

A  fixed  white  and  a  fixed  red  light  are  exhibited,  at  an  elevation  of 
26  and  33  feet  above  the  sea,  respectively,  22  yards  westward  of  the 
head  of  the  landing  pier,  Piazza  Umberto.  A  fixed  white  light  is 
exhibited,  at  an  elevation  of  75  feet  above  the  sea,  from  the  tower 
of  the  commandant's  hou^e.  These  lights  indicate  the  channel 
between  Secca  del  Parau  and  Isolotto  la  Paura. 

On  the  southwestern  extremity  of  the  mole  at  Isolotto  Chiesa  two 
fixed  white  lights,  placed  vertically  6  feet  apart,  are  exhibited,  at 
an  elevation  of  33  feet  above  the  sea,  from  an  iron  column  28  feet 
high  and  are  visible  2  miles. 

A  fixed  green  light,  exhibited  from  a  wooden  pole,  has  been  estab- 
lished on  Isolotto  Chiesa,  shown  from  a  wooden  pole  erected  near  the 
summit  of  the  islet.     (See  Light  List.) 

A  fixed  light  is  shown  from  the  end  of  the  Hospital  Pier.  The 
light  formerly  shown  from  the  window  of  the  Marine  Hospital  has 
been  discontinued. 

Range  lights. — Two  fixed  green  electric  lights  are  shown,  one 
from  a  flagstaff  ne^r  the  northern  angle  of  Fort  Camicio,  and  the 
other  from  a  wooden  post  93  yards  175°  from  it.  These  two  lights 
when  in  range  355°  lead  through  Rada  de  Santo  Stephano,  clear  of 
the  mooring  buoys. 

On  the  western  side  of  the  entrance  to  Cala  Camicia  a  fixed  red 
light  is  exhibited,  12  feet  above  the  sea,  from  a  staff  on  the  coal 


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THE   ISLAND  OF   SARDINIA.  403 

wharf,  and  from  the  end  of  the  landing  pier  on  the  eastern  side  a 
fixed  green  light  is  exhibited,  at  an  elevation  of  22  feet  above  the  sea. 

Radio  station. — There  is  a  radio  station  on  Isolotto  Chiesa  which 
is  always  open  to  the  general  public.    The  call  letters  are  M  B  V. 

Beacon. — About  200  yards  southwestward  of  the  light-column  on 
the  mole  is  a  stone  beacon,  painted  white,  about  7  feet  high,  marking 
the  southern  side  of  the  channel  between  the  mole  and  Isolo  Santo 
Stefano.  This  channel  is  only  suitable  for  vessels  of  light  draft,  the 
least  water  being  2  fathoms. 

Scoglio  Nasse — Beacon. — On  Scoglio  Nasse,  a  rock  above  water, 
lying  150  yards  northward  of  the  northeastern  extremity  of  Santo 
Stefano,  is  a  white  mast  surmounted  by  a  black  flag;  the  rock  is 
also  white. 

Buoys. — A  black  iron  conical  buoy,  surmounted  by  a  staff  and 
cone,  base  downward,  marked  "  Isola  Chiesa  "  in  white,  is  moored 
160  yards  westward  of  the  mole  end,  and  between  the  depths  are 
less  than  6  feet. 

A  white  barrel-shaped  buoy  is  moored  on  the  northern  side  of  a 
1-fathom  shoal,  which  lies  about  300  yards  southwestward  of  the 
light  on  the  western  side  of  the  entrance  to  Cala  Camicia. 

Two  buoys  lie  east-northeastward  of  Scoglie  Nasse;  one,  distant 
100  yards,  is  a  pole  surmounted  with  a  sphere  and  a  half  sphere,  and 
the  other,  a  red  conical  buoy,  surmounted  by  a  cylinder,  with  "  Nasse  " 
on  it  in  white,  marks  the  edge  of  the  shoal  water,  distant  160  yards. 

A  rock,  with  6  feet  of  water  over  it,  lies  50  yards  southward  of 
the  end  of  the  Hospital  Pier. 

A  shoal,  with  4^  fathoms  water  over  it,  situated  about  600  yards 
southwestward  of  the  coal  wharves,  is  marked  on  its  southern  side 
by  a  bell-buoy. 

About  200  yards  northward  of  this  shoal  is  another,  on  which  the 
depth  is  2\  fathoms;  it  is  marked  by  a  buoy,  but  is  within  the  line  of 
prohibited  anchorage. 

Naval  establishment. — Between  Punta  Moneta  and  Isolotto 
Chiesa  are  two  small  coves,  named  Cala  Camicia  and  Cala  Cami- 
t'iotto,  and  northward  of  the  island  is  Cala  Chiesa ;  along  the  shores 
of  these  three  coves  is  the  naval  establishment,  with  barracks,  coal 
stores,  magazines,  marine  hospital,  etc. 

Dock. — There  is  a  floating  dock  for  torpedo  boats  only. 

Repairs. — Small  repairs  to  machinery  can  be  executed ;  there  are 
floating  sheers  lifting  140,  20,  and  15  tons. 

Prohibited  anchorage. — Anchorage  is  prohibited  within  the 
area,  bounded  on  the  northward  by  the  south  coast  of  Isola  Madda- 
lena,  and  to  the  southward  by  a  line  joining  roughly  the  western 
end  of  Piazza  Umberto,  the  extremity  of  Isolotto  Chiesa  Mole,  Punta 


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404  THE   ISLAND  OF   SARDINIA. 

Moneta,  and  the  swing  bridge.  A  line  of  buoys  marks  the  limit, 
which  is  shown  by  a  pecked  line  on  the  chait. 

ttooring  buoys. — There  are  two  mooring  buoys  in  Cala  Chiesa. 

Bada  di  Maddalena^  between  Maddalena  Town  and  Isola  Santo 
Stefano,  is  exposed  from  the  westward,  from  w  hich  quarter  the  wind 
blows  with  the  greatest  force.  Vessels  that  can  not  enter  Cala 
Chiesa,  anchor  to  the  southeastward  of  the  town  in  9  or  11  fathoms 
water,  and  make  a  cable  fast  to  the  shore  at  the  entrance  to  the 
bay.  On  the  eastern  side  of  Isola  Santo  Stefano  is  Rada  di  Santo 
Stefano. 

Town. — The  town  of  Maddalena  is  situated  on  the  western  side  of 
Cala  Chiesa ;  the  population,  numbering  about  8,033,  are  mostly  sea- 
faring. 

Communication. — Steamers  run  twice  weekly  between  Civita- 
Vecchia  and  Golfo  Aranci;  weekly  to  Poi-to  Torres,  Leghorn,  and 
Genoa;  and  fortnightly  to  Cagliari;  telegraphic  communication  with 
all  parts.    The  telegraph  office  is  open  till  midnight. 

Coal  and  supplies. — About  20,000  tons  of  coal  are  kept  in  Gov- 
ernment hands,  but  none  for  sale;  water  is  obtained  by  distillation, 
and  about  2,200  tons  kept  stored. 

Signal  station — Semaphore. — There  is  a  semaphore  on  Guardia 
Vecchia,  over  the  town  of  Maddalena,  499  feet  above  the  sea,  and 
near  the  most  elevated  part  of  the  island;  the  hill  is  surmounted 
by  a  fort.  The  semaphore  is  worked  both  by  day  and  night.  Sig- 
nals respecting  submarine  vessels  are  made  here. 

Coast. — The  coast  between  the  tow^n  of  Maddalena  and  Forte 
Tegge,  5  mile  westward,  is  bordered  with  rocks  and  shoals  extend- 
ing for  a  distance  of  500  yards:  two  islets  of  white  color,  about  20 
feet  above  the  sea  and  200  yards  apart,  lie  a  short  distance  south- 
ward of  the  fort. 

Secca  di  Forte  Tegge,  with  1^  fathoms  water  over  it,  is  situated 
700  yards  186°  from  the  fort. 

Beacons  and  buoys. — A  white  truncated  pyramidal  masonrv'^ 
beacon  10  feet  high  marks  an  isolated  shoal,  800  yards  westward  of 
Forte  Tegge,  and  another  is  placed  on  the  shoal  to  the  southward 
of  White  Rock.  A  w^hite  iron  conical  buoy,  with  a  staff  and  cylinder, 
and  marked  "Tegge"  in  black,  marks  the  southern  extremity  of 
.^ecca  di  Forte  Tegge. 

A  similar  buoy,  but  marked  "  Punta  Nera  "  in  black,  is  moored 
on  the  southern  limit  of  the  shoal  to  the  southward  of  Punta  Nera, 
the  next  point  to  the  eastward  of  Forte  Tegge. 

Between  Secca  di  Forte  Tegge  and  the  town  of  Maddalena  are 
several  beacons  and  buoys,  marking  the  channel. 

(For  description  of  Secca  di  Mezzo  Passo  and  Secca  del  Parau,  see 
p.  395.) 


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THE  ISLAND  OF   SARDINIA.  405 

West  coast. — Punta  Testicciole  is  1^  miles  northward  of  Forte 
Tegge,  and  between  is  Cala  Francese,  only  suitable  for  small  vessels. 
The  west  coast  of  Maddalena  to  Punta  Marginetto,  the  northern 
extremity  of  the  island,  a  distance  of  2f  miles,  is  fringed  by  small 
islets  or  rocks,  some  of  which  are  more  than  400  yards  from  the 
shore.  A  low  salient  point,  named  Abbatoggia,  nearly  1  mile  south- 
westward  of  Pimta  Marginetto,  forms  with  the  latter  the  entrance 
to  Cala  Stagnotorto,  an  inlet  about  f  mile  deep,  seldom  frequented, 
with  20  fathoms  water  at  the  entrance  and  4  fathoms  near  its  head. 

Isola  Caprera^  the  eastern  of  the  group,  lying  close  to  the  south- 
eastern side  of  Maddalena,  is  somewhat  less  in  extent,  and  has  a 
deeply  indented  coast  line.  It  is  also  the  highest  of  the  group,  Punta 
Tejalone  (Teialone)  in  the  center  attaining  an  elevation  of  690  feet 
above  the  sea.  It  is  more  fertile  than  Maddalena,  and  has  copious 
springs;  upon  the  western  side  is  the  unpretending  dwelling  and 
farm  of  the  proprietor.  This  island  was  given  to  Gen.  Garibaldi 
by  the  King  of  Italy. 

Cala  Portese,  on  the  southeastern  side  of  Caprera,  is  about  1,400 
yards  deep  and  terminates  in  a  sandy  beach;  it  has  depths  of  20 
fathoms  at  the  entrance,  shoaling  to  about  2  fathoms  at  the  head, 
but  being  open  to  the  northeastward  is  seldom  visited.  It  is  formed 
by  a  piece  of  irregular  forked  land,  at  the  eastern  end  of  which  is 
Isolotto  Pecora,  49  feet  high,  with  a  white  obelisk  on  the  summit  and 
a  large  rock  eastward  of  it.  Isolotto  Pecora  lies  IJ  miles  northwest- 
ward of  Isola  Biscie,  the  channel  between  having  from  14  to  30 
fathoms  water. 

Punta  Bossa,  the  southern  extremity  of  Caprera,  is  the  termina- 
tion of  a  low,  narrow  prong  extending  J  mile  to  the  southward. 
There  is  a  battery  on  Punta  Rossa,  and  sheds  along  the  western  coast 
facing  Isolotto  Porco. 

Secca  di  Punta  Eossa,  with  3  feet  water  over  it,  extends  nearly 
400  yards  southwestward  of  the  point,  and  f  mile  to  the  southwest- 
ward  of  Punta  Rossa  is  Secca  Tre  Monti. 

Buoy. — A  white  buoy,  surmounted  by  a  globe,  is  moored  near  the 
extremity  of  Secca  di  Punta  Rossa. 

Landing  is  prohibited  in  the  vicinity  of  Punta  Rossa  Battery. 

Isolotto  Porco,  82  feet  high,  and  nearly  J  mile  to  the  northwest- 
ward of  Punta  Rossa,  has  a  white  hut  on  the  simimit  and  a  white 
beacon  at  the  northern  extremity;  there  is  good  anchorage  on  the 
eastern  side  of  the  islet  for  small  vessels  in  5  or  6  fathoms  water. 

Monte  Fico,  the  southwestern  extremity  of  Caprera,  is  233  feet 
above  the  sea  and  apparently  isolated.  Porto  Palma,  on  the  eastern 
side  of  Monte  Fico,  is  nearly  ^  mile  deep  and  600  yards  wide ;  it  has 
from  9  to  16  fathoms  water  in  the  entrance  shoaling  to  3J  fathoms 


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406  THE   ISLAND  OF   SARDINIA. 

at  the  head,  but  in  the  middle  of  the  entrance  there  is  a  shoal  with  4| 
fathoms  water  over  it,  and  about  100  yards  south-southeastward  of 
this  shoal  is  another  with  only  4  feet  over  it.  Although  open  to  the 
southward  it  affords  shelter  for  small  vessels  from  all  winds;  some 
rocks  lie  200  yards  off  its  eastern  entrance  point. 

Beacon. — A  white  stone  beacon,  surmounted  by  a  globe,  is  situated 
(m  the  small  isolated  rock  off  the  southwest  corner  of  Punta  Fico. 

Buoy. — A  shoal  extending  about  200  yards  southwestward  of 
Punta  Fico,  the  southwestern  extremity  of  Caprera,  is  marked  by  a 
square  black  buoy,  surmounted  by  a  castle  and  cone,  vertex  upward. 

Fasso  della  Moneta. — Caprera  is  separated  from  the  eastern  side 
of  Maddalena  by  Passo  della  Moneta,  which  is  about  700  yards  wide, 
shallow,  with  several  rocks,  and  only  suitable  for  small  vessels.  The 
western  coast  of  Caprera  is  low,  scattered  with  rocks,  and  has  several 
coves,  which  are  frequented  by  fishing  boats;  it  trends  4  miles  in  a 
north-northeasterly  direction  to  Punta  Galera. 

Beacons  and  buoys. — The  channel  is  marked  by  beacons  and 
buoys. 

Directions. — Only  small  vessels  can  pass  through  Passo  della 
Moneta,  and  when  intending  to  do  so  the  signal  I  F  R  of  the  Inter- 
national Code  should  be  made  two  hours  previously  to  the  signal  sta- 
tion at  Guardia  Vecchia,  that  the  necessary  arrangements  may  be 
made  for  opening  the  swing  bridge. 

Isolotti  Konaciy  a  small  group,  only  a  little  above  the  sea,  and 
steep-to  on  all  sides,  lie  1.3  miles  eastward  from  Punta  Coticcio 
(Caprera  Island),  with  38  fathoms  water  in  the  channel  between  and 
from  20  to  31  fathoms  between  the  islets  and  Secca  dei  Monaci.  The 
red  light  of  Cape  Ferro  shows  over  the  islets.  Vessels  of  all  classes 
may  pass  through  either  channel,  taking  care  to  avoid  Secca  dei 
Monaci,  the  marks  for  which  are  given  below.  (See  p.  —  for  Pro- 
hibited passage.) 

Secca  dei  Monaci,  situated  1.1  miles  eastward  from  the  northern 
extremity  of  Isolotti  Monaci,  is  a  rocky  danger  about  200  yards  in 
extent,  with  IJ  fathoms  over  it,  steep-to,  with  about  20  fathoms  close 
around.  The  red  light  of  Cape  Ferro  shows  over  the  shoal,  and  the 
flashing  white  light  of  Isola  Tavolara  is  reported  to  be  visible  from 
its  neighborhood. 

Clearing  marks. — Guardia  del  Turco  Beacon,  on  the  northern 
summit  of  Maddalena,  well  open  of  the  northern  extremity  of  Caprera, 
bearing  290°,  leads  to  the  northward  of  the  shoal,  and  Capo  Ferro 
Lighthouse  in  range  with  the  eastern  extremity  of  Isola  Biscie,  bear- 
ing 201°,  leads  to  the  eastward  of  the  shoal,  but  will  lead  over  Secca 
delle  Biscie  if  continued  on  too  far  to  the  southward. 

Isola  Santo  Stef ano,  about  600  yards  southward  of  Maddalena, 
is  nearly  4  miles  in  circumference ;  at  the  northern  end  Poggio  Tondo 

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THE  ISLAND  OP   SABDINIA.  407 

is  266  feet,  and  at  the  southern  end  Monte  Guardia  Moro  299  feet 
above  the  sea.  On  the  southwestern  side  Gala  di  Villamarina,  a  small 
cove  which  recedes  600  yards  to  the  northward,  is  J  mile  wide  and 
aflfords  shelter  to  small  vessels,  which  moor  with  a  cable  to  the  shore. 

A  small  fort,  named  San  Giorgio,  stands  on  a  height  on  the  western 
side  of  the  cove,  and  300  yards  southward  of  it  is  Casa  la  Torre,  a 
square  tower  with  a  building  near  it.  From  the  eastern  side  of  the 
island  no  dangers  extend  for  a  distance  of  more  than  200  yards,  but 
on  the  northwest  coast  the  5-fathom  curve  is  about  double  that  dis- 
tance from  the  shore ;  from  the  northern  end  shoals  extend  across  to 
Gala  Chiesa. 

Nearly  600  yards  westward  from  Isolotto  la  Paura,  on  the  western 
side  of  Santo  Stef ano,  is  Secca  del  Parau,  described  on  page  395 ;  the 
channel  between  the  islet  and  the  rocks  has  from  6  to  8  fathoms  water. 
(For  range  lights  through  this  channel  see  p.  402.) 

Buoys. — Two  small  white  cask  buoys  mark  the  edge  of  the  shoal 
ground  extending  from  the  northwest  coast  of  the  island,  one  about 
400  yards  northeastward  of  Isolotto  la  Paura,  and  the  other  about 
400  yards  southwestward  of  the  northwestern  point  of  the  island. 

Rada  di  Santo  Stefano^  between  Punta  Coda  and  Punta  Stag- 
nali  (Gaprera)  on  the  east,  and  Punta  Santo  Stef  ano  and  Punta 
Sassu  (Santo  Stef  ano)  on  the  west,  is  a  space  nearly  1  mile  square 
with  depths  of  from  18  to  20  fathoms  over  a  bottom  of  sand  and 
weeds. 

Mooring  buoys. — There  are  13  mooring  buoys;  their  positions 
will  be  best  seen  by  reference  to  the  chart. 

Anchorage. — Large  vessels  may  anchor  along  the  whole  eastern 
coast  of  Santo  Stef  ano ;  small  vessels,  during  westerly  winds,  anchor 
at  the  head  of  the  road,  near  the  naval  establishment,  in  depths  of 
from  3^  to  7  fathoms ;  it  is  stated  that  the  holding  ground  is  not  good, 
that  heavy  squalls  are  frequent,  and  at  times  so  strong  as  to  cause 
vessels  to  drag  their  anchors;  mooring  buoys  are  placed  for  the  use 
of  the  Italian  naval  vessels. 

Estuario  della  Maddalena. — The  foregoing  islands  form,  witli 
the  coast  of  Sardinia,  a  tortuous  channel,  having  very  irregular  depths, 
leading  into  Bonifacio  Strait,  and  where,  on  either  side,  are  several 
good  anchorages.  Though  the  narrowest  parts  of  this  channel  aver- 
age only  about  ^  mile  in  breadth,  being  marked  by  beacons  and 
buoys,  it  may  be  navigated  with  safety. 

Passage  prohibited — Caution. — See  page  401. 

Fishing  is  prohibited  within  the  area  bounded  on  the  eastward 
by  a  line  joining  Isoli  Pecora  and  Biscie  and  Gapo  Ferro,  and  on 
the  westward  by  a  line  joining  Isole  Gavalli,  Secca  Gorsara  (Isola 
Spargi),  and  Gala  dell'  Inferno  (Maddalena). 


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408  THE   ISLAND  OF   SARDINIA. 

East  coast  of  Sardinia — Coast. — From  Capo  Ferro  the  coast 
runs  southeastward  for  about  700  yards,  and  then  forms  a  small 
bight  with  a  cove  and  heach  at  its  head.  There  is  anchorage  for 
small  vessels,  with  westerly  winds,  in  4  fathoms  of  water  oflf  the 
cove;  coasting  vessels  use  this  anchorage  when  unable  to  proceed 
westward. 

Shoal  water  extends  nearly  400  yards  northeastward  from  the 
northern  point  of  the  bight. 

Secca  del  Cervo,  situated  i  mile  northeastward  of  the  north  en- 
trance point  of  Porto  Cervo,  and  on  the  southern  side  of  the  bight 
just  described,  is  a  rocky  shoal  extending  600  yards  in  a  northeasterly 
and  southwesterly  direction  and  nearly  400  yards  in  breadth,  with 
depths  of  from  7  to  18  feet  over  it.  It  is  J  mile  from  the  coast, 
and  there  is  a  narrow  channel  about  200  yards  wide  with  depths 
of  from  4  to  6  fathoms  in  it  between  the  shoal  and  the  shoal  water 
off  the  coast. 

Clearing  mark. — ^Punta  Tejalone,  the  summit  of  Caprera,  a  little 
open  to  the  northward  of  the  northeastern  side  of  Isola  Biscie,  bear- 
ing SIS'",  leads  to  the  eastward  of  Secca  del  Cervo. 

Porto  Cervo,  a  small  port,  about  IJ  miles  southward  of  Capo 
Ferro,  extends  to  the  westward  for  a  distance  of  ^  mile  and  is  400 
yards  in  breadth  but  difficult  of  access  for  any  but  small  vessels, 
the  entrance  being  only  100  yards  wide.  It  is  sheltered  from  all 
winds,  but  as  the  entrance  is  open  to  the  northeastward  a  swell  sets 
in  with  winds  from  that  quarter.  There  are  depths  of  from  6  to 
8  fathoms  in  the  outer  parts  and  3  fathoms  halfway  in,  over  mud 
bottom. 

Water  may  be  obtained  from  a  small  stream. 

Capo  Libani,  3  miles  southeastward  of  Capo  Ferro,  is  barren 
and  red  and  commanded  by  elevated  land  named  Monte  Zoppo,  285 
feet  above  the  sea.  Golfo  Pevero,  just  to  the  westward  of  the  cape, 
is  1,000  yards  wide  at  entrance  and  1,200  yards  deep,  open  to  the 
northeastward,  with  some  small  islets  and  rocks  skirting  the  shore. 
With  offshore  winds,  it  is  frequented  by  coasters,  which  anchor  in 
6  or  7  fathoms  water. 

Close  to  the  cape  is  an  islet  and  some  rocks  of  the  same  color  as 
the  cape,  which,  with  those  a  little  to  the  northward,  shelter  the  bays 
from  easterly  winds. 

Isole  dei  Libani. — At  i  mile  to  the  northeastward  of  the  cape  is 
an  island,  82  feet  above  the  sea,  and  of  a  dark  color,  surrounded  with 
islets  and  rocks.  Passo  delle  Galere,  the  passage  between  the  islets 
and  the  land,  is  600  yards  wide  and  5  fathoms  deep  in  the  middle. 

Monte  Turrita,  1,381  feet  high,  is  2^  miles  west-southwestward  of 
Capo  Libani ;  it  will  be  known  by  the  rocky  inclination  of  its  sum- 
mit, which  is  a  good  mark  for  this  part  of  the  coast. 

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THE  ISLAND  OF   SABDINIA.  409 

Oolf  o  di  Congianus  lies  between  Capo  Libani,  on  the  north,  and 
Capo  Figari,  on  the  south ;  it  comprises  the  Bays  of  Volpe,  Cognena, 
and  Marinella,  and  the  islands  now  described. 

The  depths  are  from  50  fathoms,  at  the  entrance  of  the  gulf,  to 
20  fathoms  within  the  bays,  the  bottom  chiefly  of  sand  and  mud. 

Isolotti  Poveri. — Punta  Capaccio  is  1.1  miles  southward  of  Capo 
Libani,  and  |  mile  southeastward  of  it  are  3  small  islets  and  16 
rocky  heads,  covering  an  extent  of  5  mile  in  a  northeasterly  and 
southwesterly  direction,  with  a  breadth  of  about  i  mile;  they  form 
a  channel  with  the  coast  about  800  yards  wide  and  midway  10 
fathoms  deep ;  but,  as  the  passage  is  narrowed  by  reefs  on  both  sides, 
it  should  not  be  used  unless  in  case  of  necessity.  The  group  is  fringed 
with  reefs  on  the  northern  side. 

Isola  Mortorio,  the  highest  of  a  group  of  islands,  lies  about  o 
miles  southeastward  of  Capo  Libani,  is  of  an  irregular  figure,  about 
3  miles  in  circuit,  249  feet  above  the  sea  at  its  northeastern  end,  and 
steep-to  at  its  extremities,  but  rocky  in  the  small  bays  which  it  forms. 
Two  black  rocks,  steep-to,  named  Mortoriotto  (Testa  di  Cane),  lie 
nearly  i  mile  northeastward  of  it,  with  26  fathoms  water  in  mid- 
channel  between.  An  islet  named  Camize  lies  about  700  yards  west- 
w\ard  of  Mortorio,  with  two  rocks  on  its  northern  side;  the  channel 
between  Camize  and  Mortorio  has  depths  of  from  8  to  10  fathoms. 

Isola  Soffiy  1  mile  westward  of  Mortorio,  and  of  equal  extent,  is 
105  feet  above  the  sea  at  its  northeastern  end,  and  1^  miles  distant 
from  the  coast;  two  islets,  Le  Camere,  63  and  86  feet  high,  nearly 
united,  surrounded  by  rocks  and  shallow  water,  lie  at  its  northeastern 
end..  Between  the  rocks  and  Isola  Camize  there  are  6  fathoms  water. 

Anchorage. — Cala  Volpe,  3  miles  south -south  west  ward  of  Capo 
Libani,  is  1  mile  wide,  and  f  mile  deep.  In  the  bay  there  are  two 
coves  with  beaches ;  the  northern  is  |  mile  deep,  400  yards  wide,  open 
to  the  south,  and  affords  shelter  for  small  vessels  in  from  IJ  to  2$ 
fathoms  water. 

There  is  also  anchorage  in  the  center  of  the  bay,  in  depths  of  from 
7 J  to  11  fathoms,  over  mud  bottom,  partially  sheltered  from  the  east- 
ward of  the  off-lying  islands.  It  is  sometimes  named  Ancoraggio  di 
Soffi,  from  the  island  of  the  same  name. 

Golfo  Cognena. — Punta  Ligata,  or  Liscia  Ruja,  which  forms  the 
southern  extremity  of  Cala  Volpe,  is  low,  projects  eastward,  and  is 
skirted  with  rocks  at  about  200  yards  distance.  Punta  Volpe,  2  miles 
southeastward  of  Punta  Digata,  is  the  termination  of  a  small  penin- 
-sula  fringed  with  rocks  to  a  distance  of  nearly  400  yards.  The  inter- 
mediate coast  forms  Golfo  Cognena,  in  the  southern  part  of  which  an 
inlet,  Porto  Cognena,  extends  about  1^  miles  to  the  southwestward. 
About  1^  miles  westward  of  the  head  of  Porto  Cognena  is  Monte 
Congianus,  a  peak  2,128  feet  high. 


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410  THE   ISLAND  OF   SARDINIA. 

In  the  outer  part  of  the  inlet  there  are  from  2  to  4  fathoms  water, 
but  all  the  inner  part  is  shallow,  the  depths  varying  from  4  to  6  feet. 
In  case  of  necessity,  during  fine  weather,  a  vessel  may  anchor  in  this 
gulf  in  any  convenient  depth.  Two  circular  coves,  with  steep  sides, 
about  400  yards  in  diameter,  are  situated  between  the  entrance  of  the 
inlet  and  Punta  Volpe,  and  are  used  by  small  coasting  vessels  and 
fishing  boats.  The  western  has  a  depth  of  8  fathoms;  Porto  Rotondo, 
that  nearest  the  point,  has  a  depth  of  1^  fathoms,  is  ^  mile  distant 
from  the  former,  and  is  sheltered  from  all  winds. 

Oolf  o  Marinella. — ^Punta  Canisone,  1^  miles  southeastward  of 
Punta  Volpe,  has  a  rocky  shoal  extending  nearly  i  mile  northward 
of  it ;  the  intermediate  coast  forms  Golf o  Marinella,  2  miles  deep,  and 
open  to  the  northeastward.  Cala  Sabina  and  Gala  Marinella  Nuova, 
two  rocky  coves,  are  on  the  southeastern  side  of  the  bay,  and  another, 
named  Marinella  Vecchia,  is  situated  at  its  head.  The  railroad 
skirts  the  south  shore  of  Golfo  Marinella. 

Communicatioii. — ^There  is  a  railroad  station  at  Aranci,  about  4 
miles  to  the  eastward,  in  Baia  degli  Aranci,  and  telegraphic  com- 
munication from  Marinella  Vecchia. 

Submarine  telegraph  cable. — A  telegraph  cable  is  laid  between 
Marinella  Vecchia  and  the  west  coast  of  Italy. 

Beacons  with  balls  point  out  the  direction  of  the  cable,  and  mari- 
ners are  cautioned  not  to  anchor  in  the  vicinity. 

Coast. — The  coast  between  Ganisone  and  Spada  Points,  a  distance 
of  2  miles,  is  foul,  and  should  not  be  approached  nearer  than  600 
yards. 

Capo  Figariy  about  3^  miles  southeastward  of  Punta  Ganisone, 
is  a  rocky  head,  and  the  termination  of  a  white  peninsula  projecting 
in  an  east-southeasterly  direction  for  a  distance  of  nearly  2  miles. 
The  cliffs  on  its  northern  face  are  of  a  red  color,  and  the  hill  above 
it  (in  which  there  is  a  gi-eat  break)  is  covered  with  verdure.  The 
land  in  the  interior  is  a  continued  chain  of  high  mountains,  descend- 
ing with  many  ravines  toward  the  indented  shore. 

Capo  Figari  is  about  9  miles  from  Gapo  Libani,  the  intermediate 
coast  forming  the  deep  bight,  Golfo  di  Congianus,  already  described. 
During  winds  from  the  northwest  quarter  heavy  squalls  and  eddies 
are  experienced  near  the  cape. 

Signal  station — Semaphore. — A  semaphore,  with  which  vessels 
can  communicate,  is  established  at  Gapo  Figari  at  an  elevation  of 
1,115  feet  above  the  sea.  Signals  respecting  submarine  vessels  are 
made  here. 

Qolf  o  di  Terranova. — Punta  Timone,  the  northeastern  extremity 
of  Isola  Tavalora,  lies  3.3  miles  142°  from  Gapo  Figari,  and  between 
the  points  is  the  entrance  to  Golfo  di  Terranova,  which  extends 


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THE  ISLAND  OF   SAKDINIA.  411 

nearly  10  miles  westward,  to  the  port  and  town  of  the  same  name. 
There  is  a  depth  of  about  30  fathoms  at  the  entrance,  and  within 
general  depths  of  18  and  20  fathoms,  over  mud. 

Firing  ground — Lightbuoys — Caution* — Annual  firing  prac- 
tice for  Italian  naval  vessels  is  carried  out  in  Golfo  di  Terranova. 
The  water  area  is  situated  between  Punta  Timone,  Capo  Ceraso, 
and  Isolotto  di  Figarello;  it  is  in  the  form  of  a  polygon,  and  the 
angles  are  marked  by  buoys  exhibiting  fixed  white  lights,  which 
are  visible  2  miles. 

Vessels  are  forbidden  to  enter  the  polygon,  and  the  buoys  should 
be  left  on  the  port  hand  when  entering  the  gulf  and  on  the  star- 
board hand  when  leaving. 

Buoys  are  also  laid  out  annually  off  Punta  Figlio;  the  eastern 
one,  which  exhibits  a  fixed  white  light,  lies  If  miles  52°  from 
Isofotto  Bocca  Light.    Vessels  must  pass  southward  of  these  buoys. 

Submarine  vessels — Caution. — Mariners  are  cautioned  that 
exercises  with  submarines  are  frequently  carried  out  in  the  ap- 
proaches to  Maddalena,  at  Baia  degli  Aranci,  and  in  adjacent  areas. 

When  the  submarines  are  submerged  the  escorting  torpedo  craft 
or  tugs  will  hoist  a  square  red  flag  at  the  masthead. 

A  similar  flag  will  be  hoisted  from  the  semaphores  of  Guardia 
Vecchia  (Maddalena),  Capo  Ferro,  and  Capo  Figari,  according  to 
the  locality  in  which  the  exercises  are  being  carried  out.  The  above 
flag  may  be  lowered  at  any  of  the  foregoing  semaphore  stations  to 
signal  to  a  vessel  in  sight,  but  it  will  be  immediately  rehoisted  on 
the  appearance  of  another  vessel. 

All  vessels  in  sight  of  the  escorting  vessels  should  pay  strict  at- 
tention to  any  signals  made  to  them  by  the  International  Code. 
Such  signals  will  be  made  to  indicate  the  course,  etc.,  to  be  steered  in 
order  to  avoid  collision,  and  may  in  urgent  cases  be  accompanied 
by  the  firing  of  a  gun. 

When  navigating  in  the  above  localities  mariners  are  specially 
warned  to  look  out  for  the  periscopes  of  the  submarines.  In  ordi- 
nary exercises  the  periscope  of  a  submarine  is  surmounted  by  a  short 
mast  with  a  metal  pennant. 

Baia  degli  Aranci. — On  the  southern  side  of  Capo  Figari,  dis- 
tant 300  yards  from  the  coast,  is  the  high,  pyramidal  islet  of  Figa- 
rello,  426  feet  above  the  sea,  covered  with  brambles,  and  steep-to  on 
its  eastern  side.  Midway  between  the  islet  and  coast  there  is  4 
fathoms  water.  Cala  Moresca,  northward  of  the  islet,  affords  ex- 
cellent shelter  for  coasters  from  all  winds,  and  will  accommodate 
five  or  six  such  small  vessels. 

Between  Isolotto  di  Figarello  and  Punta  Lepre,  2.3  miles  west- 
ward, is  formed  Baia  degli  Aranci,  secure,  commodious,  and  sheltered 


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412  THE   ISLAND  OF   SARDINIA. 

from  all  winds.  Between  Isolotto  di  Figarello  and  Punta  Lepre 
there  are  depths  of  from  20  to  26  fathoms,  diminishing  gradually 
toward  the  shore.  ^ 

Landmarks. — Monte  Rotondo  (Canale  Torto),  302  feet  high,  li«*^ 
about  f  mile  northwestward  from  the  head  of  the  bay;  there  is  a 
conspicuous  ruined  white  house  near  the  summit.  There  is  another 
conspicuous  white  house,  about  5  ^^^^  southwestward  of  Monte 
Rotondo,  and  two  conspicuous  white  houses  very  close  together  about 
J  mile  east-southeastward  of  Monte  Rotondo.  The  railroad  station 
(close  to  the  shore)  i^  painted  yellow,  has  a  red  roof,  and  is  sur- 
rounded by  trees;  a  conspicuous  white  house,  with  a  red  roof,  sur- 
mounted by  an  obelisk,  is  situated  about  200  yards  northward  of  the 
railroad  station.  A  conspicuous  white  house  is  situated  about  800 
yards  southward  of  the  station. 

Mole. — A  mole  extends  in  a  southwesterly  direction  from  the 
shore  for  a  distance  of  240  yards  from  the  northeastern  side  of  the 
bay.    There  is  a  depth  of  19  feet  near  the  quay  within  the  mole. 

Lights. — From  an  iron  post,  18  feet  high,  on  the  molehead,  a  fixed 
red  light  is  exhibited  at  an  elevation  of  26  feet  above  the  sea,  and  in 
clear  weather  it  is  visible  from  a  distance  of  4  miles.  Reported  to  be 
visible  only  1  mile. 

Two  fixed  white  lantern  lights  are  shown  on  the  mole  embank- 
ments.    (See  Light  List.) 

Isolotto  di  Figarello — Light. — A  flashing  white  light,  visible 
13  miles,  is  shown  from  a  tower  with  a  lantern  support,  22  feet  high, 
erected  near  the  center  of  the  Isolotto  di  Figarello;  the  lantern  is 
elevated  236  feet  above  high  water.     (See  Light  List.) 

Rock  and  beacon. — A  rock,  on  which  is  a  white  beacon  5  feet  in 
height,  lies  about  J  mile  302°  from  the  light  on  the  head  of  the  mole 
in  Baia  degli  Aranci. 

Mooring  buoys. — There  are  two  mooring  buoys  on  the  southern 
side  of  the  mole  and  four  mooring  buoys  and  a  small  buoy  on  the 
northern  side  of  the  mole. 

Anchorage. — A  good  berth  for  a  large  vessel  is  nearly  1  mile  to 
the  northwestward  of  Isolotto  di  Figarello,  and  700  yards  from  the 
shore  of  the  peninsula,  with  the  southern  point  of  Isolotto  di 
Figarello  bearing  122°  and  the  lighthouse  50°.  Small  vessels 
anchor  off  the  beach  at  the  head  of  the  bay.  Westerly  winds  blow 
with  the  greatest  force  and  are  the  most  inconvenient. 

Communication. — There  is  a  daily  steamer  to  Civita  Vecchia, 
and  mails  from  Italy  arrive  daily ;  a  steamer  every  week  to  Leghorn, 
Genoa,  and  to  Cagliari,  calling  at  intermediate  ports;  twice  every 
week  to  Maddalena;  railroad  communication  with  Terranova  and 
Cagliari,  and  telegraphic  communication. 


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THE  ISIAin>  OF  SABBIKIA.  413 

Supplies  of  fresh  provisions  in  small  quantities  may  be  obtained, 
but  large  supplies  must  be  ordered  from  Cagliari  or  Terranova, 
and  all  water  is  brought  by  train. 

Quarantine  is  strictly  enforced;  the  health  office  is  close  to  the 
mole. 

Coast. — From  Punta  Lepre  the  coast  has  a  south-southwesterly 
Erection  for  2^  miles  to  Punta  Figlio,  and  at  i  mile  from  Punta 
luepre  is  Isolotto  Porri,  low,  rocky,  and  surmounted  by  verdure;  a 
shoal  with  11  feet  water  over  it  lies  1,100  yards  south-southwestward 
ol  the  islet,  and  about  800  yards  from  the  shore. 
.  Buoy. — A  red  buoy  is  moored  on  the  shoal  off  Isolotto  Porri 
during  the  Italian  annual  firing  practice. 

Porto  Terranova. — The  lancl  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the 
port  of  Terranova  is  low,  marshy,  and  unhealthf ul.  The  entrance  to 
this  port,  4^  miles  southwestward  of  Isolotto  di  Figarello,  is  about  200 
yards  wide,  but  obstructed  by  rocks  and  sand.  A  channel  about  i 
mile  in  length,  100  yards  in  width,  leads  into  Porto  Terranova,  and 
within  the  entrance  the  port  opens  out  to  about  1  mile  in  breadth 
and  is  2^  miles  in  length  in  a  westerly  direction ;  for  a  distance  of 
li  miles  inside  the  dredged  channel  there  is  about  4^  fathoms  water, 
but  in  the  western  part  it  is  much  encumbered  with  islets  and  rocks, 
a  number  of  which  extend  nearly  1  mile  into  the  bay  from  off  the 
town,  with  a  passage  on  either  side.  Porto  Romano  lies  in  the 
northwestern  part  of  the  port. 

Depths. — In  the  entrance  channel  there  is  a  depth  of  26  feet: 
inside  the  entrance,  for  a  distance  of  IJ  miles,  there  is  a  depth  of 
22  to  29  feet;  in  the  channel  to  the  town  there  is  a  depth  of  21  feet; 
off  the  town,  in  a  small  space  of  about  200  yards  there  is  a  depth  of 
22  feet;  in  the  channel  to  Porto  Romano  there  is  a  depth  of  19  feet, 
and  in  Porto  Romano,  19  to  26  feet. 

Lights — ^Isolotto  Bocca. — On  Isolotto  Bocca,  on  the  southern 
side  of  the  entrance,  a  white  scjuare  tower,  72  feet  in  height,  and  sur- 
mounting a  dwelling,  exhibits,  at  an  elevation  of  80  feet  above  the 
sea,  an  alternating  fixed  white  and  flashing  red  light;  it  is  visible  in 
clear  weather  from  a  distance  of  14  miles.  (For  arc  of  visibility  of 
both  lights,  see  Light  List  and  chart.) 

The  light  may  show  irregular  between  259°  and  2(U''  W\  Ves- 
sels should  keep  within  the  light  sector  to  clear  Cape  Ceraso  Shoals. 

Isolotto  Bianca. — An  occulting  white  light  is  shown,  at  an  ele- 
vation of  26  feet  above  the  sea,  from  an  iron  column,  23  feet  in 
height,  surmounting  a  shed,  painted  black  and  white  in  stripes,  and 
situated  on  Isolotto  Bianca;  visible  6  miles.     (See  Light  List.) 

Quay. — On  the  southeastern  angle  of  the  quay  at  Terranova  Pau- 
sania  is  exhibited,  from  a  steel  column  10  feet  high,  at  an  elevation 


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414  THE   ISLAND  OF   SARDINIA. 

of  12  feet  above  the  sea,  a  fixed  red  light,  which  is  visible  3  miles. 
This  light  shows  white  toward  the  town. 

Lightbuoys. — Two  lightbuoys  mark  each  side  of  the  channel  into 
the  port.  The  two  on  the  northern  side  are  painted  black,  and  each 
exhibit  an  occulting  green  light.  The  two  on  the  south  side  are 
painted  red,  and  each  exhibit  an  occulting  red  light. 

Bock. — A  rock,  which  shows  above  water,  lies  180  yards  south- 
westward  of  the  head  of  the  quay,  and  is  marked  by  a  cylindrical 
buoy. 

Mole. — A  mole  has  been  built,  commencing  from  a  point  on 
the  shore  about  400  yards  northward  of  the  extremity  of  the  wharf, 
passing  over  Fiorita  Islet  to  Isola  Bianca.  This  mole  is  being  ex- 
tended from  the  southeast  side  of  Isola  Bianca,  and  has  been  com- 
pleted for  a  distance  of  490  yards  in  a  93°  direction  from  the  island. 
An  unreliable  fixed  white  light  is  shown  at  about  100  yards  from  the 
extremity  of  the  work. 

Beacons  and  buoys. — The  channel  above  Isolotto  Bianca  to  the 
anchorage  off  the  town  is  marked  by  beacons  and  buoys. 

The  buoys  moored  about  268  yards  92°,  426  yards  202°,  and  579 
yards  232°  from  the  light  on  Bianca  Island  are  iron  cylindrical 
buoys  with  inverted  cone  topmark,  painted  black,  and  marked  with 
white  letters  Terranova  Pausania. 

The  entrance  to  Porto  Romano  is  marked  by  a  black  buoy  on  the 
starboard  hand  entering,  and  a  red  buoy  on  the  port  hand.  There 
are  two  mooring  buoys  off  the  town  quay. 

Anchorages. — There  is  temporary  anchorage  for  large  vessels 
about  1^  miles  from  the  entrance,  in  from  8  to  11  fathoms  water, 
over  mud. 

There  is  anchorage  southward  of  Punta  Figlio,  in  5^  fathoms, 
400  yards,  from  the  land,  with  the  customhouse  bearing  285°.  The 
anchorage  inside  is  about  800  yards  west-southwestward  of  Pimta 
Ginepro,  in  23  to  26  feet  of  water,  over  mud. 

Small  vessels  can  lie  alongside  the  quay  off  the  town. 

Town. — At  the  head  of  the  port  is  the  small  town  of  Terranova 
Pausania,  having  a  population  of  4,348,  and  a  small  trade  in  cattle, 
cork,  and  charcoal.  The  Fiume  Padrogiano  disembogues  by  two 
mouths  on  the  southern  side  of  the  harbor.  One  or  two  smaller 
streams  also  enter  the  sea.  There  are  the  ruins  of  a  cathedral  and 
Roman  remains  of  the  ancient  Olbia  in  the  immediate  vicinity. 

Communication. — Weekly  steamers  to  Genoa,  Leghorn,  Mad- 
dalena,  Aranci,  and  to  Cagliari,  calling  at  the  intermediate  ports  on 
the  east  coast.  Railroad  communication  with  Aranci  and  Sagliari, 
and  telegraphic  communication.  The  telegraph  office  is  open  till 
midnight. 


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THE   ISLAND  OF  SARDINIA.^  415 

Supplies  of  fresh  provisions  are  plentiful,  and  there  is  an  abun- 
dant supply  of  good  water  from  a  hose  on  the  quay. 

Capo  Ceraso. — From  the  entrance  to  Porto  Terranova  the  coast 
trends  eastward  and  is  low  and  marshy,  forming  several  coves  and 
points  as  far  as  Capo  Ceraso,  a  distance  of  3J  miles.  It  is  fringed 
by  islets,  rocks,  and  shoals,  which  extend  seaward  for  a  distance  of 
800  yards.  Near  the  entrance  of  Porto  Terranova  is  Liscia  delle 
Saline,  and  between  it  and  the  cape,  Porto  Vitello.  Capo  Ceraso 
has  an  islet  at  its  foot  and  rocks  extend  about  400.  yards  from  the 
eastward  of  it.  Monte  Maladormida,  715  feet  high,  and  the  highest 
peak  near  the  cape,  has  a  beacon  on  its  summit. 

Capo  Ceraso — Beacon. — A  beacon  in  the  form  of  a  truncated 
pyramid  13  feet  in  height  and  painted  white,  is  built  on  a  rock 
situated  about  320  yards  southwestward  of  the  outer  shoal  off  Capo 
Ceraso  and  about  2,843  yards  59°  from  the  triangulation  station  on 
Mount  Maladormida. 

Buoy. — ^A  conical  buoy,  painted  in  white  and  red  horizonatal 
bands,  surmounted  by  a  staff  and  cone,  and  marked  "  Capo  Ceraso," 
IS  moored  in  about  8^  fathoms  about  100  yards  eastward  of  the  outer 
part  of  the  3-foot  shoal  off  Capo  Ceraso. 

Secca  SperlattOy  with  a  least  depth  of  3^  feet,  and  of  small  extent, 
lies  at  the  extremity  of  a  bank  of  sand  and  rocks  above  water,  which 
extends  about  700  yards  from  the  shore,  midway  between  Punta 
Ruja  and  Capo  Ceraso. 

The  light  of  Isolotto  Bocca  is  obscured  over  Punta  Ruja  and 
Secca  Sperlatto,  and  the  irregular  flash  shows  for  about  400  yards 
to  the  northward  of  them. 

Mooring  buoy. — A  mooring  buoy  lies  in  the  center  of  the  bay, 
eastward  of  Punta  Ruja. 

Punta  Coda  Cavallo,  6  miles  south-southeastward  of  Capo  Ce- 
raso, is  the  termination  of  high,  undulating  land;  Isola  Proratora 
lies  close  to  its  northern  side,  and  is  skirted  with  rocks.  The  inter- 
mediate land  is  high  and  broken,  and  the  coast  irregular,  forming 
indentations  and  points  fronted  with  several  islets,  rocks,  and  shoals. 
Isola  Tavolara  and  Isola  Molara  lie  about  1  mile  from  the  shore,  in 
the  bight  between  Capo  Ceraso  and  Punta  Coda  Cavallo. 

From  Capo  Ceraso  the  coast  trends,  in  a  southwesterly  direction, 
for  a  distance  of  2  miles  to  Porto  Sisco,  a  circular  cove,  in  which  the 
depths  are  from  1^  to  4  fathoms,  with  a  sandy  beach,  but  as  it  is 
exposed  to  the  eastward,  and  there  are  rocks  at  its  head,  it  is  seldom 
visited. 

To  the  eastward  of  the  cove,  and  IJ  miles  southward  of  Capo 
Ceraso,  is  Isola  Cavalli,  49  feet  above  the  sea,  and  nearly  united  with 
other  smaller  islets,  lying  between  its  southwest  part  and  the  coast ; 
there  is  no  passage  between.     At  nearly  ^  mile  westward  of  Isola 

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416  THE   ISLAND   OF   SARDINIA. 

Cavalli  is  a  rocky  shoal  with  IJ  fathoms  water  over  it,  between  which 
and  Capo  Ceraso  the  depths  are  from  7  to  12  fathoms.  The  bay 
between  Capo  Ceraso  and  Isola  Cavalli  is  known  as  Golfo  Sparlatta. 

Porto  San  Paolo. — The  above  islets  form  with  the  coast  an  inlet 
on  the  southward  about  f  mile  in  length  and  800  yards  in  width, 
named  Porto  San  Paolo.  Its  entrance  is  open  to  the  eastward,  but 
protected  from  the  sea  by  Isola  Tavolara,  distant  J  mile.  Coasters 
anchor  in  2  fathoms  water,  but  large  vessels  farther  out,  southward 
of  Isola  Cavalli,  in  5  or  6  fathoms.  Near  the  shore  of  the  inlet  the 
water  is  shallow. 

Isolotto  ReulinOy  small,  of  a  red  color,  and  36  feet  above  the 
sea,  lies  1  mile  to  the  southeastward  of  Cavalli,  f  mile  from  the  coast 
of  Sardinia,  and  rather  more  than  ^  mile  from  the  western  end  of 
Tavolara.  It  is  nearly  joined  to  the  coast  by  diallow  water  and 
rocks,  which  form  the  south  side  of  the  channel  to  Porto  San  Paolo. 
Vessels  from  the  eastward  should  pass  about  400  yards  northward 
of  the  islet,  or  midway  between  it  and  the  spit  extending  southward 
from  the  western  point  of  Isola  Tavolara. 

Porto  Tavema. — Punta  Pietra  Bianca,  so  named  from  the  color 
of  the  land,  is  1  mile  southward  of  Isolotto  Reulino,  and  between  is 
the  entrance  to  Porto  Taverna.  This  port  is  1  mile  deep,  open  to 
the  northward,  and  sheltered  by  Isola  Tavolara,  the  islet  of  Reulino, 
and  its  adjacent  rocks  and  shoals.  To  the  northwestward  of  Punta 
Pietra  Bianca,  and  close-to,  is  Isolotto  Mezzo,  surrounded  by  rocks, 
leaving  a  narrow  boat  passage  between  it  and  the  point. 

Anchorage. — The  anchorage,  in  7  or  8  fathoms  water,  is  shel- 
tered from  all  winds  but  those  from  the  east-northeast,  which  at  times 
send  in  a  considerable  sea ;  small  vessels  anchor  on  the  eastern  shore 
to  the  south  westward  of  Isolotto  Mezzo,  where  they  are  more  shel- 
tered. A  rock,  about  40  yards  in  diameter,  with  a  least  depth  on  it  of 
23  feet,  bears  253°,  distant  800  yards,  from  Isolotto  Mezzo. 

Isola  Tavolara,  3|  miles  in  length  in  an  east-northeasterly  and 
west-southwesterly  direction,  3  mile  in  breadth,  is  high,  arid,  cliffy, 
and  rugged,  and  nearly  inaccessible  on  all  sides,  with  its  greatest 
elevation  to  the  south  westward,  where  it  terminates  in  Monte  Can- 
none,  conical,  and  1,847  feet  high. 

The  southwestern  extremity  is  low,  and  terminates  in  a  tongue  of 
land  surrounded  by  rocks  and  shallow  water ;  the  northern  extremity 
of  the  shoal  ground,  with  2  fathoms  over  it,  named  Secca  di  Tavolara, 
lies  1,100  yards  northward  of  the  southwestern  extremity  of  the 
island,  and  has  7  fathoms  close-to.  Westward  and  southward  of  the 
same  point  the  shoal  ground  extends  from  700  to  1,100  yards;  with 
these  exceptions  the  island  is  steep-to. 

Landing  and  casual  shelter  will  be  found  in  two  coves,  which  ter- 
minate in  a  beach,  one  at  either  end  of  the  island;  that  to  the  north- 


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THE  ISLAND  OF   SARDINIA.  417 

eastward,  named  Spalmatore  di  Fuori,  is  800  yards  deep,  and  about 
200  yards  wide,  with  16  fathoms  at  the  entrance  to  4  fathoms  within ; 
the  cove  to  the  southwestward,  known  as  Spahnatore  di  Terra,  affords 
shelter  for  small  vessels  in  from  5  to  15  fathoms  water,  over  weed 
and  sand,  but  it  is  exposed  to  the  winds  southward  of  east,  and  those 
from  the  eastern  quarter  cause  a  considerable  sea  on  this  part  of  the 
coast. 

Light. — On  the  northeastern  side  of  Isola  Tavolara,  and  nearly 
midway  between  the  entrance  of  Spalmatore  di  Fuori  and  Punta 
Papa,  is  a  square,  yellow  tower,  64  feet  in  height,  with  battlements, 
and  rising  from  the  center  of  the  keeper's  dwelling,  painted  red  and 
white  in  horizontal  stripes;  it  exhibits,  at  an  elevation  of  538  feet 
above  the  sea,  a  fixed  and  flashing  white  light ;  it  is  visible  27  miles. 
(For  arc  of  visibility,  see  Light  List  and  chart.) 

Isola  Molara^  1  mile  to  the  southeastward  of  Isola  Tavolara,  is 
531  feet  above  the  sea,  1^  miles  in  length  in  a  west-northwesterly  and 
east-southeasterly  direction,  and  covered  with  brambles.  A  small 
islet,  with  several  detached  rocks,  lies  about  600  yards  off  its  north- 
western end,  and  the  northwestern  side  of  the  island  is  foul.  Off  the 
northeastern  side  of  the  island  is  Scoglio  Porri,  distant  400  yards 
from  the  shore.    Between  Isola  Molara  and  Tavolara  there  are  from 

10  to  27  fathoms  water,  and  the  channel  between  Molara  and  Isolotto 
Proratora,  on  the  northern  side  of  Punta  Coda  Cavallo,  is  about  J 
mile  wide,  with  depths  of  from  13  to  15  fathoms,  but  it  contracts 
somewhat  to  the  westward,  with  the  shoal  water  off  Molara. 

Isolotto  MolarottOy  a  conical  rock  about  65  feet  above  the  sea, 
and  situated  1.6  miles  eastward  of  Isola  Molara,  is  of  a  red  color, 
bare  of  vegetation,  and  steep-to ;  the  island  is  foul  on  the  eastern  side 
to  the  distance  of  200  yards;  and  a  sunken  rock,  having  a  depth  of 

11  feet  over  it,  lies  nearly  400  yards  southwestward  from  the  south- 
western side. 

Scogli  Cervi,  1  mile  southwestward  of  Molarotto,  are  two  rocks  a 
little  above  water,  standing  at  the  southeastern  corner  of  a  shoal  and 
rocky  plateaux,  which  extends  from  the  islets  I  mile  in  a  northerly 
and  a  westerly  direction. 

Vessels  may  pass  through  the  channel  between  Scogli  Cervi  and 
Isola  Molara,  but  should  avoid  the  channel  between  Scogli  Cervi  and 
Isolotto  Molarotto,  as,  in  addition  to  the  shoals  already  mentioned, 
a  dangerous  shoal,  having  a  depth  of  2^  fathoms,  lies  about  700  yards 
northeastward  from  Scogli  Cervi. 

In  passing  between  the  foregoing  islands  and  the  main  island,  cau- 
tion is  requisite,  as  the  currents  in  the  different  passages  are  uncer- 
tain both  in  velocity  and  direction. 
68850—17 ^27 


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418  THE   ISLAND  OF   SARDINIA. 

Wreck. — ^The  wreck  of  the  Italian  steamer  Pcdestina  lies  fast  near 
the  western  extremity  of  the  shoal  extending  off  Cervi  Islet,  between 
Molara  and  Mollarotto  Islands. 

Porto  Brandinclii  lies  about  IJ  miles  southwestward  of  Punta 
Coda  Cavallo,  and  the  promontory  affords  shelter  to  vessels  from 
northerly  winds;  it  is  about  1  mile  deep,  and  nearly  the  same  distance 
in  width.  The  entrance  is  about  400  yards  wide  between  Isola  Rossa, 
on  the  north,  and  Testa  di  More,  on  the  south ;  the  latter  is  a  pointed 
rock  above  water,  so  called  from  its  shape  and  color,  which  is  the 
extremity  of  a  ledge  of  rocks  extending  about  1  mile  northeastward 
from  Punta  Sabatino.  Punta  Brandinchi  is  a  headland,  95  feet  high, 
which  divides  the  western  part  of  the  bay  into  two  parts,  both  of 
which  have  white  sandy  beaches;  the  inner  end  of  the  headland  is 
surrounded  by  marshes. 

Anchorage. — ^The  anchorage  is  in  8  fathoms,  about  800  yards 
westward  of  Isola  Rossa.  Coming  from  the  northward,  having 
rounded  Punta  Coda  Cavallo,  bring  Scogli  Cervi  in  range  astern 
with  the  center  of  Malarotto,  bearing  44°,  until  Testa  di  Moro  is 
sighted  ahead,  which  steer  for  until  Isola  Rossa  is  abeam,  when 
steer  for  the  northern  extremity  of  the  white  beach  southward  of 
Punta  Brandinchi,  which  course  will  lead  to  the  anchorage  passing 
250  yards  southward  of  Isola  Rossa. 

Punta  d'OttlolOy  5^  miles  southward  of  Punta  Coda  Cavallo,  is 
rocky,  and  3  miles  north-northwestward  of  Punta  d'Ottiolo  is  Punta 
Sabatino,  the  intermediate  coast  forming  a  bay,  with  a  sandy  beach 
3  miles  in  length,  within  which  is  Lago  San  Teodoro. 

Anchorage. — There  is  anchorage  for  large  vessels  off  San  Teo- 
doro Beach  in  from  11  to  15  fathoms  water. 

About  1  mile  southward  of  Punta  d'Ottiolo  is  Scoglio  Petroso,  not 
far  from  the  shore,  with  reefs  extending  seaward  above  ^  mile.  At 
Punta  Santa  Anna,  2  miles  farther  southward,  there  is  a  conspicuous 
white  patch  on  a  low  hill  near  the  sea. 

Punta  and  Scogli  Fedrami. — About  1.3  miles  beyond  Punta 
Santa  Anna,  and  4  miles  from  Punta  d'Ottiolo,  is  Punta  Pedrami, 
to  the  eastward  of  which  a  chain  of  islets  of  the  same  name,  a  little 
above  water,  with  a  reef  some  distance  farther  out,  extend  IJ  miles 
from  the  shore.  The  passage  within  them  is  only  suitable  for  boats. 
The  Fiiime  Posada  runs  into  the  sea  1^  miles  southward  of  Punta 
Pedrami. 

Punta  Caletta  lies  2^  miles  southward  of  Punta  Pedrami,  and  2 
miles  farther  southward  is  Punta  Santa  Lucia.  Punta  Caletta  may 
be  recognized  by  the  white  cylindrical  tower  of  San  Giovanni  north- 
ward of  it,  and  by  a  group  of  houses  southward  of  the  tower.  Santa 
Lucia  has  the  ruins  of  a  tower  on  its  extremity,  and  may  be  recog- 


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THE   ISLAND  OF   SAKDINIA.  419 

nized  by  a  group  of  reddish  colored  houses  behind  the  tower ;  there 
is  a  long  stretch  of  white  sand  standing  out  between  the  green  bushes, 
which  is  especially  conspicuous  when  seen  from  the  northward. 

Posada  lies  about  2  miles  northwestward  of  Punta  Caletta,  and  is 
situated  along  the  steep  sides  of  a  small  conical  hill,  on  which  is  an 
old  castle. 

Siniscola,  with  a  conspicuous  steeple,  lies  about  4  miles  westward 
of  Punta  Santa  Lucia,  and  its  loading  place  is  in  a  small  sandy 
creek  northward  of  Torre  Santa  Lucia ;  it  exports  grain,  fruit,  honey, 
and  cheese. 

Anchorage. — There  is  anchorage  southward  of  Punta  Caletta  in 
from  ^  to  7  fathoms,  with  Torre  San  Giovani  in  range  with  Posada. 
The  weekly  steamer  between  Leghorn,  Genoa,  and  Cagliari  anchors 
here. 

Capo  CominOy  the  eastern  extremity  of  Sardinia,  is  the  termina- 
tion of  high  undulating  land  which  extends  in  a  northeastern  direc- 
tion. The  cape  is  low,  salient,  and  near  it  on  its  northern  side  is  the 
small  islet  of  Rossa.  From  Punta  d'Ottiolo  the  coast  is  low,  with 
several  lagoons,  and  is  all  along  backed  by  elevated  land.  Punta 
Maggiore,  6  miles  westward  of  Punta  d'Ottiolo,  is  3,182  feet  above 
the  sea.  Monte  Alvo,  14  miles  westward  of  Capo  Comino,  terminates 
in  tableland,  is  3,701  feet  above  the  sea,  and  from  its  whitish  appear- 
ance is  a  good  mark  for  this  part  of  the  coast.  The  town  of  Siniscola 
lies  at  the  eastern  foot  of  this  range. 

During  strong  westerly  winds  heavy  squalls  blow  through  the  val- 
leys and  are  felt  some  distance  seaward. 

Golf o  di  Orosei. — Golfo  di  Orosei  is  formed  between  Punta  Nera 
(8 J  miles  to  the  southward  of  Capo  Comino),  and  Capo  di  Monte 
Santo,  which  is  distant  from  it  18  miles  to  the  southward.  With  the 
exception  of  4  miles  of  the  northwest  shore,  it  is  bounded  by  perpen- 
dicular cliffs  of  considerable  elevation,  broken  by  small  bights  with 
pebbly  beaches,  here  boats  may  find  shelter  with  offshore  winds. 
Among  the  crags  are  wild  olive  trees  and  stunted  timber,  and  several 
small  streams  enter  the  sea. 

The  rocks  which  lie  off  the  cliff's  do  not  extend  any  distance,  and 
the  gulf  is  without  any  other  hidden  danger ;  1  mile  from  the  shore, 
in  the  southern  part  of  it,  there  are  depths  of  30  fatEoms  and  up- 
ward. It  is  less  deep  to  the  northward ;  1^  miles  beyond  a  line  joining 
the  entrance  points  there  are  527  fathoms  water,  over  mud. 

Orosei. — At  2^  miles  west-southwestward  from  Punta  Nera  is  the 
mouth  of  the  Fiume  Orosei,  the  outlet  of  many  other  hill  streams. 
It  runs  into  a  salt  lake,  2J  miles  in  length  and  about  J  mile  in  breadth, 
within  the  sandy  shore;  boats  can  navigate  the  river  for  some  little 
distance.    The  town  of  Orosei,  with  a  population  of  about  2,070.  is 


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420  THE   ISLAND  OP   SARDINIA. 

on  the  right  bank  of  the  river  1  mile  from  the  coast,  and  upon  eleva- 
tions inland  are  some  chapels  and  several  villages. 

A  castle  stands  on  a  hill  on  the  same  side  of  the  river  about  J5  miles 
inland,  and  Monte  Tutta vista,  southwestward  of  it,  rises  to  an  eleva- 
tion of  2,641  feet  above  the  sea.  The  country  around  is  very  fertile, 
but  unhealthful  during  the  hot  season.  Vessels  call  for  the  produc- 
tions of  the  province,  consisting  chiefly  of  corn  and  cheese. 

A  bank  of  sand  has  formed  off  the  custom  house  at  Orosei,  extend- 
ing about  280  yards  from  the  shore. 

ComiKiunication. — ^The  steamers  running  between  Gknoa,  Leg- 
horn, and  Cagliari  call  here  weekly,  and  also  at  Cala  Gonone,  6 
miles  farther  southward,  which  is  the  shipping  port  of  Dorgali. 

Coast. — Three  and  a  half  miles  from  Fiume  Orosei,  passing  an 
uncultivated  sandy  coast,  is  a  low  point  named  Nera  di  Osalla,  off 
which  there  are  rocks;  Cala  Cartoi  is  upon  the  southern  side  of  the 
point,  at  the  mouth  of  a  stream,  beyond  which  commences  the  range 
of  cliffs  before  mentioned. 

Capo  di  Monte  Santo  is  a  bold  rugged  promontory  sloping  from  an 
elevation  of  2.398  feet  above  the  sea,  and  terminating  in  abrupt  cliffs. 

Golfo  di  Tortoli. — The  coast  bends  toward  the  southward  and 
westward  from  Capo  di  Monte  Santo,  and  with  Capo  Bellavista, 
lying  10  miles  to  the  southward,  forms  Golfo  di  Tortoli.  Close  off 
the  shore,  4J  miles  from  Capo  di  Monte  Santo,  is  Punta  Guglia,  a 
little  to  the  northward  of  which  is  a  small  bight,  where  a  good  supply 
of  water  can  be  procured.  The  tower  and  chapel  of  Santa  Maria 
are  on  a  point  2  miles  southward  of  Punta  Guglia ;  thence  the  shore 
of  the  gulf  is  low  and  sandy ;  two  rivers  flow  into  it,  and  there  is  a 
large  lake,  Lago  di  Tortoli,  on  the  southwest  side,  which  in  winter 
is  navigable  for  boats,  supplying  with  fish  the  neighboring  villages 
of  Girasol,  Lazzorai,  and  Donigalla. 

Isola  Ogliastra^  about  1  mile  south-southeast  from  Torre  Santa 
Maria,  is  a  rugged  mass  of  red  rock,  160  feet  above  the  sea,  having 
several  rocks  around  it  both  above  and  under  water;  there  are,  how- 
ever, 9  fathoms  water  within  200  yards  of  the  island,  and  a  good 
passage  between  it  and  the  shore.  There  is  anchorage  southwest- 
ward  of  the  island,  in  7  fathoms  of  water,  about  400  yards  from  the 
shore.  The  fixed  red  sector  of  Porto  di  Tortoli  Mole  Light  shows 
over  the  island. 

Capo  Bellavista^  a  promontory,  forming  the  southern  side  of 
Golfo  di  Tortoli,  is  of  porphyritic  formation,  and  moderately  ele- 
vated; the  head  is  above  1  mile  in  breadth  in  a  north  and  south 
direction,  much  indented,  and  bold,  off  the  extreme  eastern  point. 
On  the  northern  end  are  the  tower  and  chapel  of  Arbatax;  on  the 
isouth,  the  tower  and  chapel  of  San  Gemiliano,  and  on  the  central 


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THE  ISLAND  OF   SARDINIA.  421 

elevation  is  a  lighthouse.  Off  the  cape  there  are  depths  of  14  to  16 
fathoms  at  700  yards,  outside  of  which  the  depths  increase  rapidly. 

Light. — On  the  summit  of  Capo  Bellaf  ista  is  a  square  tower,  63 
feet  in  height,  with  battlements,  and  surmounting  a  rectangular 
dwelling,  the  base  of  which  is  painted  black  and  white  in  bands;  it 
exhibits,  at  an  elevation  of  541  feet  above  the  sea,  an  occulting 
white  light;  the  light  has  an  estimated  visibility  of  28  miles.  (See 
Light  List.) 

Porto  di  Tortoll  (Bada  di  Arbatax). — The  northern  point  of 
the  cape  forms  a  bay  with  a  sandy  beach,  from  which  a  good  road 
runs  into  the  interior,  and  whence  the  surplus  produce  of  the  district 
is  shipped  when  the  winds  are  favorable. 

Port. — From  the  northwestern  side  of  the  point  a  mole  extends 
northward  and  northwestward,  for  a  distance  of  257  yards,  thence 
westward  for  about  200  yards. 

Light. — From  a  turret,  painted  in  white  and  red  horizontal  bands, 
20  feet  high,  erected  on  the  head  of  the  mole,  is  exhibited,  at  an  ele- 
vation of  46  feet  above  the  sea,  an  occulting  white  light ;  it  is  visible 
8  miles. 

In  the  same  turret,  33  feet  above  the  sea,  is  exhibited  a  fixed  red 
light,  which  shows  a  sector  of  15°  over  Isola  Ogliastra.  (See  Light 
List.) 

Tortoli,  with  a  population  of  2,105,  is  about  3  miles  westward 
of  the  cape,  and  has  a  large  cathedral  with  a  cupola.  The  country 
around  is  well  cultivated,  and  produces  a  quantity  of  cheese,  grain, 
fruits,  tobacco,  and  wines. 

Communication. — Steamers  between  Leghorn,  Genoa,  Madda- 
lena,  and  Cagliari  call  weekly.  A  tramway  betwen  the  port  and 
Tortoli,  and  telegraphic  communication. 

Supplies. — Provisions  may  be  procured  at  Tortoli;  wood  can  be 
obtained  in  abundance  by  vessels  visiting  the  Gulf  of  Tortoli,  and 
water,  in  favorable  weather,  near  the  tower  of  Santa  Maria. 

Coast. — Southward  of  Capo  Bellavista  is  a  bay  with  a  sandy 
shore,  into  which  flows  the  small  Fiume  Tortoli,  and  here  coasting 
vessels  find  shelter  from  northerly  winds.  Punta  Nera  di  Bari, 
which  is  low  and  rocky,  is  situated  5  miles  south-southwestward  of 
the  cape,  and  2  miles  farther  in  the  same  direction  is  Torre  di  Bari, 
23  feet  above  the  sea,  off  which  are  a  few  rocks.  Gala  Francese,  10 
miles  southward  of  Capo  Bellavista,  affords  shelter  for  boats,  and 
southward  of  it  the  coast  is  rocky.  Along  this  shore  there  are  no 
dangers  beyond  700  yards  off;  farther  out  the  ground  is  uneven. 

The  country  is  undulating,  and  of  moderate  elevation ;  the  higher 
land  approaching  the  coast  toward  the  south  is  covered  with  wood. 
Monte  Gennargentu,  6,130  feet  above  the  sea,  and  the  highest  moun- 


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422  THE  ISLAND  OF   SARDINIA. 

tain  in  Sardinia,  is  situated  19  miles  westward  of  Capo  Bellavista. 
The  district  of  Ogliastra,  included  between  Monte  Santo  and  the 
Cuadazzoni  Range,  and  separated  by  a  chain  of  mountains  from  the 
rest  of  the  island,  is  rich  in  cultivation,  and  studded  with  some  of 
the  best  villages  in  Sardinia. 

Capo  Sf  erra  Cavallo. — This  rugged  headland,  3  miles  southward 
of  Cala  Francese,  is  the  termination  of  Monte  Ferrau,  composed  of 
granite,  and  2,877  feet  above  the  sea,  which,  with  Monte  Cuadazzoni, 
trends  in  a  northwestern  direction,  and  to  the  southward  runs  nearly 
parallel  to  the  coast,  at  about  5  miles  distant  from  it.  Off  the  cape 
is  a  small  islet,  and  the  coast  is  fronted  for  at  least  20  miles  by  cliffs  of 
considerable  height,  at  the  foot  of  which  rocks  and  foul  ground  ex- 
tend for  a  distance  of  about  400  yards. 

Three  miles  from  the  cape,  on  the  fall  of  the  cliff,  is  Torre  di  San 
Giovanni  di  Sarala,  cylindrical,  white,  and  65  feet  above  the  sea ;  an 
islet  lies  a  short  distance  off  it.  Capo  Paleri  is  5f  miles  farther  south, 
and  2  miles  beyond  it,  at  the  termination  of  the  cliffs  and  spur  from 
the  Cuadazzoni  Range,  is  Torre  Murtas. 

Isola  di  Chirra,  about  1^  miles  southward  of  Torre  Murtas,  is  a 
cluster  of  rocks  or  islets  included  within  a  circuit  of  f  mile;  they 
are  from  30  to  40  feet  above  the  sea,  and  bold  close- to  on  all  sides,  ex- 
cept to  the  eastward,  where  a  bank  extends  with  a  depth  of  2  fath- 
oms ^  mile  from  the  islets.  They  lie  off  the  center  of  a  pebbly  beach 
with  a  deep-water  channel  between.  This  beach  extends  from  Torre 
Murtas  to  Capo  San  Lorenzo,  on  which  is  a  tower,  3^  miles  to  the 
southward ;  into  the  bay  run  two  streams.  If  navigating  the  channel 
between  the  islets  and  the  coast  vessels  should  keep  nearer  the  islets. 

Fiume  Flumendosa. — Small  islets  and  rocks  extend  from  this 
coast  to  a  distance  of  ^  mile,  but  at  about  1  mile  off  there  are  depths 
of  from  12  to  16  fathoms.  A  chain  of  peaked  hills  extend  a  short  dis- 
tance behind,  sloping  down  upon  the  south  to  a  lake,  and  a  little  be- 
yond, to  the  Fiume  Flumendosa,  one  of  the  largest  streams  in  the 
island,  and  in  the  winter  very  rapid;  it  flows  from  the  northwest 
through  a  mountainous  district,  and  approaches  the  sea  between  the 
villages  and  fertile  grounds  of  San  Vito  and  Muravera  on  the  south, 
and  Villapuzzu  on  the  north. 

Muravera,  the  chief  town  of  the  district,  is  about  2^  miles  from 
the  sea  and  1  mile  from  the  river.  Porto  Corallo  (Cala  di  Torre 
Corallo),  a  small  bight  northward  of  the  river's  mouth,  is  resorted 
to  by  the  coasting  trade  for  cheese,  fruit,  grain,  etc.,  but  it  is  only 
safe  in  the  summer  season ;  it  may  be  recognized  by,  in  addition  to 
Torre  Corallo,  a  whitish  house  in  ruins  on  the  top  of  a  small  conical 
hill,  a  short  distance  northwestward  of  the  tower.  On  the  coast,  a 
little  to  the  northward  of  the  town,  is  a  group  of  houses  and  also 


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THE   ISLAND  OF   SARDINIA.  423 

a  small  stone  pier,  which,  however,  is  covered  at  high  tides.    Mura- 
vera  contains  a  population  of  about  3,054. 

Connnunication. — Steamers  between  Genoa,  Leghorn,  Madda- 
lena,  and  CagUari,  call  off  this  port  once  a  week. 

Coast. — The  country  between  Fiume  Flumendosa  and  Golfo  di 
Cagliari,  nearly  devoid  of  habitation,  is  chiefly  occupied  by  wander- 
ing shepherds. 

There  are  several  lakes,  the  largest  of  which,  named  Colostra  i,  upon 
the  southern  side  of  Torre  Saline,  receives  the  Picocca  and  other 
streams,  and,  having  a  cbmmimication  with  the  sea,  is  known  as 
Cala  Strallus.  Fish  are  plentiful  in  this  lake,  Cagliari  market 
being  supplied  from  it. 

Torre  Saline  stands  on  a  rocky  promontory  and  is  92  feet  above 
the  sea,  but  is  not  conspicuous,  as  the  tower  is  the  same  color  as  the 
rocks. 

Capo  Fenato^  a  wliite  rugged  point,  elevated  about  70  or  80  feet 
above  the  sea,  terminates  Monte  Ferru,  a  conical  peak,  on  which  is  a 
tower.  There  is  deep  water  close  off  it;  at  1  mile  distant  there  is 
a  depth  of  30  fathoms,  and  3  miles  eastward  of  the  cape  there  is 
375  fathoms.  From  Capo  Ferrato  the  coast  turns  to  the  westward 
for  about  i  mile,  forming  Cala  PiraStro,  open  and  unsafe;  thence 
the  shore  continues  low  and  sandy,  with  small  lagoons  and  brushwood 
for  ^  miles,  to  Punta  dei  Cappuccini,  a  rocky  projection. 

Scoglio  di  Sant^  Elmo,  small,  about  3  feet  above  the  sea,  and  situ- 
ated about  1^  miles  northward  of  Punta  dei  Cappuccini,  and  about 
i  mile  from  the  shore,  is  bold  all  around,  with  7  fathoms  water  be- 
tween it  and  the  shore. 

Castiadas  anchorage. — ^There  is  anchorage  between  Scoglio 
Sant'  Elmo  and  Punta  dei  Cappuccini,  about  1,200  yards  from  the 
latter,  with  a  sandy  bottom. 

Radio. — A  radio  station  is  established  at  Castiadas;  it  is  open 
to  the  public  from  sunrise  to  sunset ;  the  call  letters  are  I.  C.  C. 

Isola  Serpentara^  about  2^  miles  southward  of  Punta  dei  Cap- 
puccini, consists  of  four  islands,  the  group  extending  above  1  mile 
in  a  north  and  south  direction ;  the  largest  island  is  a  mass  of  granite 
with  steep  sides  and  has  a  tower  named  San  Luigi  upon  its  highest 
part,  177  feet  above  the  sea.  There  is  deep  water  all  around  and 
depths  of  from  12  to  15  fathoms  between  the  islets  and  the  shore. 

Punta  dei  Molentiy  2  miles  westward  of  Isola  Serpentara,  is  a 
small  peninsula,  little  elevated,  and  joined  to  the  main  island  by 
a  low  sandy  isthmus ;  it  is  surrounded  by  rocks. 

Anchorage  may  be  taken  up  in  the  sound  in  from  15  to  16  fath- 
oms water,  over  a  bottom  of  gravel  and  weed;  the  best  berths  are 
half-way  between  Cala  Piras  and  the  northern  islet,  and  the  same 


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424  THE  ISLAND  OF   SARDINIA. 

distance  between  Punta  dei  Molenti  and  the  southern  end  of  the 
large  island.  This  latter  is  known  as  Rada  Porcelli,  from  the  group 
of  rocks,  Scogli-i-Porcelli,  which  extend  southeastward  from  the 
coast  for  a  distance  of  about  400  yards. 

Porto  Giunco. — Between  Punta  dei  Molenti  and  Capo  Carbonara 
is  Porto  Giunco  and  Torre  Giunco,  over  a  steep  cliff,  210  feet  above 
the  sea,  is  nearly  1  mile  northward  of  Capo  Carbonara. 

Several  rocks,  both  under  and  above  water,  lie  off  the  shore  be- 
tween Capo  Carbonara  and  Horre  Giuncp;  the  outer  ones,  named 
II  Barca  or  Boat  Rocks,  are  about  10  feet  above  the  sea,  and  J  mile 
from  the  shore,  with  4  to  5  fathoms  water  between. 

Secca  del  Bemi  are  without  the  line  of  bay,  and  in  nearly  a 
central  position;  one  of  them  awash  bears  200°,  distant  IJ  miles 
from  Punta  dei  Molenti.  Nearly  200  yards  north  and  south  of  the 
rock  awash  are  two  others,  the  first  with  6  feet,  the  latter  with  only 
1  foot  water  over  it. 

Light. — ^A  stone  cylindrical-shaped  tower,  with  red  and  black 
bands,  18  feet  in  height,  stands  on  the  center  of  the  rocks,  and  ex- 
hibits, at  an  elevation  of  39  feet  above  the  sea  an  unwatched  flash- 
ing white  light;  it  is  visible  10  miles.     (See  Light  List.) 

Anchorage. — ^There  are  depths  of  from  5  to  14  fathoms  in  Porto 
Giunco,  at  a  reasonable  distance  from  the  shore,  and  good  anchorage 
may  be  obtained  about  f  mile  eastward  of  the  tower,  in  from  6  to 
8  fathoms  water,  over  sand  and  weed.  This  anchorage  is  sheltered 
from  winds  northward  of  northeast  round  to  south,  but  generally 
there  is  a  heavy  swell  with  winds  from  the  opposHe  quarters. 

South  coast — Capo  Carbonara. — This  nearly  isolated  headland 
lies  in  a  south-southeasterly  direction,  and  terminates  in  a  sharp 
cliffy  point ;  f  mile  northwestward  of  the  extremity,  on  a  steep  pin- 
nacle, is  Torre  Caterina,  381  feet  above  the  sea,  and  on  the  northern 
extremity  of  the  head,  a  small  fort,  Fortezza  Vecchia.  One-fourth 
mile  southwest  ward  from  the  fort  is  Isolotto  di  San  Stefano,  59  feet 
above  the  sea,  and  farther  southward,  abreast  the  tower,  a  rock  above 
the  water,  the  shore  on  this  side  of  the  cape  being  foul. 

Northeastward  of  the  extremity  of  Capo  Carbonara,  and  J  mile 
from  the  shore,  there  is  a  rock  with  8  feet  water  over  it. 

A  sandy  isthmus  and  lake  separate  Capa  Carbonara  from  the  ris- 
ing groimd  within,  the  village  of  the  same  name  lying  in  a  hollow 
about  1  mile  from  the  coast.  Nearly  15  miles  northward  are  the 
seven  peaks,  named  the  Sette  Fratelli  or  Seven  Brothers,  the  highest 
of  which  is  3,333  feet  above  the  sea;  they  form  a  good  mark  for 
strangers  approaching  this  part  of  the  coast. 

Signal  station — Semaphore. — On  Torre  Caterina  is  a  sema- 
phore, 381  feet  above  the  sea,  with  which  vessels  can  communicate. 


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THE  ISLAND  OF   SAKDINIa.  425 

Isola  dei  Cavoli,  lying  about  700  yards  southeastward  of  Capo 
Carbonara,  is  about  1^  miles  in  circumference  and  144  feet  above  the 
sea ;  off  the  southeastern  point  are  several  islets,  and  some  rocks  ex- 
tend i  mile  from  the  southwestern  point  On  the  eastern  side  is'  a 
rocky  bight  forming  a  good  boat  harbor;  whence,  should  the  wind 
blow  on  shore,  small  vessels  can  run  for  Cagliari.  The  island  is  of 
gray  granite,  covered  with  brushwood,  and  the  formerly  ruinous 
defensive  tower  is  now  a  lighthouse. 

Between  the  island  and  Capo  Carbonara  there  are  depths  of  8  and 
9  fathoms,  and  the  water  is  deep  around  the  island. 

Light — Carbonara. — On  the  northeastern  part  of  Isola  Cavoli  a 
circular  tower,  surmoimting  a  dwelling  painted  in  white  and  black 
horizontal  bands,  with  "Faro  di  Cavoli"  on  the  tower,  the  whole 
123  feet  in  height,  exhibits,  at  an  elevation  of  242  feet  above  the  sea, 
a  flashing  white  light,  visible  22  miles.  (For  arc  of  visibility,  see 
Light  List.) 

Telegraph  station. — ^There  is  a  telegraph  station  on  Isola  Cavoli. 

Secca  di  Cala  Caterina. — About  1^  miles  west-southwestward 
from  Capo  Carbonara,  the  ground  is  uneven,  with  patches  of  7,  6, 
and  2f  fathoms,  over  a  rocky  bottom,  surrounded  by  depths  of  20 
fathoms  a  short  distance  off.  The  Fortezza  Vecchia,  well  open  to 
the  eastward  of  Monte  Bruncu  de  Sonnus  (Bcu.  Onnos),  bearing 
about  25°,  leads  westward  of  the  rock;  and  Torre  Finocchio,  a  little 
open  to  the  northward  of  the  extremity  of  Capo  Boi,  bearing  304°, 
leads  between  the  rock  and  the  mainland. 

Bellbuoy. — On  the  northeastern  edge  of  this  rock  a  black  bell- 
buoy  is  moored.  The  buoy  is  surmounted  by  a  conical  tube,  with 
black  and  white  stripes,  on  the  top  of  which  is  the  bell,  covered  by 
a  hood. 

Gk>lfo  di  Cagliari  (ancient  Caralitanus  Sinus),  the  largest  inden- 
tation on  the  south  of  Sardinia,  lies  between  Capo  Carbonara  on  the 
east  and  Capo  di  Pula  on  the  west,  which  lies  24  miles  from  Capo 
Carbonara;  the  gulf  is  about  12  miles  deep.  Both  sides  of  the  gulf 
are  a  succession  of  rocky  points  and  sandy  bays;  at  the  head  is  a 
broad  sandy  beach  11  miles  across,  broken  by  the  rocky  projection  of 
Capo  Sant'  Elia,  from  which  is  exhibited  a  light. 

A  high  range  of  hills  slopes  toward  the  shores  on  both  sides:  but 
from  Cagliari  an  extensive  plain  crosses  the  island  to  Golfo  di  Oris- 
tano,  44  miles  in  a  north-northwest  direction ;  this  plain  is  fertile  and 
well  cultivated.  Several  streams  enter  the  gulf,  those  toward  the 
south  entering  a  large  lake  which  conmiunicates  by  several  passages 
with  the  sea. 

Depths  offshore. — ^At  a  distance  of  3  miles  from  the  eastern 
shore  of  the  gulf,  the  soundings  vary  from  180  to  300  fathoms,  but 


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426  THE  ISLAND  OF   SARDINIA. 

along  the  western  side,  and  at  4  miles  from  the  head,  on  both  sides  of 
Capo  Sant'  Elia,  the  water  becomes  shallow,  decreasing  gradually 
from  26  and  30  fathoms,  with  some  mieven  ground  southwestward  of 
the  cape. 

Baia  Carbonara. — Cape  Boi,  390  feet  above  the  sea,  lies  4.3  miles 
northwestward  from  Capo  Carbonara,  and  between  them  is  Baia  di 
Carbonara,  about  If  miles  deep ;  its  northeastern  side  is  foul  within 
a  distance  of  J  mile.  Isolotti  Pescatelli,  in  the  western  part  of  the 
bay,  are  situated  300  yards  from  the  rocky  cliffs  northward  of  it, 
and  Secca  Pescatelli,  a  group  with  11  feet  least  water  over  it,  lies 
nearly  ^  mile  southwestward  of  it,  with  a  channel  of  8  fathoms  be- 
tween ;  10  fathoms  will  be  found  at  a  distance  of  400  yards  southward 
of  the  rock. 

Torre  Giunco  well  open  to  the  southward  of  Isolotto  di  San 
Stefano,  bearing  90°,  leads  to  the  southward  of  Secca  Pescatelli. 

Connnunication. — ^The  steamers  between  Genoa,  Leghorn,  Mad- 
dalena,  and  Cagliari,  call  here  every  week,  but  with  southwest  winds 
they  anchor  at  Porto  Giunco. 

Anchorage  may  be  obtained  in  11  fathoms  water,  about  1,600 
yards  west-northwestward  of  Fortezza  Vecchia,  or  in  a  depth  of  8 
fathoms,  i  mile  northwestward  of  the  same;  a  rock  with  1  foot  of 
water  over  it  lies  750  yards  northward  of  the  fort. 

Coast. — From  Capo  Boi,  as  far  as  Cala  Regina,  the  coast  has 
alternate  cliffy  points  and  sandy  bays;  midway  is  Torre  Finocchio, 
285  feet  above  the  sea.  Torre  di  Mortorio  is  situated  on  a  low,  rocky 
point,  whence  a  level  coast  trends  in  a  west-northwestery  direction 
for  4  miles,  to  the  northeastern  point  of  Baia  di  Quartu,  on  which  is 
Torre  Foxi,  10  feet;  and  on  the  point,  1.3  miles  eastward  of  Torre 
Foxi,  is  Torre  San  Andrea,  16  feet  above  the  sea,  and  named  after 
a  chapel  a  little  northward  of  it.  The  coast  may  be  boldly  ap- 
proached until  nearing  this  last-named  tower,  off  which  a  shoal,  a 
spit  of  rock  and  sand,  extends  for.  a  distance  of  nearly  ^  mile,  with 
5  fathoms  a  little  outside. 

Baia  di  Quartu  is  formed  between  the  point  on  which  is  Torre 
Foxi  and  Capo  Sant'  Elia,  a  distance  of  4J  miles  in  a  west-south- 
westerly direction ;  the  shore  is  a  fine  sandy  beach,  commanded  by  a 
fort  upon  the  east,  and  on  the  shore  and  north  projection  of  the 
cape  are  several  round  towers.  The  country  within  to  the  surround- 
ing villages,  a  distance  of  3  miles,  is  nearly  all  occupied  by  lakes  and 
salt  marshes,  but  beyond  is  a  fertile  undulating  country,  named  II 
Campidano  di  Cagliari,  which  produces  some  of  the  finest  fruits 
of  the  island.  The  village  of  Quartu  Santa  Elena,  1^  miles  within 
the  north  shore,  has  a  population  of  8,510,  and  its  white  cathedral, 
with  a  cupola  and  reddish  roof,  is  conspicuous. 


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THE  ISLAND  OF  SABDINIA.  427 

The  bay  has  a  moderate  depth  of  water,  but  it  is  too  exposed  to  be 

recommended  as  an  anchorage,  neither  is  the  holding  gromid  good. 

A  shoal,  with  4^  fathoms  water  over  it,  lies  just  southward  of  an 

imaginary  line  joining- Torre  Foxi  and  the  southern  extremity  of 

Capo  Sant'  Elia,  and  nearly  midway  between  them. 

CajK)  Sant'  EUa,  which  separates  Baia  di  Quartu  from  that  of 
Cagliari,  is  a  limestone  head,  about  1  mile  in  extent,  with  Torre  Sant' 
Elia.  446  feet  above  the  sea  on  its  eastern  side  and  low  land  north- 
ward of  it;  it  appears  isolated,  and  is  broken  into  several  cliffy 
points,  on  which,  to  the  northeastern  extremity,  is  Torre  Poetta. 
On  the  northern  part  of  the  cape  is  Forte  di  San  Ignazio;  and  San 
Bartolomeo  Chapel  lies  at  the  foot  of  the  northern  slope. 

Light. — On  a  point  900  yards  southward  of  Forte  di  San  Igna- 
zio, a  yellow  circular  tower,  surmounting  a  yellow  dwelling,  the 
whole  78  feet  in  height,  exhibits,  at  an  elevation  of  239  feet  above 
the  sea,  a  group  flashing  white  light;  is  visible  18  miles.  (See 
Light  List.) 

Signal  station — Semaphore. — On  Torre  di  Cala  Mosca,  near 
the  lighthouse,  is  a  semaphore  station,  with  which  vessels  can  com- 
municate; it  is  230  feet  above  the  sea,  and  painted  black  and  white. 

Bada  di  Cagliari  lies  between  Capo  Sant'  Elia  and  La  Madda- 
lena,  and  is  a  safe  and  convenient  roadstead  for  vessels  in  all 
weathers;  in  summer,  and  in  calm  weather  in  winter,  vessels  here 
discharge  and  embark  cargo  with  comparative  facility ;  in  the  winter 
months  especially  it  is  much  frequented  by  naval  vessels  and  mer- 
chantmen for  shelter  and  repairs,  as  also  for  provisions  and  water. 

Bocks  and  shoals. — Close  around  Capo  Sant'  Elia  there  are 
depths  of  4  and  5  fathoms.  A  small  rock  above  water,  named  Scoglio 
Perdaliada,  lies  200* yards  off  the  shore  westward  of  the  lighthouse. 
A  shoal  of  4|  fathoms  lies  IJ  miles,  245°  from  Sant'  Elia  Light- 
house, and  another  shoal  of  the  same  depth  lies  J  mile  to  the  north- 
westward. A  shoal  flat  fringes  the  whole  of  the  shores  of  Bada  di 
Cagliara;  off  the  eastern  shore,  and  abreast  the  town,  the  3-fathom 
curve  is  found  at  nearly  i  mile  distant. 

Secca  della  Scaffa,  about  ^  mile  in  length  in  a  north-northeast 
and  south-southwest  direction,  and  with  2|  fathoms  water  over  it, 
lies  600  yards  southwestward  of  the  entrance  to  the  port. 

Lightbuoy. — A  red  conical  buoy,  exhibiting  a  flashing  red  light 
9  feet  above  the  water,  and  visible  3  miles,  is  moored,  in  5J  fathoms, 
on  the  southwestern  side  of  Secca  della  Scaffa. 

Buoys. — Secca  della  Scaffa  is  also  marked  on  its  northeastern  and 
eastern  edge  by  a  red  conical  buoy,  surrounded  by  a  cylinder. 

Anchorage. — The  usual  anchorage  is  about  800  yards  southward 
of  the  entrance  to  the  port,  in  6^  fathoms,  with  Sant'  Elia  Lighthouse 


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428  THE   ISLAND  OF   SARDINIA. 

bearing  122°,  or  farther  out,  in  10  fathoms,  with  the  lighthouse 
bearing  97°. 

The  shore  between  Capo  Sant'  Elia  and  Cagliari  is  a  shallow  bight, 
partly  occupied  by  salines;  into  it  is  drained  the  surplus  water  from 
the  lakes,  and  fronting  it  are  many  banks  about  level  with  the 
water. 

The  western  shore  of  Bada  di  Cagliari  is  composed  of  a  narrow 
strip  of  sandy  beach  named  the  Play  a,  which  extends  in  a  south- 
westerly direction  for  5 J  miles  to  La  Maddalena ;  within  this  is  Lago 
di  Cagliari,  of  about  5  miles  in  length  and  of  salt  water,  which 
communicates  with  the  sea  through  eight  bridged  passages;  near 
that  next  to  the  city  is  Torre  Scaffa,  and  upon  the  ridge  are  several 
Salinas. 

This  lake  is  shallow,  has  upon  it  several  flat  islands  (on  the  largest 
of  which  is  San  Simone  Chapel),  and  receives  at  its  northern  extrem- 
ity the  Fiumi  Mannu  (from  the  northeast),  the  Samassi  (from  the 
north),  and  Sixerri  (from  the  westward) ;  it  abounts  in  fish,  such  as 
the  mullet,  eel,  etc.,  also  in  waterfowl,  and  is  navigated  by  flat- 
bottomed  boats. 

Port. — ^The  harbor  is  formed  by  two  moles,  the  eastern  of  which, 
named  Nuovo  Molo,  extends  from  the  eastern  side  of  the  city  first 
southwestward  for  a  distance  of  208  yards,  then  westward  216  yards, 
and  turning  west-northwestward  for  a  remaining  distance  of  205 
yards  to  its  head. 

The  western  mole,  Molo  Ponente,  from  the  western  side  of  the 
city,  extends  south-southeastward  for  a  distance  of  nearly  400  yards, 
leaving  an  entrance  between  it  and  the  head  of  Nuovo  Molo,  about 
320  yards  in  width.  Two  quays  extend  about  180  yards  from  the 
northeastern  side  of  the  port,  the  railroad  running  on  to  each. 

The  eastern  of  these  quays  is  named  Molo  Sant'  Elmo,  and  inmie- 
diately  eastward  of  it  is  La  Darsena  or  inner  harbor,  and  here  is  the 
customhouse  and  the  port  office. 

Depths. — In  the  entrance  to  the  port  there  is  a  depth  of  24  to  26 
feet;  inside  the  depths  are  generally  from  21  to  27  feet;  in  the  en- 
trance to  La  Darsena  24  feet ;  and  in  La  Darsena  from  12  to  24  feet. 

Dredgflng. — In  1913  dredging  was  conunenced  at  the  entrance  to 
the  harbor,  both  by  day  and  night.  At  night  the  dredger  shows 
three  lights  vertically,  the  upper  and  lower  red  and  a  white  light 
between. 

Lights — ^Nuovo  Molo. — On  the  outer  head  an  iron  support  on  a 
shed  exhibits,  at  an  elevation  of  28  feet  above  the  sea,  an  occulting 
green  light,  visible  7  miles.  The  light  structure  and  shed  are  painted 
in  white  and  black  horizontal  bands.    (See  Light  List.) 

Molo  Ponente. — An  occulting  red  light  is  shown  from  an  iron 
standard  10  feet  in  height,  on  the  extremity  of  Molo  Ponente,  at  an 

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THE  ISLAND  OF   SARDINIA.  429 

elevation  of  25  feet  above  the  sea ;  it  is  visible  2  miles.  The  frame- 
work tower  and  house, 'from  which  the  light  is  shown,  is  painted 
in  red  and  white  horizontal  bands.    (See  Light  List.) 

La  Darsena. — At  the  extremity  of  the  south  mole  of  La  Darsena 
a  fixed  green  light  is  shown,  at  an  elevation  of  16  feet  above  the 
sea,  from  an  iron  column  11  feet  in  height;  it  is  visible  2  miles. 

A  gray  turret  of  masonry  19  feet  in  height  on  the  extremity  of  the 
north  mole  of  La  Darsena  (Molo  Sant'  Elmo),  exhibits,  at  an  ele- 
vation of  23  feet  above  the  sea,  a  fixed  red  light  which  is  visible 
2  miles. 

Two  fixed  white  lights,  vertically,  3  feet  apart,  are  shown  at  an 
elevation  of  19  feet  above  the  sea,  from  an  iron  standard  17  feet  in 
height,  situated  at  the  northeastern  comer  of  La  Darsena,  and  are 
visible  in  clear  weather  from  a  distance  of  2  miles.    (See  Light  List.) 

Mooring  buoys. — There  are  three  gray  cylindrical  mooring 
buoys  in  the  harbor. 

Pilots  can  be  obtained. 

Cagliari  (Caralis  of  the  Phcenicians) ,  the  capital  of  Sardinia,  lies 
at  the  head  of  the  gulf,  2^  miles  north-northwestward  of  Capo  Sant' 
Elia;  the  central  and  original  portion  of  the  city  is  walled,  with 
strong  towers  of  Pisan  structure,  and  the  summit,  elevated  about  400 
feet  above  the  sea,  is  crowned  by  the  citadel.  Other  defensive  works 
comprise  Castello  di  San  Michele,  upon  a  northern  elevation  of  524 
feet ;  Forte  Russo,  on  a  height  to  the  eastward ;  and  a  fort  near  the 
lake  to'the  westward. 

Without  the  walls  on  the  western  side  is  the  mercantile  and  in- 
dustrial quarter  of  Stampace,  and  below  it  La  Marina,  which  is 
chiefly  occupied  by  the  maritime  community,  foreign  consuls,  etc. 
On  the  east  is  Villa  Nuova,  with  many  detached  houses  and  gardens 
and  an  agricultural  population. 

Cagnari  is  the  seat  of  a  royal  court  and  tribunal  of  commerce;  it  is 
the  residence  of  the  military  commandant  of  the  island  and  of  the 
archbishop  primate.  Within  the  walls  are  the  palace,  cathedral, 
university,  hospital,  museum,  and  other  public  institutions;  there  are 
also  numerous  churches  and  convents.  From  the  sea  the  city  has  an 
imposing  appearance,  from  its  commanding  position,  its  many  and 
varied  towers  and  domes,  the  cathedral's  being  a  conspicuous  one, 
enlivened  by  the  foliage  of  the  palm  and  other  trees ;  but  the  streets 
are  steep  and  narrow,  ill-paved,  and  the  way  broken  by  arched  pas- 
sages and  steps.    The  population  in  1911  was  61,013. 

Commimicatioii. — There  are  weekly  steamers  to  Aranci,  Leg- 
horn, Genoa,  Naples,  Palermo,  and  Tunis;  fortnightly  steamer  to 
Porto  Torres.  Railroad  communication  with  Porto  Vesme,  Tortoli, 
Cristano,  Bosa,  Nuovo,  Porto  Torres,  Terranova,  and  Aranci;  tele- 
graphic communication  with  all  parts.    The  telegraph  office  is  always 

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430  THE  ISLAND  OF   SARDINIA. 

open.  There  is  a  radio  telegraph  station  at  Castiadas.  There  is  a 
good  road  from  Cagliari  to  the  northern  end  of  the  island,  on  which 
regular  conveyances  run.  A  steam  tram  runs  to  Santa  Elena  Quartu. 
Coal  and  supplies. — About  1,500  tons  of  coal  are  kept  in  stock, 
and  coaling  is  carried  on  by  baskets.  There  are  3  or  4  barges  or 
lighters,  holding  35  to  40  tons,  and  from  200  to  300  tons  could  be  put 
on  board  in  24  hours ;  but  if  steamboats  are  used  to  tow  the  lighters 
a  much  larger  quantity.  The  coal  wharf  is  1,000  feet  in  length  and 
has  a  depth  of  24  feet  alongside  at  low  water.  Southerly  winds  may 
prevent  or  impede  coaling. 

Supplies  of  fresh  meat,  vegetables,  and  bread  may  be  procured, 
and  the  water,  which  may  be  obtained  near  the  quay  and  from  tank 
vessels,  is  good  and  plentiful. 

Sepairs. — Small  repairs  to  torpedo  boats  and  gun  vessels  are 
executed  here;  there  is  a  hand  crane  which  will  lift  10  tons  near  the 
head  of  Molo  Sant'  Elmo. 

Hospital. — At  the  civil  hospital  sailors  of  all  nations  are  boarded 
at  fixed  rates  of  payment. 

Trade. — ^The  chief  exports  from  Cagliari  are  wines,  salt,  cheese, 
cattle,  skins,  dried  fish,  wheat,  charcoal,  iron,  zinc,  and  lead  ores.  The 
imports  consist  of  wines  and  spirits,  colonial  produce,  soap,  cotton 
and  silk  goods,  raw  iron,  coals,  hardware,  earthenware,  and  glass. 

Winds. — The  land  winds  are  the  most  frequent  and  violent,  espe- 
cially those  from  the  north  and  northwest,  which  predominate  nearly 
two-thirds  of  the  year;  it  is  said  the  winds  from  seaward  never  blow 
home. 

Coast. — ^La  Maddalena,  situated  near  the  southern  end  of  the 
sandy  ridge  outside  Lago  Cagliari,  is  a  shipping  place  for  iron;  there 
is  a  pier  and  a  short  line  of  railroad  connecting  it  with  the  mines  near 
Assemini.  Punta  Savora,  on  which  there  is  a  tower,  23  feet  above 
the  sea,  is  6  miles  southward  of  La  Maddalena.  About  midway  is 
Torre  Antigori,  in  ruins,  and  about  i  mile  northward  of  Torre 
Antigori,  on  the  shore,  is  a  dynamite  factory,  a  group  of  reddish 
houses  with  two  tall  chimneys,  and  very  conspicuous  from  seaward ; 
there  is  also  a  small  pier  with  iron  framework. 

From  Punta  Savora  to  Capo  di  Pula,  a  distance  of  4J  miles,  the 
intermediate  coast  is  broken  into  cliffy  points  and  long  sandy  bays. 

Isola  di  San  Macario,  3  miles  southward  of  Punta  Savora,  is  on  the 
extremity  of  a  shoal  which  extends  nearly  800  yards  from  the  coast ; 
on  its  northern  part  is  a  tower,  102  feet  above  the  sea.  The  village  of. 
Pula,  with  a  population  of  about  1,780,  is  about  1  mile  from  the  coast, 
abreast  the  island. 

Water  can  be  procured  in  any  quantity  from  the  mouth  of  the 
Manu,  which  will  be  seen  in  the  bay  within  the  island ;  other  supplies 
can  be  procured  from  the  village  at  a  short  notice. 


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THE   ISLAND  OF   SARDINIA.  431 

Anchorage. — Vessels  requiring  water,  or  shelter  from  westerly 
winds,  may  obtain  anchorage  in  the  small  bay  northward  of  Capo  di 
Pula,  in  depths  of  from  7  to  8  fathoms,  f  mile  offshore. 

Capo  di  Pula  is  a  black  conical  crag  with  a  rock  lying  off  it ;  on 
its  summit  is  a  tower  115  feet  above  the  sea,  and  on  the  low  sandy 
spit  connecting  it  with  the  main  island  is  San  Effisio  Chapel,  and 
many  ruins  are  scattered  around.  Porto  di  Pula  (a  well-sheltered 
boat  harbor)  is  formed  on  the  western  side,  between  the  cape  and  a 
rocky  head,  f  mile  apart.  The  shore  of  the  port  is  broken  by  marsh 
islets  and  salt  lakes,  but  there  are  extensive  evidences  of  its  ancient 
importance  when  (as  the  Roman  city  of  Nora)  it  possessed  its  mole, 
theater,  baths,  aqueduct,  etc. 

Coast. — From  the  western  point  of  Porto  di  Pula  a  nearly  straight 
coast  trends  7^  miles  in  a  southwest  direction  to  Isolotto  di  Chia, 
westward  of  which,  on  a  headland,  is  a  tower ;  the  coast,  until  within 
1^  miles  of  the  latter,  is  chiefly  a  gravelly  beach,  bold  in  approach, 
and  backed  by  elevated  ground.  Approaching  Isolotto  di  Chia  the 
high  ground  nears  the  coast,  terminating  in  bold,  steep  cliffs,  off 
which,  but  close  in,  are  a  few  rocky  heads. 

Chia. — Between  Isolotto  di  Chia  and  Torre  Chia  is  the  mouth  of 
Fiume  Chia,  flowing  from  the  northward  through  a  pretty  valley, 
near  the  village  of  Domus  de  Maria,  and  also  near  the  smaller  vil- 
lage of  Chia.  Within  the  sandy  coast  line  are  two  lagoons,  and  the 
small  island  of  Giudeo  lies  off  the  shore  about  700  yards  from  Capo 
Spartivento. 

Water. — Near  Torre  Chia  is  one  of  the  best  watering  places  of  the 
island. 

Anchorage. — Off  the  coast  abreast  of  Cala  di  Ostia  and  Cala  di 
Chia  are  good  anchorages  with  shelter  from  northwest  winds;  it  is 
easy  to  get  underway  from  either  should  the  wind  shift  on-shore. 

CajK)  Spartivento  (ancient  Herculis  Prom.)  has  a  low  cliffy 
front  with  a  few  rocks  outside  its  western  point ;  in  a  northern  direc- 
tion the  land  is  high,  Punta  Severa,  a  peak  11  miles  distant,  being 
3,215  feet  above  the  sea.  A  rock,  with  2  fathoms  water  over  it,  lies 
about  333  yards  180"^  from  the  cape,  with  depths  of  5  and  7  fathoms 
in-shore ;  and  Secca  di  Giudeo,  on  which  the  depth  is  6  fathoms,  lies 
1 J  miles  eastward  of  the  lighthouse,  and  the  same  distance  southwest- 
ward  from  Torre  Chia.  The  bottom  is  generally  rocky,  but  the 
water  is  deep  around  and  the  coast  otherwise  bold. 

The  tower  on  Capo  di  Pula,  well  open  of  the  intervening  coast, 
bearing  about  43°,  leads  to  the  southward  of  the  2-fathom  rock. 

Light. — A  red  circular  tower  with  a  square  base,  and  surmount- 
ing a  red  dwelling,  the  whole  64  feet  in  height,  situated  on  the  west- 
ern part  of  Capo  Spartivento,  exhibits  a  group  occulting  white  light 


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432  THE  ISLAND  OF  SARDINIA. 

at  an  elevation  of  267  feet  above  the  sea,  which  is  visible  20  miles. 
(For  arc  of  visibility  see  Light  List.) 

Signal  station — Semaphore. — Upon  Capo  Spartivento  is  a 
semaphore,  682  feet  above  the  sea,  with  which  vessels  can  commu- 
nicate. 

Storm  signals  are  also  shown  from  the  station. 

Porto  Malfatano. — Nearly  3  miles  west-northwestward  of  Capo 
Spartivento  is  Torre  Malf atano,  220  feet  above  the  sea,  on  the  eastern 
side  of  which  are  two  bights.  Several  islets  border  the  coast,  those 
named  Ferraglione  (Padiglioni),  lying  1^  miles  from  Spartivento, 
are  close  in  and  bold-to;  from  them  an  indented  shore  turns  to  the 
northward  for  i  mile,  curves  to  the  westward  a  short  distance  within 
Isola  Teredda  (Tuaredda)  102  feet,  then  resumes  the  same  north- 
cm  direction  to  a  deep  bight  which  is  very  shallow  at  its  head. 

This  indentation,  bounded  on  the  west  by  the  long  narrow  neck  of 
Capo  Malfatano,  has  an  entrance  700  yards  in  width,  with  depths  of 
from  4  to  6  fathoms,  but  shoaling  to  2  or  3  feet  700  yards  within 
it.  Except  at  the  head  of  this  port,  where  the  shore  is  flat  with  a 
lake  beyond,  the  land  is  tolerably  high;  the  country  around  is  bar- 
ren, and  has  a  deserted  appearance. 

The  port  is  open  to  th'j  southeastward,  but  coasting  vessels  lie  here 
when  bound  to  the  southward  and  westward  with  contrary  winds. 

Close  off  Capo  Malfatano  is  a  sunken  rock,  but  a  5-fathom  curve 
incloses  it  within  a  less  distance  than  200  yards  from  the  shore,^ 
which  continues  generally  steep  to  the  northward. 

Baia  dell'  Isola  Brossa^  formed  between  Capo  Malfatano  and 
Capo  Teulada,  is  7J  miles  broad  at  the  entrance,  and  3f  miles  deep 
to  Porto  Teulada,  which  lies  at  the  head,  and  at  nearly  equal  dis- 
tances from  the  two  capes.  The  shores  are,  with  one  exception 
(upon  the  western  side)  free  from  danger,  and  are  chiefly  bounded 
by  bold  cliffs,  with  an  elevated  barren  background.  Depths  of  from 
40  to  50  fathoms  will  be  found  within  i  mile  of  both  capes,  and 
across  the  bay,  gradually  shoaling  to  10  fathoms  at  about  J  mile 
from  the  shore. 

The  eastern  shore  of  the  bay  trends  in  ivith  an  irregular  curve,  for 
4|  miles,  in  a  northwest  direction,  to  Porto  Teulada ;  1^  miles  from 
Capo  Malfatano  is  Torre  Pixini,  49  feet,  and  beyond  it,  on  the  oppo- 
site side  of  a  bight  with  a  stony  beach,  Isolotto  Campiona,  69  feet 
above  the  sea.    The  western  shore  of  the  bay  is  much  indented. 

Porto  Teulada  is  an  inlet  of  i  mile  in  extent,  at  the  head  of  which 
are  salt  lakes,  which  receive  the  waters  of  two  small  streams  from 
the  hills.  At  the  entrance  there  is  a  depth  of  5  fathoms,  but  toward 
the  beach  it  shallows  rapidly;  the  port  is  open  to  the  southward,  but 
is  frequented  by  the  flat-bottomed  boats  of  the  country;  Torre  del 
Budello,  75  feet  above  the  sea,  stands  on  the  western  entrance  point. 

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THE  ISLAND  OF   SAKDINIA.  433 

Punta  Nera  lies  1,200  yards  southward  of  Torre  del  Budello. 
There  is  shoal  water  nearly  200  yards  southward  of  Punta  Nera, 
and  a  detached  shoal,  with  a  least  depth  of  3^  fathon^s  over  it,  lies 
700  yards  northeastward  of  the  same  point. 

The  village  of  Teulada,  with  a  population  of  3,325,  and  not  visible 
from  seaward,  lies  about  3  miles  to  the  northeast,  and  nearer,  but  in 
a  northerly  direction,  are  the  chapels  of  Santa  Lucia  and  San 
Isidoro. 

Isola  Sossa. — About  1  mile  to  the  southward  of  Porto  Teulada, 
and  a  third  of  that  distance  from  the  western  entrance  point,  is  Isola 
Rossa,  about  i  mile  in  length,  the  same  in  breadth,  and  177  feet 
above  the  sea  at  its  northeast  point,  with  a  shoal  extending  200 
yards  northward  from  its  northwestern  end.  It  derives  its  name 
from  the  red  appearance.  In  the  channel  between  the  island  and  the 
shore  there  are  depths  of  from  5  to  8  fathoms. 

Anchorage. — There  is  anchorage,  sheltered  from  all  winds  except 
those  from  southeast  to  southwest,  in  10  fathoms,  hard  sand,  about 
midway  between  Punta  Nera  and  Isola  Rossa,  but  the  northwest 
squalls  here  are  very  heavy.  The  island  and  anchorage  are  much 
resorted  to  by  small  vessels  during  the  fishing  season. 

Porto  Scuro^  an  indentation  2  miles  to  the  westward  of  Isola 
Rossa,  is  about  ^  mile  deep,  open  to  the  southeast,  and  shoals  from 
12  fathoms  at  the  entrance  to  IJ  fathoms  at  the  head.  Torre  di 
Porto  Scuro  is  situated  on  the  cliffy  point  which  separates  Porto 
Scnro  from  Cala  Brigantina. 

Secca  di  Porto  Scuro,  the  only  hidden  danger  in  Baia  dell'  Isola 
Rossa,  is  a  small  rocky  shoal  with  9  feet  water  over  it,  lying  1.2  miles 
68°  from  Torre  di  Porto  Scuro,  and  a  third  of  that  distance  from  the 
shore ;  a  shoal,  with  2^  fathoms  water  over  it,  lies  250  yards  north- 
ward of  Secca  di  Porto  Scuro. 

The  northern  of  two  high  peaks  (over  the  eastern  side  of  the  bay) 
in  range  with  the  inner  side  of  Isola  Rossa  leads  eastward  of  the 
rock. 

Cala  Brigantiiiay  about  1  mile  southward  of  Porto  Scuro,  is 
about  1,200  yards  wide,  and  the  same  distance  deep ;  it  has  depths  of 
^  to  10  fathoms,  and  shoals  about  400  yards  from  the  head. 

Water. — ^There  is  a  small  well  of  water  at  the  head  of  Porto 
Scuro. 

Anchorage. — Baia  delP  Isola  Rossa  is  only  recommended  as  a 
temporary  anchorage,  during  northwest  winds,  for  sailing  vessels 
unable  to  fetch  Golfo  di  Palmas,  and  not  wishing  to  run  back  to 
Cagliari. 

Capo  Teulada  (ancient  Chersonesus),  a  singularly  formed  head- 
land, and  the  most  southern  point  of  the  island  of  Sardinia,  is  about 

68850—17 28 


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434  .THE  ISLAND  OF   8ABDIKIA. 

1  mile  in  extent  north  and  south,  and  nearly  the  same  east  and  west, 
the  southern  face  being  the  most  elevated,  and  falling  in  steep  cliffs 
756  feet  above  the  sea. 

It  is  very  irregular  in  outline  both  over  the  surface  and  round  the 
coast,  and  slopes  down  to  a  sandy  isthmus,  about  100  yards  across 
connecting  it  with  the  mainland  of  Sardinia,  and  separating  Cala 
Piombo  on  the  west  and  Cala  Brigantina  on  the  east. 

Cala  Piombo. — Two  miles  to  the  northward  of  Capo  Teulada  is 
the  bluff  peak  of  Piombo,  upon  which,  at  an  elevation  of  633  feet 
above  the  sea,  is  a  tower;  between  is  a  bight,  Cala  Piombo,  1^  miles 
deep,  in  a  northeasterly  direction,  toward  the  sandy  isthmus  before 
mentioned,  bold  to  the  shores.  Cala  Aligosta  is  a  small  bight  close 
northward  of  Capo  Teulada;  vessels  may  anchor  in  these  bights 
with  winds  from  the  northward  round  to  southeastward. 

West  coast — Golf o  di  Falmas. — ^This  deep  indentation,  afford- 
ing safe  and  convenient  anchorage  for  every  class  of  vessel,  is  formed 
between  Capo  Teulada  and  the  coast  northward,  on  the  east,  and 
the  island  of  Sant'  Antioco  (of  which  Capo  Sperone  is  the  southern 
point) ,  on  the  west,  which  is  distant  llf  miles  from  Capo  Teulada. 

The  bay  is  about  8  miles  deep,  the  eastern  side  forming  two  large 
bights  and  several  smaller  indentations;  the  western  side  is 
straighter,  and  about  6^  miles  in  length ;  the  hills  are  low  on  either 
side,  and  the  broad  head  of  the  bay  is  an  extensive  plain,  broken  by 
lakes  and  salt  marshes.  Except  the  small  rocks  lying  a  little  within 
the  entrance  points,  there  are  no  hidden  dangers,  and  the  shores  may 
be  boldly  approached  to  within  1^  miles,  where  the  depth  is  5 
fathoms,  gradually  increasing  to  about  30  fathoms  at  the  entrance 
of  the  bay. 

Secca  di  Cala  Fiombo,  about  1,200  yards  northwestward  of 
Punta  Piombo,  is  of  small  extent,  and  has  about  1  fathom  water 
over  it ;  there  is  13  fathoms  water  in  the  channel  eastward,  and  deep 
water  close  outside. 

Porto  Pino. — Nearly  4  miles  northward  of  Punta  Piombo  is 
Punta  Zari,  steep  and  cliffy,  with  a  curved  coast  between,  the  south- 
em  part  of  which  is  broken  into  rocky  points  with  several  detached 
rocks  lying  about  J  mile  off;  the  northern  part  is  a  long,  narrow, 
sandy  beach  fronting  salt  lakes  of  considerable  extent.  The  en- 
trance to  the  lakes,  adapted  for  boats,  is  a  roughly-formed  canal  a 
little  east  of  Punta  Zara,  and  under  the  name  of  Porto  Pino  is  much 
frequented  during  the  fishing  season.  The  best  anchorage  is  in 
from  6  to  7  fathoms,  about  ^  mile  eastward  of  Punta  Zari,  with 
Torre  di  Cala  Piombo  bearing  164°. 

Porto  Botte. — A  steep  rocky  coast  continues  northward  for  3J 
miles  to  Punta  di  Porto  Botte,  and  is  bordered  by  a  ridge  of  hills 
about  130  feet  above  the  sea;  from  this  point  the  shores  are  flat  and 

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THE  Jh).A:ND  OF   SARDINIA.  435 

sandy  for  2  miles,  curving  inward,  and  forming  at  the  northern  end 
a  secure  harbor  for  small  vessels  named  Porto  Botte ;  the  land  a  little 
within  the  beach  is  occupied  by  a  large  salt  lake,  between  which  and 
the  hills  beyond  is  the  cultivated  plain  of  Sulcis. 

Upon  the  outskirts  are  a  few  villages,  and  Torre  Palmas  is  2| 
miles  northward  of  Punta  di  Porto  Botte  and  1  mile  from  the  port, 
from  which  there  is  a  road  leading  to  the  town  of  Iglesias,  16  miles 
distant. 

Coast. — Fiume  Palmas,  flowing  from  the  eastern  mountains, 
enters  the  bay  nearly  1  mile  northwestward  of  Punta  Lana,  which  is 
the  western  point  of  Porto  Botte,  and  from  this  the  head  of  the  gulf, 
composed  of  marsh  and  lakes,  with  sandy  islets,  upon  which  are  a 
few  fishers'  huts,  bends  round  for  nearly  4  miles  to  a  fort  situated 
on  the  point  of  a  narrow  causeway,  which  is  separated  by  a  boat  pas- 
sage from  the  island  of  Sant'  Antioco;  this  channel  is  crossed  by  a 
rude  stone  bridge,  300  feet  in  length,  said  to  have  been  built  by  the 
Romans. 

Sant'  Antioco  (ancient  Sulci),  a  large  village  with  a  population  of 
4,052,  is  situated  nearly  1  mile  north-northwestward  of  the  fort ;  the 
principal  industry  is  vine  culture.  There  is  a  church  at  Sant'  Antioco 
and^  castle  of  old  irregular  construction  on  the  hill  near  it,  elevated 
nearly  20Q  feet  above  the  sea. 

Un  Canale. — A  boat  channel,  with  about  8  feet  water,  and  marked 
by  stakes,  extends  450  yards  south-southeastward  of  the  bridge. 
With  northwesterly  winds  a  very  violent  current  is  experienced  in  the 
boat  channel. 

Anchorage  may  be  obtained  in  5  fathoms  water,  over  weeds, 
about  1  mile  from  the  bridge,  with  Monte  Perdas  de  Fogu  bearing 
245°. 

Communicatioii. — The  steamers  of  the  line  running  between 
Cagliari  and  Porto  Torres,  call  here  weekly ;  an  omnibus  service  runs 
twice  a  day  to  Iglesias;  postal  communication  by  mail  carriage  with 
Cagliari  and  telegraphic  communication  with  all  lines  at  limited 
hours. 

Supplies  of  fresh  meat  and  vegetables  are  difficult  to  obtain. 

Coast. — From  the  bridge,  the  western  side  of  the  bay  is  nearly 
straight  in  a  south-southwesterly  direction  for  5^  miles  to  Canai 
Point  and  Tower ;  for  about  half  the  distance  it  is  fronted  by  a  sandy 
beach  with  some  cultivation,  and  a  few  cottages  at  the  foot  of  Monte 
Perdas  de  Fogu,  a  hill  889  feet  above  the  sea ;  it  then  becomes  bold 
and  rocky,  indented  by  small  sandy  coves. 

Cala  Maladroxia,  3^  miles  from  the  bridge,  has  a  streamlet  at  the 
southern  end  of  the  beach,  beyond  which  are  several  sunken  rocks. 
Toire  Canai,  95  feet  above  the  sea,  is  on  a  low  bluff  point  at  the 
foot  of  the  wooded  heights  of  Monte  Arbus,  755  feet  above  the  sea. 

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436  THE  ISLAND  OF  SAKDINIA. 

thence  the  coast  is  high  and  cliffy  for  2  miles,  in  a  west-southwesterly 
direction,  to  Capo  Sperone,  the  western  entrance  point  of  the  bay; 
two  small  rocks  lie  about  200  yards  off  the  shore,  but  off  the  cape 
and  Punta  Canai  there  is  a  depth  of  5  fathoms  about  300  yards  from 
the  shore. 

Depths  offshore. — ^A  flat  of  sand  and  stone  extends  for  some  dis- 
tance outside  the  shore  in  the  northwest  comer  of  the  bay,  and  the 
5-fathom  curve  rounds  it  IJ  miles  off,  but  approaches  very  close  to 
the  land  of  Cala  Maladroxia,  3i  miles  to  the  southward. 

Isolotto  la  Vacca,  situated  nearly  2  miles  southeastward  of  Capo 
Sperone  and  If  miles  southward  of  Torre  Canai,  is  a  steep  rock, 
i  mile  in  length,  in  a  north-northeasterly  and  south-southwesterly 
direction,  and  305  feet  above  the  sea;  about  300  yards  to  the  north 
is  a  rook  above  water,  named  Vitello,  and  another  off  the  southwest 
end  nearly  200  yards  distant ;  otherwise  there  is  deep  water  around  in 
every  direction. 

Canai  Bock^  or  Secca  della  Vacca,  a  small  rock,  nearly  awash, 
lies  about  i  mile  from  the  shore  halfway  between  Capo  Sperone 
and  Torre  Canai,  with  a  depth  of  9  fathoms  close  outside  and 
5.  fathoms  a  little  within  it:  there  are  two  other  rocks  about  200 
yards  off  the  shore  abreast  it.  Monte  Orri,  just  open  eastward  of 
Monte  Xarcao,  bearing  41°,  leads  to  the  eastward  of  Canai  Rock  and 
between  it  and  Isolotto  la  Vacca. 

Beacon. — The  rock  is  marked  by  a  beacon  of  masonry,  20  feet  in 
height,  in  the  form  of  a  truncated  cone  on  a  square  base,  painted 
black  and  white  in  horizontal  stripes  and  surmounted  by  a  black 
cylinder;  it  is  liable  to  be  washed  away. 

n  Toro,  an  islet  lying  4§  miles  south-southwestward  from  Isolotto 
la  Vacca,  is  about  the  same  size,  equally  bold,  and  364  feet  high. 
Between  the  islets  there  are  depths  of  16  to  46  fathoms,  and  in  the 
channel  northward  of  Vacca  there  are  from  10  to  17  fathoms,  the 
bottom  being  generally  composed  of  sand  and  gravel. 

Anchorage. — The  spacious  Bay  of  Palmas  offers  safe  and  com- 
modious anchorage  for  any  number  of  large  vessels,  and  has  been 
much  frequented  by  naval  vessels;  it  is  sheltered  from  all  winds 
except  those  from  the  southward,  between  southwest  and  south- 
southeast,  and  the  sea  which  gets  up  at  the  entrance  with  these 
southerly  winds  does  not  reach  the  anchorage. 

The  l>est  l>erths  are  from  about  IJ  to  2  miles  off  the  head  of  the 
bay,  in  6  or  7  fathoms  water ;  or  more  to  the  eastward,  the  same  dis- 
tance from  Porto  Botte.  A  bank  extends  beyond  this  shore  for  1^ 
miles,  having  depths  of  4  and  5  fathoms  over  it,  therefore  the  anchor- 
age must  be  chosen  according  to  the  water  required;  the  holding 
ground  is  better  on  this  side  than  along  the  western  shore.    A  good 


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THE  ISLAND  OF   SARDINIA.  437 

position  is  with  Torre  Palmas  bearing  33®  and  Punto  di  Porto  Botte 
112°  in  6^  fathoms  water,  over  sand. 

Sailing  vessels,  entering  with  strong  northwest  winds,  often  find  it 
difficult  to  fetch  the  usual  anchorage;  they  may  therefore  anchor 
when  they  have  passed  Torre  Canai  in  depths  of  14  or  16  fathoms, 
and  will  then  be  sufficiently  sheltered. 

Directions. — The  approaches  to  Golfo  di  Palmas  are  readily  dis- 
tinguished, II  Toro  being  at  times  seen  from  15  to  20  miles  distant; 
the  shores  are  bold,  and  the  soundings  shoal  gradually  toward  the 
head.  Vessels  from  the  westward  generally  pass  between  II  Toro  and 
Isolotto  la  Vacca,  and  for  a  sailing  vessel  with  a  northwest  wind  the 
channel  inside  the  latter  is  more  advantageous;  this  can  with  con 
fidence  be  taken,  even  at  night,  by  keeping  well  over  on  the  island 
side.    See  also  Caution  as  to  Secca  Pomata  on  page  439. 

A  central  range  mark  through  this  channel  is  given,  by  bringing 
Monte  Orri  just  open  eastward  of  Monte  Narcao,  bearing  41*^;  these 
hills  are  table-topped,  and  lie  to  the  northeastward  of  Torre  Palmas, 
before  mentioned.  A  good  berth  should  be  given  to  the  eastern 
shore  until  Torre  di  Cala  Piombo  is  passed,  to  clear  Secca  di  Cala 
Piombo,  which  lies  more  than  i  mile  westward  of  the  point. 

Caution. — From  Jime  to  the  end  of  December  it  is  not  advisable 
to  land  the  crews  of  vessels,  especially  before  the  rising  and  after 
the  settingof  the  sun.  All  this  part  of  the  coast  is  very  unhealthful 
as  far  around  as  Capo  Spartivento,  more  particularly  about  the  flat 
shores  of  Porto  Pino,  Botte,  and  Maladroxia,  in  Golfo  di  Palmas. 

Goast. — From  the  bridge  connecting  the  causeway  of  Isola  Sant' 
Antioco  with  the  main  island,  the  sandy  boundary  of  the  lagoons 
(along  which  is  a  road)  trends  about  2  miles  to  the  northeastward 
to  Porto  Santa  Caterina ;  a  low  marshy  coast  then  curves  around  to 
the  eastward  to  Punta  Dritta,  2|  miles  northwestward  of  the  port. 
This  point  is  a  low  spit  at  the  foot  of  an  isolated  group  of  hills  of 
niocUnate  elevation;  within  it  the  land  is  level,  cultivated,  and  backed 
by  ilonte  San  Michele,  1,670  feet  above  the  sea,  which  is  7  miles  east- 
ward of  Punta  Dritta. 

From  Punta  Dritta  the  irregular  low  and  sandy  coast  line  has  a 
noiih-northwest  direction  for  7  miles  to  Punta  Nigra ;  about  halfway 
is  Punta  Piringianu,  terminating  in  a  narrow  ridge  separating  two 
bays,  in  the  northern  of  which  is  a  large  salt  lake,  into  which  flows 
Fiume  Flumentipido. 

Porto  Vesme,  2^  miles  northward  of  Punta  Piringianu,  is  a  ship- 
ping place  for  minerals  and  the  terminus  of  a  mineral  railroad 
which  runs  to  Monteponi,  about  2  miles  from  Iglesias;  small  vessels 
can  enter  a  canal  with  about  5  feet  water  in  it;  at  its  northern  end  is 
the  railroad  station,  and  a  small  mole  extends  seaward  from  its 
western  side. 


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438  THE   ISLAND  OF   SARDINIA. 

Communication. — A  daily  service  of  steamers  between  the  port, 
and  Carlofoiiie;  a  railroad  to  Monteponi  and  Iglesias,  where  it  joins 
the  main  line  to  Cagliari;  telegraphic  communication  at  hours  lim- 
ited by  the  mineral  company  of  Monteponi. 

Porto  ScusOy  a  fishing  village,  with  a  population  of  about  1,161? 
is  about  J  mile  southward  of  Punta  Nigra;  about  midway  and  be- 
tween the  rocky  frontage  of  the  coast  is  Porto  Paglietta ;  an  octago- 
nal tower,  Caserma  Doganieri,  52  feet  above  the  sea,  stands  on  the 
head  westward  of  the  village,  which  is  a  shipping  place  for  iron  ore. 
There  is  a  small,  sandy  bay  eastward  of  the  village  occupied  by  the 
boats  of  the  tunny  fishery. 

La  Ohingetta» — ^La  Ghingetta,  10  feet  above  the  sea,  and  sur- 
rounded by  rocks  above  and  under  water,  lies  about  ^  mile  west- 
south  westward  of  Torre  Caserma  Doganieri;  there  is  a  depth  of 
about  4  fathoms  between  these  and  some  rocks  off  the  shore,  but  the 
channel  is  very  narrow. 

Light. — An  unwatched  flashing  red  light  is  shown  from  an  iron 
trellis  tower,  33  feet  high,  erected  on  La  Ghingetta  Islet,  visible  7 
miles. 

Capo  Altano. — A  steep  cliff  extends  from  Punta  Nigra  to  Capo 
Altano,  375  feet  above  the  sea,  for  a  distance  of  IJ  miles,  and  con- 
tinues for  some  distance  beyond  the  latter ;  a  few  rocks  are  scattered 
along  the  shore,  and  the  cape  has  a  depth  of  6  fathoms  close  off  it, 
but  northeastward  of  the  cape  and  800  yards  from  the  coast  is  a 
shoal  1.7  miles  long,  with  depths  of  8  to  16  feet  over  it. 
-Isolotto  Pori  (Meli). — About  i  mile  to  the  westward  is  Isolotto 
Pori,  or  Meli,  rugged  and  36  feet  above  the  sea,  occupying,  with 
the  foul  ground  about  it,  a  space  of  about  700  yards  in  a  north  and 
south  direction;  the  eastern  side  of  the  island  has  the  least  shoal 
groimd  off  it,  and  the  channel  between  the  island  and  the  cape,  ex- 
cept for  the  shoal  just  mentioned,  has  a  depth  of  about  4  fathoms. 
The  light  on  La  Ghingetta  is  obscured  over  Isolotto  Pori  (Meli). 

Lsola  di  Sant^  Antioco^  separated  from  the  main  island  by  the 
narrow  boat  channel  before  mentioned,  and  forming  the  western  side 
of  Golfo  di  Palmas,  is  nearly  10  miles  in  length  in  a  north  and  south 
direction  and  5  miles  east  and  west.  The  northwest  and  southeast 
sides  of  the  island  are  indented,  otherwise  the  coast  is,  in  general,  of 
a  regular  outline,  and  the  western  coast  tolerably  bold  and  steep-to, 
the  circumference  of  the  island  being  about  30  miles. 

The  island  has  a  considerable  amount  of  level  land  on  the  north 
and  east  and  in  many  places  is  well  cultivated;  the  greatest  eleva- 
tion, Monte  Perdas  de  Fogu,  889  feet  above  the  sea,  is  nearly  central, 
und  over  the  southern  cape,  Monte  Arbus,  rises  to  a  height  of  755 
leet.  There  are  two  villages,  Calasetta  at  the  northern  point  and 
Sant'  Antioco  (ancient  Sulci)  on  a  hill  near  the  causeway. 


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THE  ISLAND  OF  SARDINIA.  439 

The  inhabitants  of  Calasetta  are  of  Genoese  origin,  and  those  of  the 
latter  village  are  of  Sardinian ;  a  large  number  dwelling  in  caverns 
or  grottoes  supposed  to  have  been  used  in  early  times  for  sepulchral 
purposes.  The  eastern  coast  of  the  island  to  Cape  Sperone,  the  south 
point,  has  already  been  described. 

Capo  Sperone^  a  low  and  rocky  projection,  is  backed  by  a  cluster 
of  wooded  hills  terminating  in  small  plains,  with  several  streams 
running  down  the  valleys;  there  are  some  wells  near  these,  but  no 
great  quantity  of  water  can  be  obtained. 

Sig^nal  station — Semaphore. — A  semaphore  is  established  upon 
Capo  Sperone,  at  an  elevation  of  574  feet  above  the  sea. 

Radio. — There  is  a  radio  station,  open  always  to  the  general  pub- 
lic on  Capp  Sperone ;  call  letters  M  P  N. 

Secca  Fomata. — In  the  latter  part  of  the  year  1867  a  shoal  was 
reported  to  have  been  foimd  by  the  coral  fishermen  to  the  westward 
of  Capo  Sperone,  having  over  it  about  17  feet  water.  No  such  shoal 
was  found  during  the  Italian  survey  of  1880,  but  a  coral  rock  of  7 
fathoms  was  found  2|  miles  256*^  from  that  cape  with  deep  water 
around  it.  Caution  is  therefore  necessary  when  navigating  in  the 
vicinity. 

West  coast. — From  Capo  Sperone  a  steep  rocky  coast  bounds  the 
western  side  of  the  island  to  Punta  Maggiore,  a  distance  of  8  miles ; 
Cala  Sapone,  3f  miles  from  Capo  Sperone,  is  fronted  by  a  few  rocks 
and  gives  shelter  to  fishing  boats.  One  mile  northward  is  a  larger 
inlet  named  Cala  Lunga,  about  i  mile  deep,  with  cliffy  sides,  but  a 
sandy  beach  at  the  head,  into  which  flows  a  rivulet  from  the  noi*them 
foot  of  Monte  Perdas  de  Fogu ;  at  the  entrance  the  lepth  is  3  fathoms, 
and  on  both  sides  some  rocks  lie  a  short  distance  out. 

Half  a  mile  southward  of  Punta  Maggiore  is  Isolotto  Mangiabarca, 
small  and  bold,  with  a  boat  channel  300  yards  in  breadth  between  it 
and  the  island ;  about  i  mile  westward  from  this  islet  is  a  shoal  of 
foul  ground,  on  which  are  8  fathoms,  with  13  fathoms  close  around  it. 
Coast. — ^The  northwest  coast  of  Sant'  Antioco  is  steep  and  rocky, 
though  not  high ;  it  is  broken  by  three  bays  with  sandy  beaches,  in 
the  center  one  of  which  are  salt  marshes ;  about  200  yards  outside  of 
the  western  point  of  this  bay  are  some  rocks.  Secca  delle  Saline, 
awash  with  about  7  fathoms,  is  close  outside  them. 

Calasetta,  a  village  with  a  population  of  1,451,  may  be  recog- 
nized by  a  cylindrical  tower  95  feet  above  the  sea,  and  by  its  church, 
which  has  a  large  white  cupola;  northeastward  of  the  tower  is  Iso- 
lotto Francese. 

Anchorage. — The  anchorage  for  small  vessels  is  in  2^  fathoms, 
700  yards  from  the  land,  with  the  town  bearing  258°. 
Communication. — A  post  is  sent  overland  to  Sant'  Antioco. 


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440  THE  ISLAKD  OF   SAKDINIA. 

Supplies  of  fresh  provisions  in  moderate  quantities  may  be  pro- 
cured ;  water  from  a  well  near  the  Marina  is  brackish. 

Coast. — From  the  extreme  northern  point  of  the  island  the  low 
embayed  shore  trends  for  a  distance  of  about  2J  miles  in  an  east- 
southeast  direction  to  Punta  Stagno  Sirdo  (Cirda),  nearly  joins 
Punta  Dritta  on  the  main  island,  and  then  bends  around  for  3i  miles 
to  the  causeway.  Dry  sand  banks  nearly  connect  Punta  Stagno  Sirdo 
and  Punta  Dritta  and  form  an  extensive  basin  between  them  and  the 
causeway,  having  depths  of  from  1  to  7  feet  over  it;  a  few  perches 
mark  the  navigable  channel  for  the  passage  of  the  country  boats. 

A  flat  of  similar  depth  borders  the  northern  side  of  the  island, 
beyond  which  are  scattered  shallow  patches  extending  toward  the  bar 
described  later  on. 

Isola  di  San  Pietro,  separated  from  Isola  di  Sant'  Antioco  by  a 
channel  2  miles  wide,  is  about  5^  miles  long  and  4  miles  broad.  The 
western  coast  is  bold  and  cliffy,  with  a  few  hidden  dangers;  the 
central  and  northern  part  is  rough  and  hilly,  with  some  cultivation ; 
toward  the  south  it  is  more  level  and  produces,  in  sheltered  localities, 
vines,  figs,  and  olives,  but  little  grain. 

The  greatest  elevation,  named  Monte  Guardia  dei  Mori,  692  feet 
above  the  sea,  is  in  the  northern  part.  There  is  one  small  lake  of  good 
fresh  water  on  the  western  side  ^  mile  southward  of  Cala  Vinagra, 
and  on  the  eastern  coast,  upon  both  sides  of  Monte  Riciotto,  are  sev- 
eral brackish  lakes  and  salt  marshes. 

San  Pietro,  known  to  the  ancients  as  the  Insula  Accipitrum,  was 
colonized  in  1737  by  ransomed  captives  from  the  African  coast- 
between  which  date  and  1798  it  suffered  many  alarms  and  losses 
from  Algerine  pirates. 

Punta  Colonne,  the  southern  point  of  San  Pietro,  is  remarkable 
for  the  rocks  which  lie  off  it;  they  rise  perpendicularly  from  the 
water  at  nearly  equal  distances  apart,  having  the  appearance  of  some 
vast  structure;  these,  with  a  projecting  rocky  tongue  extend  600 
yards  southward  of  the  point. 

In  the  bay,  i  mile  westward,  is  a  small  island  named  Genia 
(Genio),  GOO  yards  south-southwestward  of  which  is  Secca  di  Genia 
(Genio),  a  rock  with  1  fathom  water  over  it.  with  8  fathoms,  200 
yards  outside,  but  shallow  toward  the  island. 

Punta  Spalmatore,  with  red  cliffs,  is  situated  2|  miles  northwest- 
ward of  Punta  Colonne,  and  from  it  a  rocky  shelf,  with  14  feet  water 
over  it,  extends  about  700  yards  from  the  shore  in  a  northerly  direc- 
tion, and  partly  crosses  the  adjacent  bay  of  Spalmatore  Grande;  in 
the  northern  and  larger  indentation  are  several  rocks,  both  above  and 
under  wat^^r,  about  300  yards  from  the  shore. 

Capo  Sandalo  lies  about  2^  miles  northwestward  of  Punta  Spal- 
matore, and  Isolotto  Gallo,  30  feet  above  the  sea,  steep-to  on  the 


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THE  ISLAND  OF   SABDINIA.  441 

outside,  is  situated  westward  ^  mile  from  the  cape,  with  a  passage 
with  depths  of  14  and  16  fathoms  between  it  and  the  shore. 

Light. — On  a  rise  a  little  within  the  cape  is  a  red  circular  tower, 
with  two  galleries  and  surmounting  a  dwelling,  the  whole  100  feet  i^i 
height ;  it  exhibits  at  an  elevation  of  439  feet  above  the  sea  a  flashing 
white  light.  It  is  visible  28*miles.  (For  arc  of  visibility,  see  Light 
List  and  Chart.) 

Coast. — Punta  Burrona,  about  1|  miles  to  the  northward  of  Capo 
Sandalo,  has  a  rock,  with  10  feet  water  over  it,  lying  200  yards  off 
its  northern  projection.  Cala  Vinagra,  i  mile  eastward  of  Punta 
Burrona,  has  an  inlet  in  the  center  affording  some  protection  to  a 
narjrow  inlet,  where  upon  an  elevated  rock  is  a  deserted  tower; 
there  is  also  ai  chapel  adjacent. 

Punta  delle  Oche  is  situated  1^  miles  eastward  of  Cala  Vinagra 
and  Isolotto  del  Agua,  52  feet  high,  lies  in  the  bay  westward  of  it; 
a  short  distance  off  Punta  delle  Oche  there  is  a  rock  with  1^  fathoms 
water  over  it. 

Depths  oflEshore. — Along  the  western  coasts  of  the  islands  of  San 
Pietro  and  Sant'  Antioco,  20  fathoms  over  a  bottom  of  rock  and 
coral,  will  be  found  at  1  mile  off;  the  water  then  deepens  abruptly, 
and  at  9  and  10  miles  distant  there  is  no  bottom  at  100  and  200 
fathoms. 

Coast. — Half  a  mile  southward  of  Ciminiere  Punta,  the  ex- 
tremity of  La  Punta,  the  northeastern  promontory  of  the  island, 
is  Cala  Lunga,  with  several  rocks  about  the  entrance ;  the  shore  around 
the  northeastern  point  of  the  island  is  foul  for  a  distance  of  300 
yards,  but  at  i  mile  distant  there  is  a  depth  of  12  fathoms. 

Txiniiy  fishery. — Tunny  nets  are  laid  out  during  the  season, 
March  to  November,  near  Cala  Lunga;  they  extend  north-north- 
westward for  a  distance  of  about  1,400  yards  from  the  shore.  The 
outer  end  is  marked  by  day  with  a  buoy  and  by  night  with  a  boat 
exhibiting  a  white  light.    (See  Caution,  p.  60.) 

Canale  di  San  Pietro. — ^The  eastern  coast  of  San  Pietro  is  low, 
and  forms  several  small  bays  with  sandy  beaches,  and  the  whole  as 
far  as  Punta  Gerino  (under  Monte  Kiciotto)  is  fronted  by  a  flat 
of  dry  sands  and  shallow  patches,  which  extend  across  the  channel. 

Within  the  bar  thus  formed  having  an  average  breadth  of  2  miles, 
there  are  bights  and  gullies  of  deeper  water,  but  no  channel  for  a 
large  vessel  exists ;  no  stranger  should  attempt  it  without  an  efficient 
pilot.  On  the  south  the  channel  on  both  sides  is  bold  until  within 
Punta  Nera  on  the  one  hand  and  the  northern  end  of  Sant'  Antioco 
upon  the  other. 

On  La  Punta  are  some  houses  forming  the  hamlet  of  Scabeccieri, 
and  2J  miles  southward  is  the  town  of  Carlo  Forte,  beyond  which  are 


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442  XHE  ISLAND  OF   SARDIiflA. 

several  salines  and  stagnant  lagoons  terminating  at  Puntu  Nera,  a 
dark  headland  f  mile  to  the  eastward  of  Punta  Colonne. 

Light. — From  the  end  of  the  leading  jetty  at  Carlo  Forte  is  ex- 
hibited, from  an  iron  colmnn  over  a  square  house,  the  whole  23  f eef 
high,  an  occulting  red  light.  It  is  elevated  31  feet  above  the  sea,  and 
is  visible  6  miles.     (See  Light  List.) 

Isola  Plana,  nearly  i  mile  eastward  of  Ciminiere  Punta,  is  rocky, 
62  feet  above  the  sea,  about  1  mile  in  circumference,  and  triangular 
in  form,  with  a  bold  rock  named  La  Catena  lying  off  its  northern 
point  Upon  it  is  a  church  surmounted  by  a  large  cross,  and  some 
dwellings  and  a  large  tunny  factory,  colored  white,  are  upon  the 
southeast  coast. 

Isolotto  del  Topi,  a  little  to  the  southward,  is  smaller,  20  feet 
above  the  sea,  and  affords  pasture  for  a  few  sheep.  The  channel 
between  these  islets  and  the  shore  is  too  much  obstructed  to  be  used 
by  any  except  the  coasting  vessels  of  the  country  with  local 
knowledge. 

Secca  Ghrande,  a  dangerous  rock,  lying  1  mile  northeastward  from 
the  northern  end  of  Isola  Piana,  is  about  400  yards  square.  The 
shallowest  spots  have  9  to  14  feet  water  over  them  and  the  shoal  is 
surrounded  by  depths  of  7  fathoms.  From  the  shoal  of  9  feet  Torre 
Porto  Scuso  bears  94°,  distant  2  miles. 

The  light  on  La  Ghingetta  Islet,  Porto  Scuso,  is  obscured  over  the 
Secca  Grande. 

Lightbuoy. — A  buoy,  with  black  and  red  horizontal  stripes,  ex- 
hibiting a  flashing  white  light  is  moored  about  380  yards  southeast- 
ward of  Secca  Grande.     (See  Light  List.) 

Secca  Martin,  600  yards  northeastward  of  Secca  Grande,  has  3| 
fathoms  water  over  it,  and  Secca  del  Sardo,  with  a  similar  depth, 
is  a  small  rock  with  6  to  7  fathoms  water  around  it  and  lies  i  mile 
southward  of  Secca  Martin. 

Secca  Arena,  a  shoal  about  i  mile  in  extent,  and  having  13  feet 
least  water,  lies  1.8  miles,  220°,  from  Torre  Porto  Scuso.  Nearly  on 
the  same  line  of  bearing,  but  at  a  distance  of  IJ  miles  from  the 
tower,  is  a  rocky  head  having  20  feet  water. 

Buoys. — ^The  following  are  moored  on  the  western  side  of  the 
channel  leading  from  the  south  to  the  north  anchorage,  which  has  a 
depth  of  13  feet  in  it. 

A  conical  iron  buoy,  painted  red  and  white  in  horizontal  bands, 
with  the  name  "Carloforte  S"  in  black.  The  topmarks  are 
two  white  cones  with  bases  together  in  26  feet  water,  1.1  miles  109° 
from  Tone  San  Vittorio. 

A  buoy,  similar  to  the  preceding,  in  20  feet  water  1,200  yards  83° 
from  Torre  San  Vittorio. 


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THE  ISLAND  OF   SARDINU.  443 

A  buoy,  similar  to  the  preceding,  IJ  miles  39®  from  Torre  San 
Vittorio. 

Three  buoys,  each  a  conical  iron  buoy,  surmounted  by  a  staff  with 
two  cones,  bases  together.  The  buoys  and  staffs  are  painted  red  and 
white  in  horizontal  bands,  with  the  inscription  "  Carloforte  N  "  in 
black;  topmarks  white.  They  are  moored  with  Monte  Riciotto  in 
range  with  Torre  San  Vittorio,  bearing  209®,  and  distant,  respec- 
tively, from  the  tower  1,600  yards,  1.8  and  2.5  miles. 

A  red  and  black  horizontally  striped  buoy,  with  the  name  "  Marmi " 
in  white,  surmounted  by  a  red  spherical  topmark,  lies  southward  of 
Secca  dei  Marmi,  and  is  1.3  miles  73®  from  Torre  San  Vittorio. 

A  horizontally  striped  red  and  black  buoy  with  a  red  spherical 
topmark  and  the  name  "  Palo  "  in  white,  lies  westward  of  Secca  del 
Palo  in  15  feet  of  water,  and  is  1^  miles  39®  from  Torre  San  Vittorio. 

A  red  buoy,  privately  owned,  lies  on  the  western  extremity  of 
North  Anchorage,  and  1,700  yards  southward  of  Isolotto  Topi. 

Submarine  telegraph  cable. — A  telegraph  cable  crosses  the 
channel  from  a  position  ^  mile  southward  of  Ciminiere  Punta  to 
Porto  Paglietta,  on  the  mainland. 

Pilots. — Pilots  will  board  vessels  to  which  they  are  called  2  miles 
from  Carlo  Forte,  and  conduct  them  to  the  anchorage. 

Anchorage. — Secure  anchorage  can,  with  ordinary  precaution,  be 
readily  obtained  by  every  class  of  vessel,  under  all  circumstances, 
within  the  shelter  of  Isola  San  Pietro.  That  to  the  southeastward 
of  the  island  is  the  best  adapted  for  strangers  and  vessels  of  deep 
draft,  and  especially  for  sailing  vessels  obliged  to  run  with  the 
strength  of  a  northwest  gale;  the  sound  is  open  to  winds  from  the 
south  and  southwest,  but  these  rarely  blow,  and  the  sea  does  not 
enter;  from  the  northward  it  is  completely  broken  by  the  nimieroua 
banks  previously  described. 

The  anchor  may  be  let  go  whenever  the  vessel  is  northward  of  the 
parallel  of  Punta  Nera,  either  in  11  fathoms  water,  off  that  point, 
with  Punta  Colonne  high  rock  bearing  245°,  and  Torre  San  Vittorio 
341° ;  or  farther  in,  with  the  latter  296°  and  Punta  Nera  230°,  in  a 
depth  of  5.i  fathoms. 

The  north  anchorage  is  better  sheltered,  but,  as  the  bottom  is 
irregular,  local  knowledge  is  desirable  for  large  vessels.  The  best 
berth  is  in  5^  fathoms  water  with  Torre  San  Vittorio  bearing  203° 
and  the  extremity  of  La  Punta  298°,  about  IJ  miles  from  the  shore. 
If  desirable,  an  anchorage  may  be  obtained  on 'the  eastern  side  in 
depths  of  7  or  8  fathoms  with  Torre  Casema  Doganieri  (Porto 
Scuso)  bearing  22°,  and  the  extremity  of  La  Punta  271°,  but  there 
is  no  shelter  should  the  wind  shift  to  the  northwest;  and  there  are 
the  two  patches  before  mentioned  to  be  avoided.    Small  vessels  can 


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444  THE  ISLAND  OF   SABDINIA. 

approach  the  town  of  Carlo  Forte  to  the  distance  of  f  mile,  where 
they  will  have  18  feet  water. 

Directions. — ^The  anchorage  in  the  roadstead  southward  of  Isola 
San  Pietro  is  easy  of  access  in  a  northwest  gale,  but,  when  running 
for  it,  it  is  well  for  a  sailing  vessel  to  keep  to  windward,  as  the  island 
'  is  not  readily  distinguished  in  the  offing,  being  blended  with  the  high 
land  behind  it.  On  approaching  the  coast  the  western  face  of  the 
island  shows  well  from  its  rough  and  red  appearance,  and  the  light- 
house on  Capo  Sandalo  is  a  good  landmark  either  by  day  or  night. 

The  southern  entrance  is  easy,  the  channel  being  nearly  2  miles 
broad,  with  a  central  depth  of  from  10  to  20  fathoms.  If  the  wind 
be  favorable  it  is  only  necessary  to  keep  in  mid-channel  to  reach  the 
best  anchorage;  but  if  (as  is  often  the  case)  it  becomes  scant  as  the 
island  is  approached  endeavor  to  pass  close  to  Punta  Spalmatore,  but 
not  within  i  mile  of  Punta  Genia,  in  order  to  avoid  the  spit  of  rocks 
off  it,  and  having  cleared  the  rocks  off  Punta  Colonne,  either  anchor 
off  Punta  Nera,  or  proceed  to  the  positions  before  mentioned. 

The  only  dangers  to  be  avoided  by  a  sailing  vessel  when  working 
to  windward  are  the  Secca  di  Genia,  and  the  Secca  delle  Saline,  the 
latter  about  300  yards  from  the  land  on  the  eastern  entrance.  Torre 
Calasetta,  in  range  with  the  western  part  of  Monte  San  Michele, 
bearing  69°,  leads  to  the  southward  of  Secca  di  Genia;  and  Punta 
Barca,  in  range  with  II  Toro,  bearing  167°,  leads  to  the  westward 
of  Secca  delle  Saline. 

Secca  Grande  divides  the  northern  channel,  which  is  nearly  2^ 
miles  wide,  into  two  passages,  the  western  of  which,  although  nar- 
rower, is  more  direct,  and  by  keeping  Torre  Calasetta  in  range  with 
a  sugar-loaf-shaped  hill,  named  Scarparino,  on  the  south  part  of 
Sant'  Antioco,  which  is  easily  recognized,  bearing  162°,  a  vessel  will 
pass  between  Secca  Grande  and  the  shoal  ground  lying  400  yards 
eastward  of  Isola  Piana,  and  westward  of  Secca  del  Arena;  when 
Torre  San  Vittorio  is  in  range  with  a  gap  westward  of  the  peak  of 
Monte  Riciotto  bearing  210°,  the  vessel  will  then  be  in  5  fathoms 
water,  and  can  either  anchor  or  proceed  700  yards  farther  in  toward 
Monte  del  Gardo,  and  anchor  on  the  marks  before  given. 

The  light  on  La  Ghingetta  Islet,  Porto  Scuso,  is  obscured  over  the 
Secca  Grande. 

Carlo  Forte. — ^The  town  of  Carlo  Forte — named  after  Charles 
Emmanuel  III,  King  of  Sardinia,  the  patron  of  the  colony — was 
founded  about  1737;  on  account  of  the  incursions  and  depredations 
of  the  Moors  from  Tunis  it  was  surrounded  by  a  wall  inclosing  a 
considerable  space,  and  defended  by  fortifications,  including  the 
strong  redoubt  of  San  Vittorio,  on  the  point  a  little  southward  of  it. 

Tliere  is  a  church,  and  a  fine  statue  of  the  sovereign  on  La  Marina. 
Carlo  Forte  contains  a  population  of  about  7,693,  and  has  some  corn- 


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THE  ISLAND  OF  SABDINIA.  445 

mercial  importance  on  account  of  the  shipment  of  mineral  ores  from 
the  neighboring  mines.  Salt,  coral,  lead,  and  manganese  are  also 
exported. 

Commuiiication. — ^The  steamer  between  Cagliari  and  Porto 
Torres  calls  every  week,  and  there  is  a  daily  steamer  to  Porto  Vesme; 
telegraphic  communication  at  limited  hours. 

CJoal  and  supplies. — About  6,000  tons  of  coal  are  imported  an- 
nually, and  a  small  quantity  might  possibly  be  obtained;  there  are 
20  lighters,  each  capable  of  holding  10  tons. 

Supplies  of  fresh  beef,  bread,  fowls,  and  eggs  can  be  obtained  by 
giving  notice,  but  vegetables  and  fruit  are  scarce.  Quail,  partridges, 
woodcock,  and  rabbits  are  numerous  in  the  season.  Water  is  scarce, 
the  population  being  dependent  on  their  cisterns.  Small  quantities 
may  be  obtained  from  the  wells  near  Torre  San  Vittorio  and  at  Porto 
Scuso. 

Punta  Sama^  9  miles  to  the  northward  of  Capo  Altano,  is  a 
projecting  headland,  which  shelters  Gala  Domestica,  a  small  inlet 
eastward  of  it ;  a  tower  named  after  the  inlet  is  on  the  headland ;  be- 
tween Capo  Altano  and  Punta  Rama  is  a  bay  3  miles  deep,  entirely 
open  to  the  westward;  near  the  head  is  the  sandy  inlet  of  Porto 
Paglia,  within  which,  on  a  southeastern  elevation,  are  a  fishing  vil- 
lage and  tunny  factory,  with  a  tower  on  a  low  point  to  the  southward. 
The  shore  around  the  entrance  to  Porto  Paglia  is  foul  for  the  distance 
of  about  i  mile. 

Fontana  Mare  lies  at  the  head  of  the  bay,  and  is  marked  by  a  group 
of  ruined  sheds  with  a  conspicuous  white  chimney ;  the  stream  of  the 
same  name  runs  into  the  bay  here.  Beyond  the  mouth  of  the  stream 
the  coast  becomes  bold  and  elevated  into  cliffs,  with  steep  falls  from 
the  mountains  behind.  Several  small  islets  lie  off  the  shore,  the  larg- 
est being  Pan  di  Zucchero  (Pan  del  Ciel),  of  conical  form.  In  this 
bay  there  are  depths  of  from  30  fathoms  water  at  the  entrance  to  10 
fathoms  about  ^  mile  from  the  shore. 

Tunny  fisheries. — ^Tunny  nets  are  laid  out,  during  the  season, 
March  to  November,  northward  of  Capo  Altano;  they  extend  about 
1  mile  in  a  west-northwesterly  direction.  Nets  are  also  laid  out  from 
the  coast  about  4  miles  northeastward  of  Capo  Altano;  they  extend 
about  1,400  yards  in  a  northwesterly  direction.  The  outer  end  of  the 
nets  is  marked  by  day  with  buoys  and  by  night  with  a  boat  exhibiting 
a  white  light.    (See  Caution.) 

Iglesias. — About  6  miles  northeastward  from  Capo  Altano  is 
Monte  San  Giovanni,  1,286  feet  above  the  sea;  it  is  surmounted  by  a 
tower,  and  on  both  sides  are  streams  flowing  down  to  the  bay  1  mile 
northward  of  Porto  Paglia.  Round  the  slope  of  the  mountain  winds 
the  main  road  to  the  walled  town  of  Iglesias,  which  contains  a 


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446  THE  ISLAND  OF  SABDINIA. 

cathedral,  palace,  several  convents,  and  a  Jesuit  college,  and  is  situ- 
ated about  4i  miles  from  the  sea  and  rising  above  it  1,059  feet. 

The  soil  is  little  adapted  for  cultivation,  but  there  is  some  trade  in 
wine.  It  is  surrounded  by  a  rich  mineral  district,  Monte  Poni  mine, 
1  mile  southwestward,  being  the  most  productive  lead  mine  in  the 
island. 

Commuiiication. — Iglesias  has  railroad  communication  with 
Cagliari  and  with  Montefiore,  Gonnesa,  and  Porto  Vesme;  also  tele- 
graphic communication. 

Capo  Pecora  lies  6  miles  in  a  northerly  direction  from  Punta 
Bama,  the  coast  between  forming  a  bay,  the  shore  of  which  is  similar 
to  that  to  the  southward.  Punta  dell  Guardianu,  a  peak  1,555  feet 
above  the  sea,  is  1^  miles  eastward  of  Capo  Pecora.  The  bay  is  1^ 
miles  deep,  with  a  long  sandy  beach  at  the  head,  ^  mile  within  the 
southern  end  of  which  is  San  Nicolo  Chapel ;  near  the  north  is  the 
mouth  of  the  Flumini  Maggiore,  a  considerable  stream  passing  a 
town  of  that  name  4  miles  from  the  coast. 

Anchorage. — Close  off  the  sharp  point  of  the  cape  there  are  two 
rocks,  but  the  shores  of  the  bay  are  otherwise  bold-to,  with  depths  of 
24  fathoms  at  the  entrance  to  4  and  5  fathoms  close  in.  Under  fa- 
vorable circumstances  anchorage  may  be  obtained  ^  mile  from  the 
mouth  of  the  river  in  about  7  fathoms  water. 

Buggerru. — The  town  of  Buggerru,  a  little  inland,  has  a  popu- 
lotion  of  about  6,000  and  is  the  chief  center  of  this  mining  district. 

Communication. — There  is  telegraphic  communication  at  limited 
hours. 

Supplies  of  fresh  provisions  in  moderate  quantities  may  be  pro- 
cured, and  water  of  fair  quality  obtained  from  a  spring. 

Coast. — The  coast  northward  from  Capo  Pecora  to  Capo  Frasca, 
a  distance  of  19  miles,  is  of  an  irregular  outline  composed  of  cliffs 
broken  by  small  inlets,  and  along  the  southern  portion  there  are  large 
quantities  of  sand  rising  into  barren  hillocks,  presenting  a  dreary 
aspect;  northward  the  country  is  more  cultivated  and  enlivened  by 
farms  and  other  habitations,  the  whole  being  backed  by  rugged  moun- 
tains and  interspersed  with  many  rivulets. 

Three  and  a  half  miles  inland  and  about  midway  between  the  two 
capes  is  Monte  Arecuentu,  or  Pollice  di  Oristano,  a  remarkable  peak 
2,572  feet  above  the  sea.  The  district  abounds  in  minerals,  especially 
lead. 

There  are  few  dangers,  and  the  depths  are  gradual  from  about  30 
fathoms  at  3  miles  to  10  fathoms  at  ^  mile  from  the  shore.  Round 
the  bold  head  of  Capo  Pecora  and  for  1^  miles  to  the  northeastward 
there  are  a  few  rocks  a  short  distance  from  the  shore;  thence  for  4 
miles  the  shore  is  nearly  straight  and  chiefly  of  sand  to  Fiume  Zap- 
piani,  where  it  again  rises  into  cliffs  without  any  particular  char- 
acter for  7i  miles  to  the  inlet  of  Flumentorgiu. 

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THE  ISLAND  OF  SAEDINIA.  447 

In  this  small  bay  are  a  tunny  factory,  a  chapel,  and  a  battery ;  it 
has  a  sandy  head,  but  off  the  entrance  are  a  few  rocks  and  a  sunken 
one,  detached,  400  yards  from  the  head  a  little  northward.  About  1^ 
miles  nothwestward  from  the  bay  is  Torre  Flumentorgiu,  on  a  point 
and  200  feet  above  the  sea ;  thence  a  bold  coast  extends  to  Capo  Frasca, 
forming  (from  the  pinnacle  over  a  little  cove  on  the  south)  the  culti- 
vated, level  promontory  of  Santadi. 

Tunny  fishery. — ^Tunny  nets  are  laid  out,  during  the  season, 
March  to  November,  from  near  Torre  Flumentorgiu.  They  extend 
in  a  westerly  direction  for  a  distance  of  about  1^  miles  from  the 
coast;  the  outer  end  of  the  nets  is  marked  by  day  with  a  buoy  and 
by  night  with  a  boat  exhibiting  a  white  light.    (See  Caution,  p.  61.) 

Gh)lfo  di  OristanOy  within  the  Capes  Frasca  and  San  Marco,  is 
the  largest  bay  on  the  west  coast  of  Sardinia ;  it  is  of  an  oval  shape, 
extends  11  miles  in  a  north  and  south  direction,  and  is  5  miles  deep; 
the  entrance  points  are  5^  miles  apart.  The  shore  round  the  bay  is 
formed  of  a  beach  bounding  a  succession  of  large  lakes,  which  com- 
municate with  the  sea  by  either  natural  or  artificial  channels,  and 
the  abundant  fish  with  which  they  are  stocked  is  a  profitable  and 
staple  source  of  trade. 

Beyond  the  salt  lakes  are  richly  cultivated  plains,  terminating  the 
broad  and  fertile  valley  which  extends  across  to  Golfo  di  Cagliari. 
The  country  is  studded  with  numerous  villages,  farms,  olive  planta- 
tions, and  vineyards;  and  in  the  neighboring  northern  district  of 
Milis,  by  the  famous  orange  groves.  Sloping  to  the  campidano  are 
mountain  ranges,  their  summits  at  a  distance  of  10  and  15  miles  from 
the  coast;  on  the  north  Monte  Ferru  with  Monte  Urticu,  a  crater, 
elevated  3,440  feet;  upon  the  east  Monte  Sa.  Trebina,  2,605  feet 
above  the  sea,  and  the  tabled  heights  of  Monte  Arci;  and  on  the 
south  the  rugged  peaks  of  Monte  Arcuentu,  with  the  remarkable 
formation  before  mentioned. 

Numerous  vestiges  of  antiquity  testify  to  Oristano  and  its  neigh- 
borhood having  held  a  highly  favored  position,  but  its  proximity  to 
so  much  stagnant  water,  and  a  want  of  proper  drainage,  result  in 
such  imhealthfulness  that,  except  during  the  winter  and  the  spring, 
the  shores  of  the  bay  are  dreary  and  desolate  in  appearance. 

Coast. — From  Capo  Frasca  the  coast  turns  to  the  southward  for 
a  distance  of  3  miles  to  the  entrance  to  Stagno  di  Marceddi,  and 
midway  is  Torre  Frasca,  cylindrical  and  20  feet  above  the  sea ;  there 
is  also  a  beacon  on  Capo  Frasca.  Torre  Marceddi  stands  on  the 
eastern  entrance  point.  This  lake  is  about  5  miles  in  length  in  a 
southeast  direction;  near  the  head  on  the  southern  side  are  the  re- 
mains of  ancient  Neopolis  and  of  a  Boman  causeway,  also  the  chapel 
of  Santa  de  Nabui. 


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448  THE  ISLAND  OF   SAHDINIA. 

From  Torre  Marceddi  the  beach  curves  for  &|  miles  to  the  mouth 
of  Stagno  di  Sassu,  passing  Punta  del'  Arena,  a  long  sandy  spit,  and 
an  uncultivated  waste  between.  This,  the  largest  of  the  lakes  and 
abounding  with  fish,  extends  7  miles  in  length  in  a  southerly  direc- 
tion, where,  at  its  head,  Fiume  Mogoro  enters  it,  flowing  by  the  ad- 
jacent villages  and  vineyards  of  Terralba  and  Marrubiu,  in  the  latter 
of  which  are  vestiges  of  Roman  baths. 

Fiume  Tirso^  the  principal  river  of  the  island,  enters  the  gulf  by 
a  broad  outlet  3J  miles  northward  of  that  of  Stagno  di  Sassu,  the 
intervening  space  being  occupied  by  Stagno  di  Santa  Giusta  and 
several  smaller  lakes ;  on  the  eastern  bank  are  a  village  and  chapel  of 
the  same  name,  and  farther  eastward  the  village  of  Palmas  on  the 
borders  of  the  Campo  di  Sant'  Anna. 

Within  the  mouth  of  the  Fiume  Tirso  are  several  islets,  and  a  com- 
munication with  Stagno  di  Santa  Giusta,  and  although  the  chief 
river  of  the  island,  it  here  becomes  fordable  in  very  dry  summers. 
It  has  a  tortuous  eastern  course  of  12  miles  to  the  foot  of  the  hills 
through  a  highly  cultivated  district  Avith  many  villages  on  the  north- 
ern side;  on  the  left  bank,  3  miles  from  the  shore,  is  the  walled  town 
of  Oristano. 

From  the  entrance  to  Fiume  Tirso  the  beach  sweeps  around  to  the 
northward  and  westward;  on  the  shore  1|  miles  from  the  entrance 
and  at  the  end  of  a  road  leading  to  the  town  is  Torre  Grande  (Gran 
Torre) ;  westward  of  the  tower  the  beach  fronts  Stagno  di  Cabras 
and  Stagno  di  Mistrise,  5  miles  in  length  and  breadth,  but  of  an 
irregular  outline. 

Along  the  western  bank  of  Stagno  di  Cabras  are  numerous  noraghe 
or  ancient  monuments  on  slightly  elevated  ground,  and  upon  the 
eastern  shore,  1 J  miles  from  Torre  Grande,  is  the  pretty  village  of 
Cabras,  containing  a  population  of  4,209,  and  a  conspicuous  church 
with  a  cupola. 

Capo  San  Marco^  a  narrow  rocky  point,  projects  southward  and 
forms  the  northern  extremity  of  Golf o  di  Oristano ;  it  is  noted  for 
its  numerous  remains  of  the  ancient  Grecian  city  of  Tarras  and  the 
earlier  and  rude  noraghe  dwellings.  The  site  is  marked  by  Chiesa 
di  San  Giovanni,  1G7  feet  above  the  sea,  circular,  white,  and  con- 
spicuous, i  mile  southward  of  which  is  Torre  di  San  Giovanni  di 
Sinis,  near  which  is  a  fountain,  whence  a  small  supply  of  water  can 
be  obtained ;  nearer  the  coast  are  some  sepulchral  excavations  in  the 
limestone  rock. 

Light. — A  lighthouse  is  being  built  on  Capo  San  Marco. 

Mooring  buoy. — A  gray  cylindrical  mooring  buoy  lies  about  400 
yards  southward  of  Torre  Grande. 

Anchorages. — The  entrance  to  the  bay  being  open  to  the  west- 
ward, winds  from  that  quarter  in  winter  occasionally  send  in  a  heavy 

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THE  ISLAND  OF   SAKDINIA.  449 

sea  and  surf;  with  offshore  winds  there  is  excellent  anchorage  and 
vessels  could  always  find  security  within  the  points  in  6  and  7  fath- 
oms water. 

Eastward  of  Capo  Frasca  there  is  anchorage,  in  about  7  fathoms 
water,  with  Torre  Frasca  bearing  192°.  Small  vessels  may  anchor 
closer  inshore  in  3J  to  3J  fathoms,  w  ith  Torre  Marceddi  bearing  154° 
and  Torre  Frasca  229°. 

Off  Torre  Grande  the  anchorage,  in  6  fathoms  water,  is  about  1 
mile  from  the  shore,  with  Torre  di  San  Giovanni  di  Sinis  bearing 
256°,  and  small  vessels  may  anchor  closer  in  at  about  900  yards  from 
the  shore,  in  3^  fathoms,  with  the  same  tower  bearing  249°. 

Anchorage  may  also.be  obtained  eastward  of  Capo  San  Marco,  in 
6  fathoms,  over  weeds,  about  900  yards  southeastward  of  Torre 
Vecchia. 

Depths  offshore. — The  shores  of  Golfo  di  Oristano  are  bordered 
by  a  fiat  at  very  unequal  distances  from  it;  off  the  entrance  points  a 
reef  extends  a  short  way  out,  but  the  shallow  fiat,  included  within  3 
fathoms,  extends  generally  over  1  mile  from  the  beach,  and  at  the 
northern  part  of  the  bay,  between  the  entrance  to  Stagno  di  Sassu 
and  Fiume  Tirso,  over  2  miles.  Off  this  part  are  three  detached 
banks,  with  13  and  16  feet  water;  they  are  about  IJ  miles  from  the 
shore,  with  a  channel  of  about  3J  fathoms  between.  Over  the  bay 
generally  there  are  depths  of  irom  12  fathcms  at  the  entrance  to  8 
and  6  fathoms  within. 

Oristano  was  founded  in  1070  by  the  inhabitants  of  Tarras,  their 
former  position  being  found  too  exposed  to  the  incursions  of  the 
Barbary  pirates.  It  is  the  chief  town  of  the  Province  and  contains 
a  cathedral  with  an  elevated  octagon  campanile,  several  other 
churches,  convents,  and  a  hospital.  The  produce  of  the  district  is 
oil,  grain,  flax,  oranges,  and  salted  fish;  these  are  shipped  from  a 
small  mole  near  Torre  Grande,  where  also  is  the  customhouse. 
Water  is  scarce,  although  so  near  a  river,  the  inhabitants  being 
chiefly  dependent  for  their  supply  on  cisterns.  The  population  is 
7,107.' 

Communications. — ^The  steamer  running  between  Cagliari  and 
Porto  Torres  calls  every  week,  anchoring  near  Torre  Grande.  Oris- 
tano is  a  station  on  the  railroad  between  Cagliari  and  Terranova,  and 
there  is  telegraphic  communication;  the  telegraph  office  is  open  till 
9  p.  m.  A  good  maciidamized  road  runs  to  the  northward  and  south- 
ward of  the  island. 

Cabras  has  telegraphic  communication  at  limited  hours. 

Supplies. — Cattle  and  provisions  can  readily  be  obtained ;  fuel  is, 
however,  scarce,  as  also  is  water  in  summer. 

68850—17 29 


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450  THE   ISLAND  OF   SARDINIA. 

Capo  MannUy  11  miles  northward  of  Capo  San  Marco,  is  of  an 
irregular  outline,  cliffy,  157  feet  above  the  sea,  and  declining  to  the 
eastward  and  wedge-shaped;  on  the  southern  head  is  Torre  Mora 
and  on  the  northern  the  round  white  tower  of  Mannu. 

Isolotto  Mai  di  Ventre,  3^  miles  west-southwestward  of  Torre 
Mora,  is  a  fiat  and  rocky  islet  59  feet  above  the  sea,  1^  miles  in 
length  in  a  northeastern  and  southwestern  direction,  narrow,  and 
wdth  a  reef  extending  for  1  mile  off  both  ends  in  similar  direction ; 
the  southwestern  reef  is  terminated  by  isolated  rocks  named  The 
Twins.  Outside  the  reef,  on  which  are  several  rocks  above  water, 
the  water  is  deep. 

H  Catalano,  a  small  black  rock,  36  feet  above  the  sea,  lies  6  miles 
southward  from  the  southern  point  of  Isolotto  Mai  di  Ventre;  it 
is  bold  on  all  sides.  At  about  1,200  yards  north-northeastward  of 
II  Catalano  there  is  a  rock  with  IJ  fathoms  water  over  it,  and  at 
2.3  miles  in  the  same  direction  another  rock  on  which  the  depth 
is  4j:  fathoms,  and  southwestward,  distant  1.2  miles  from  II  Catalano^ 
a  rock  with  6 J  fathoms  water  over  it.  The  latter  is  known  locally 
as  Coscia  di  Donna. 

The  channel  between  The  Twins  and  the  northern  rock  from  II 
Catalano  is  about  2|  miles  wide,  with  depths  of  from  15  to  20  fatlioms 
in  the  center;  the  channel  between  II  Catalano,  the  dangers  off  it, 
Mai  di  Ventre  and  the  shore,  is  from  3  to  4  miles  in  w-idth  and  can 
be  safely  navigated  by  any  class  of  vessel,  the  depth  being  from  9 
to  20  fathoms.  Passing  between  the  islets  a  vessel  should  keep  over 
toward  the  rocks  which  are  seen  above  water  on  the  Mai  di  Ventre 
Reef. 

Coast. — Capo  Marargiu  lies  18|  miles  northAvard  from  Capo 
Mannu,  and  between  is  a  large  bay  about  4  miles  deep,  separated 
unequally  into  two  by  a  point  on  which  is  Torre  Nieddu;  except 
in  the  southern  part  the  shores  are  bold  to  within  a  moderate  dis- 
tance from  the  shore,  7  fathoms  being  the  least  depth  at  1  mile  off; 
across  the  entrance  there  are  from  40  to  50  fathoms.  The  land  within 
is  high,  the  volcanic  crater  of  Monte  Ferru  sloping  from  a  distance 
of  6  miles  from  the  coast  to  the  streams  and  valleys  about  halfway, 
and  the  mountains  above  Bcsa  sloping  down  toward  the  river  and 
plain  of  Murtas. 

About  ^  mile  eastward  of  Scoglio  Peloso,  northeastward  of  Capo 
Mannu,  there  is  a  shoal  with  2J  fathoms  water  over  it  off  the  en- 
trance of  a  small  bay,  and  for  about  4  miles  to  the  eastward  the 
5-fathom  curve  is  nearly  1  mile  distant  from  the  shore. 

On  the  northern  point  of  the  small  bay  of  Cageragas  (Santa  Cate- 
rina),  about  6  miles  eastward  of  Capo  Mannu,  is  Torre  Pittinuri, 
423  feet  above  the  sea,  and  3  miles  northward,  Torre  Nieddu  is  217 
feet;  on  a  bold  head  1  mile  northward  of  Torre  Nieddu  is  Torre 

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THE  ISLAND  OF   SAKDINIA.  451 

Foghe,  233  feet  above  the  sea;  deep  ravines  are  here  scored  out  of 
the  mountain  lava  by  the  winter  torrents;  in  a  small  cove  immediately 
southward  of  Torre  Foghe  is  the  mouth  of  Fiimie  Mannu.  On  the 
northern  slope,  elevated  1,340  feet  above  the  sea,  surrounded  by 
woods,  are  the  town  and  castle  of  Cuglieri.    Fruit  is  abundant. 

From  Torre  Foghe  a  cliffy  and  indented  coast  trends  in  a  north- 
northeastward  direction  for  7  miles  to  the  mouth  of  Fiume  Bosa  or 
Temo,  having  at  IJ  and  3  miles  distant  Ruia  and  Colombargia  Tow- 
ers, 167  and  108  feet,  respectively,  above  the  sea ;  around  the  head  a 
little  northward  of  the  former  are  several  rocks  above  water,  and  1^ 
miles  eastward  of  Torre  Ruia  is  Santa  Vittoria  Chapel.  An  islet  lies 
off  the  north  point  near  Torre  Colombargia,  with  20  fathoms  close 
outside,  and  beyond  it,  about  2  miles  inland,  is  the  town  of  Tres 
Nuraghes,  these  singular  edifices,  some  of  very  large  dimensions,  be- 
ing thickly  scattered  over  the  adjacent  plain.  The  cupola  of  Tres 
Nuarghes  Cathedral  is  conspicuous. 

Fiume  Bosa. — Fiume  Bosa  or  Temo  (ancient  Temus)  flows  from 
around  and  northward  of  Monte  Leone,  and  receiving  many  tribu- 
taries from  the  eastward,  passes  under  a  bridge  of  seven  arches,  and 
disembogues  in  the  bay,  1.3  miles  westward  of  the  town  to  which  it 
is  navigable  for  boats.    Off  its  mouth  is  the  fortified  Islo  Rossa. 

Porto  dl  Bosa. — A  breakwater  joins  Isola  Rossa  and  the  southern 
«ide  of  the  entrace  of  Fiume  Bosa.  From  the  shore,  at  a  distance  of 
550  yards  to  the  southward  of  the  entrance  of  Finume  Bosa,  a  break- 
w^ater  extends  in  a  southwesterly  direction,  and  is  above  water  for  a 
distance  of  220  yards.  Between  these  two  breakwaters  is  formed  the 
port  of  Bosa,  with  depths  of  from  13  to  16  feet  in  the  center,  and  10 
to  13  feet  near  the  breakwater. 

Dredging  was  commenced  in  1913  in  the  entrance  to  Porto  di  Bosa 
during  the  daytime  only ;  the  dredger  is  removed  at  night. 

Wreck  in  entrance — ^Buoy. — The  wreck  of  the  steamer  Gina  lies 
sunk  in  the  entrance  to  Bosa  Harbor,  340  yards  148°  from  the  light  on 
Isola  Rossa. 

The  wreck  is  marked  by  a  bottle-shaped  buoy,  painted  white, 
moored  350  yards  148°  from  the  same  light. 

A  fixed  white  light  is  exhibited  16  feet  above  the  sea  from  the  mast 
of  the  wreck. 

Light. — An  iron  post,  surmounting  a  shed,  the  whole  53  feet  in 
height  and  situated  on  the  southeastern  point  of  Isola  Rossa,  which 
forms  the  head  of  the  breakwater^  exhibits  an  unwatched  occulting 
white  light,  at  an  elevation  of  84  feet  above  the  sea,  which  is  visible  (> 
miles.     (See  Light  List.) 

Town. — Bosa,  containing  a  population  of  about  6,800,  is  beauti- 
fully situated  on  the  north  of  the  river,  which  is  bounded  upon  both 
sides  by  table  hills;  behind  is  an  olive  grove,  and  upon  an  elevated 

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452  THE   ISLAND  OF   SAKBINIA. 

site  Sant'  Andrea  Church  is  inclosed  within  ancient  walls  with  tow- 
ers. It  is  the  capital  of  a  district,  contains  a  cathedral,  several 
churches  and  convents,  none  of  any  particular  note,  but  having  rather 
an  imposing  appearance  from  the  offing. 

Like  most  similarly  situated  places,  the  town  is  imhealthful  and  is 
screened  from  the  refreshing  influence  of  the  sea  breeze.  Timber  for 
shipbuilding  purposes  is  exported  from  the  forests  round  the  foot 
of  Monte  Ferru  and  shipped  from  Cala  Pietra  Niedda,  1  mile  south 
of  Bosa. 

The  country  around  Bosa  is  fertile  and  produces  a  considerable 
quantity  of  oil  and  wine.  On  the  left  bank  of  the  river  is  San  Pietro 
Chapel,  said  to  mark  the  site  of  the  Roman  town  of  the  same  name. 
Beyond  are  many  villages  scattered  over  the  Planargia,  including  the 
town  of  Tres  Nuraghes,  near  which  is  a  stream. 

Communieation. — A  weekly  steamer  to  Cagliari,  Porto  Torres, 
and  intermediate  ports ;  Bosa  is  connected  at  Macomer  with  the  main 
line  to  Cagliari;  telegraphic  communication  at  limited  hours. 

Supplies  of  fresh  provisions  may  be  obtained ;  water  is  scarce  and 
not  very  good. 

Capo  Marargiu. — From  the  mouth  of  the  river,  a  succession  of 
indented  trap  cliffs  extend  for  5  miles  northwestward  to  Capo 
Marargiu;  midway  is  Torre  Argentina,  108  feet  above  the  sea.  A 
few  rocks  lie  off  the  intervening  shore,  and  an  islet  of  moderate 
height  outside  the  cape ;  about  700  yards  west-southwestward  of  the 
cape  is  a  rocky  shoal  with  2f  fathoms  water  over  it.  The  coast  be- 
yond is  bounded  by  steep  cliffs,  the  land  sloping  up  to  Monte  Tarat- 
tala,  which  is  2,556  feet,  and  3  miles  northward  of  the  cape  Monte 
Mannu  is  2,635  feet  above  the  sea. 

Porto  and  Punta  Foglina. — Nine  miles  northward  of  Capo 
Maragiu  is  the  rocky  port  and  beach  of  Poglina,  a  favorite  resort  of 
the  coral  fishermen,  and  1^  miles  westward  from  the  port  is  the  point 
of  the  same  name.  At  the  base  of  this  projection  is  a  bare  rock, 
and  on  an  elevation,  a  little  within  the  point,  a  tower  213  feet  above 
the  sea,  whence  the  coast  trending  in  a  northern  direction  for  the 
city  of  Alghero  is  low  and  rocky,  backed  by  cultivated  hills  of  moder- 
ate elevation. 

Water. — In  Cala  Cantaro  a  supply  of  good  water  can  be  procured 
from  a  spring  halfway  up  the  hill;  it  is  a  little  southward  of  Cala 
Buona,  the  resort  of  the  boats  of  the  coral  fishery. 

Sada  di  Alghero. — From  the  point  on  which  the  city  of  Alghero 
is  built,  nearly  4  miles  northward  of  Punta  Poglina,  the  coast  turns 
to  the  westward,  to  Capo  Caccia,  the  extreme  headland,  which  bears 
270°,  and  is  distant  7  miles;  between  are  two  bays,  the  eastern  Bada 
di  Alghero,  the  western  Porto  Conte.  Rada  di  Alghero  is  3  miles 
wide  across  the  entrance  to  Capo  Galera  and  about  2  miles  deep ;  its 

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THE   ISLAND  OF   SARDINIA.  453 

eastern  shore  is  low  and  sandy,  with  a  shallow  lake,  named  Stagno  di 
Calich,  at  the  head;  the  western  is  rocky,  broken  by  points  or  pro- 
jections from  Monte  Doglia,  1,430  feet  above  the  sea.  The  land  about 
the  bay  is  well  cultivated  and  an  eictensive  plain  (covered  with  the 
fan  palm)  runs  northward  to  the  shores  of  Golfo  dell'  Asinara. 

Within  Capo  Galera  are  a  tower  and  lazaretto. 

Isolotto  Maddalena. — On  the  eastern  side  of  the  bay  is  Isolotto 
Maddalena,  rocky,  13  feet  above  the  sea,  with  a  ruined  chapel  on 
it;  it  lies  about  1,200  yards  from  the  shore,  and  nearly  on  the 
boundary  of  the  shallows  projecting  from  it,  which  extend  from 
the  town  to  the  head  of  the  bay.  Upon  this  flat,  and  over  the  rocky 
spit  lying  700  yards  northwestward  of  the  town,  there  are  from  9 
to  15  feet  water ;  the  western  shore  is  less  shelving,  and  over  the  bay 
there  is  a  gradually  decreasing  depth  from  15  fathoms  at  the  en- 
trance, to  about  5  fathoms  at  400  yards  from  the  western  side. 

Alghero. — ^The  city  of  Alghero  is  built  upon  a  low  rocky  point 
jutting  out  from  a  sandy  beach;  its  medieval  walls  are  surrounded 
on  three  sides  by  the  sea,  and  entered  by  two  gates,  one  being  on 
the  northern  side,  near  the  landing  place.  It  was  long  a  favorite 
possession  of  Spain,  and  once  the  principal  station  for  trade  with 
Genoa,  and  contains  a  population  of  10,741. 

Light. — On  the  northwest  bastion  at  Alghero  a  small  circular 
tower,  21  feet  in  height,  exhibits,  at  an  elevation  of  46  feet  above 
the  sea,  a  fixed  white  light,  visible  4  miles.    (See  Light  List.) 

Secca  del  Traditore,  with  1  fathom  water  over  it,  lies  500  yards 
westward  of  this  point. 

Communicatioii. — A  steamer  every  fortnight  to  Cagliari,  Porto 
Torres,  and  intermediate  ports,  a  railroad  to  Sassari,  and  telegraphic 
communication.    The  telegraph  office  is  open  till  9  p.  m. 

Supplies  of  fresh  provisions  are  abundant,  but  water  is  scarce. 

Trade. — Alghero  is  one  of  the  chief  resorts  for  the  boats  engaged 
in  the  coral  fishery,  and  exports,  besides  that  article,  wine,  wool, 
tobacco,  and  anchovies.  The  silky  filaments  of  the  Pinna  marina 
has  also  afforded  a  branch  of  trade,  being  woven  into  gloves  both  at 
Cagliari  and  Naples. 

Stagno  di  Calich,  at  the  head  of  the  bay,  receives  the  streams  of 
the  rivers  Cantarella  from  the  north  and  Serra  from  the  east :  from 
the  lake  abundant  supplies  of  fish  are  procured.  Over  the  entrance 
channel  there  is  a  rudely  constructed  bridge  of  several  arches. 

Anchorages. — There  is  good  holding  ground  about  li  miles 
northwestward  of  the  town  in  from  8  to  10  fathoms  water,  where  a 
convenient  summer  anchorage  may  be  taken  up. 

Small  vessels  anchor  in  about  4J  fathoms  water,  over  weeds,  i  mile 
north-northwestward  of  the  lighthouse  and  southward  of  Isolotto 


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454  THE   ISLAND  OF   SARDINIA. 

MaddaJena;  there  is  also  anchorage  about  400  yards  to  the  eastward 
of  Torre  Galera,  in  7^  fathoms  water,  over  weeds  and  sand. 

Porto  Cont^^  separated  from  Rada  di  Alghero  by  a  hilly  pro- 
jection, which  trends  about  2  miles  to  the  westward  to  Punta  del 
Giglio,  on  which  there  is  a  tower  295  feet  above  the  sea,  is  2  miles 
wide  at  its  entrance,  extends  4  miles  in  a  northeast  direction  from 
Capo  Caccia,  and  terminates  in  a  sandy  beach ;  its  western  diores  are 
rocky  and  indented.  The  5-fathom  curve  is  about  1.3  miles  and  the 
3-fathom  curve  about  f  mile  from  the  head  of  the  bay,  but  outside 
this  the  shores  on  both  sides  are  tolerably  bold,  and  the  depths  are 
from  30  fathoms  at  the  entrance  to  5  or  6  fathoms  abreast  the  custom- 
house. 

Water  can  be  obtained  at  Porto  Conte,  and  other  supplies  from 
Alghero,  a  distance  of  8  miles. 

Anchorage. — Although  this  bay  is  exposed  to  the  southwest,  it 
is  a  safe  anchorage ;  large  vessels  anchor  abreast  the  customhouse  in 
a  depth  of  about  6  fathoms;  small  vessels  find  better  shelter  north- 
eastward of  it,  in  3  and  4  fathoms,  over  a  bottom  of  mud  and  sand, 
with  some  weeds.  In  winter  northwest  winds  blow  with  great  vio- 
lence across  the  plain. 

Capo  Caccia^  a  promontory  terminating  a  range  of  high  cliffs, 
which  bound  Porto  Conte  on  the  west,  is  610  feet  above  the  sea. 

About  200  yards  northward  of  Capo  Caccia,  and  on  the  western 
side  of  the  peninsula,  is  the  entrance  to  the  Grotto  of  Neptune  (an- 
cient Grotta  Azzurra) ;  it  is  a  little  above  the  surface  of  the  water, 
and  the  face  of  the  rock  at  the  landing  place  has  from  8  to  9  fathoms 
water  cloee-to. 

Light. — On  Capo  Caccia  a  white  circular  tower,  surmounting  a 
dwelling,  the  whole  78  feet  in  height,  exhibits,  at  an  elevation  of  610 
feet  above  the  sea,  a  Iflashing  white  light;  it  is  visible  28  miles.  (See 
Light  List) 

Signal  station — Semaphore. — At  about  900  yards  north-north- 
westward of  the  lighthouse  on  Capo  Caccia  is  a  semaphore  station, 
607  feet  above  the  sea,  with  which  vessels  can  communicate. 

Coast. — Three-quarters  of  a  mile  northward  of  the  cape  is  Iso- 
lotto  Foradada,  597  feet,  and  perforated,  and  2  miles  farther,  in  the 
same  direction,  Isolotto  Piana,  351  feet  above  the  sea;  both  islets  are 
steep.  On  the  highest  summit  of  the  cliffs,  southward  of  Isolotto 
Piana,  is  Torre  Pegna,  elevated  918  feet  above  the  sea,  and  Punta 
delle  Gessiere,  so  named  from  the  gypsum  there  obtained,  is  situated 
1.3  miles  northward  of  Isolotto  Piana.  Capo  Caccia  may  be  rounded 
at  any  distance,  as  it  is  very  bold,  as  well  as  the  coast  to  Punta  delle 
Gessiere. 

Porto  Ferru  or  Girato,  4J  miles  northeastward  of  Punta  delle 
Gessiere,  is  a  small,  well-sheltered,  boat  cove,  with  a  sandy  beach  at 

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THE   ISLAND  OF   SARDINIA.  455 

the  head,  near  which  are  some  ruins;  midway  is  Torre  del  Portic- 
ciuolo,  131  feet  above  the  sea,  and  there  are  towers  on  each  entrance 
point;  Eossa,  the  southern,  610  feet,  and  Ferru,  the  northern,  210 
feet  above  the  sea.  About  1  mile  within  the  port  is  Barace  Salt  Lake, 
into  which  run  several  rivulets  from  the  rocky  heights  of  Monte 
Forte,  1,526  feet  above  the  sea  on  the  north ;  south  and  east  of  Porto 
Ferru  the  land  is  low,  and  the  city  of  Sassari,  17  miles  inland,  can 
be  seen  over  it  from  the  oflSng. 

Capo  dell'  Argentiera^  10^  miles  to  the  northward  of  Capo 
Caccia,  is  the  steep  termination  of  a  spur  from  Monte  della  Nurra; 
the  land  within  is  covered  with  brushwood  and  wild  olive  trees.  A 
few  rocks  lie  off  the  north  cliffs,  but  they  are  close  in,  and  deep  water 
will  be  found  on  all  sides  with  70  fathoms,  over  coral  bottom,  at 
about  4  miles  from  the  cape. 

Capo  Negro,  about  4  miles  northeastward  of  Capo  dell'  Argen- 
tiera,  is  a  table-shaped  cliff,  and  6  miles  farther  in  the  same  direction, 
Isola  Porri,  187  feet  above  the  sea,  and  conical-shaped,  lies  close  to 
the  shore.  From  Isola  Porri  the  coast  trends  northwestward  for 
about  4  miles,  to  Punta  Coscia  di  Donna,  which  has  several  rocks, 
both  above  and  below  water,  extending  from  it. 

Capo  Falcone^  the  northern  extremity  of  a  peninsula  which  ex- 
tends from  Monte  della  Nurra,  has  a  tower  on  its  highest  summit, 
633  feet  above  the  sea ;  on  the  southern  side  of  the  point  a  white  rocky 
coast  line  extends  fully  3  miles,  sloping  southward  to  a  sandy  neck, 
where  are  several  salt  lakes. 

Isola  Asinara  (ancient  Herculis  Insulse),  entirely  mountainous, 
with  good  pasture,  and  in  places  covered  with  the  wild  olive  tree,  is 
inhabited  by  a  few  farmers  and  fishermen;  where  cultivated  the 
island  produces  good  fruit  and  corn ;  tortoises,  as  well  as  wild  goats 
abound.  It  is  9 J  miles  in  length  in  a  northeasterly  and  southwesterly 
direction,  3^  miles  in  breadth  at  its  northern  extremity,  and  very 
irregular  in  outline,  and  nearly  intersected  in  three  places  by  narrow 
ravines.  The  principal  elevations  are  Monte  Scomunica,  1,335  feet, 
and  La  Maestra,  1,273  feet,  near  the  northern  end  of  the  island,  and 
Monte  Maestra,  870  feet  above  the  sea  near  the  southern  extremity. 

The  southwestern  point  of  Isola  Asinara  is  about  1  mile  from  Capo 
Falcone,  the  sound  between  being  cccupied  by  Isola  Piana,  which  is 
low,  and  has  a  tower  on  it.  the  narrow  passages  on  l)oth  sides  are 
studded  with  sharp  rocks,  on  a  connecting  shallow  flat  with  from 
7  to  11  feet  over  it. 

Beacons. — Four  beacons  of  masonry,  in  the  form  of  truncated 
cones,  and  painted  black  and  white  in  horizontal  stripes,  are  placed 
near  the  southwest  point  of  the  island  for  use  as  range  marks 
through  the  channel  l)etween  it  and  Isola  Piana;  it  is  stated  that 


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456  THE   ISLAND  OF   SARDINIA. 

there  is  13  feet  water  in  the  passage,  but  it  can  not  be  attempted 
with  any  sea. 

Light. — At  Piinta  Caprara,  or  Scorno,  the  northern  point  of  Asi- 
nara,  is  a  white  circular  tower,  surmounting  a  white  dwelling,  the 
whole  117  feet  in  height,  exhibiting,  at  an  elevation  of  262  feet  above 
the  sea,  a  flashing  white  light,  which  is  visible  21  miles.  (See  Light 
List.) 

Signal  station — Semaphore. — At  about  900  yards  to  the  south- 
westward  of  the  lighthouse  is  a  semaphore  station,  377  feet  above  the 
sea,  with  which  vessels  can  communicate. 

Storm  signals  are  exhibited  here. 

Depths  offshore. — From  20  to  30  fathoms  will  be  found  i  mile 
off  the  coast,  and  the  100-fathom  curve  is  from  3  to  3J  miles  distant. 

Oliva. — About  3  miles  southward  of  Punta  Caprara,  at  Cala  d' 
Oliva,  are  the  buildings  of  the  convict  settlement,  and  on  a  small 
promonotory  there  is  a  tower,  06  feet  above  the  sea. 

Mooring  buoy. — A  mooring  buoy  is  moored  340  yards  90°  from 
the  tower  at  Oliva. 

Sada  della  Seale. — There  are  some  good  boat  coves,  and  a  con- 
venient anchorage  for  shipping  in  Rada  della  Keale,  on  the  eastern 
side  of  Isola  Asinara.  within  Punta  Trabucato.  Between  this  point, 
600  yards  southward  of  which  lies  a  rock  with  a  depth  of  5  feet  over 
it,  and  the  narrow  neck  of  land  to  the  westward,  the  distance  is  3 
miles,  and  halfway,  is  Secche  della  Keale,  a  cluster  of  rocks  above 
water,  with  a  spit  of  11  and  13  feet,  ^  mile  northwest  and  southeast 
of  it.  There  is  anchorage  on  either  side  in  convenient  depths  over 
muddy  bottom. 

Light. — On  the  northwestern  end  of  Secche  della  Reale,  from  a 
masonry  tower,  is  exhibited,  at  an  elevation  of  45  feet  above  the 
sea,  an  unwatched  flashing  white  light.  It  is  visible  12  miles.  (See 
Light  List.) 

Lightbuoy. — At  the  southeastern  end  of  Secche  della  Reale  a 
lightbuoy  is  mooted  in  10  fathoms  of  water.  It  exhibits  a  flashing 
red  light. 

Communication. — Steamers  running  between  Cagliari  and  Porto 
Torres  call  at  Cala  d'  Oliva,  and  there  is  telegraphic  communication. 

Sada  dei  Fomelli,  on  the  southern  side  of  Asinara,  is  between 
Punta  Barbarossa  and  Isola  Plana.  There  is  anchorage,  with  good 
holding  ground,  in  about  10  fathoms  of  water,  in  the  middle  of 
the  bay  and  1,200  yards  from  the  land. 

Golf  o  dell'  Asinara. — The  deep  indentation  on  the  north  coast 
of  Sardinia,  between  Asinara  and  Capo  Testa,  may  be  comprised 
under  this  name.  It  is  39  miles  across  the  entrance  and  about  20 
miles  deep.  The  shores  present  no  very  marked  feature.  In  the 
western  bight,  between  Punta  Falcone  and  Porto  Torres,  they  are 

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THE   ISLAND   OF   SARDINIA.  457 

low  and  sandy,  also  near  the  Fiuini  Sorso  and  Coghinas;  along  the 
remainder  a  rocky  coast  bounds  a  range  of  hills  of  considerable 
elevation. 

With  the  exception  of  Secca  di  Castel  Sardo  and  the  rocks  off 
Castel  Sardo,  all  dangers  lie  within  J  mile  of  the  shore ;  the  depths 
are  from  20  to  40  fathoms  at  3  miles  off,  but  farther  out  toward  the 
entrance  the  bottom  is  very  uneven,  depths  of  from  90  to  300  fath- 
oms being  found  but  a  short  distance  apart;  the  bottom  is  fine  sand 
and  shells,  with  some  clay. 

From  Punta  Nera,  2  miles  southeastward  of  Punta  Falcone,  a 
rocky  shore  trends  to  the  southward  for  nearly  3  miles  to  Torre  delle 
Saline,  near  which  are  a  tunny  factory  and  good  boat  harbor ;  thence 
past  several  salt  lakes,  3J  miles  south-southeastward,  is  the  outlet 
from  the  large  lake  of  Pilo,  and  6  miles  farther  eastward  is  Porto 
Torres. 

Tunny  fishery. — Tunny  nets  are  laid  out,  during  the  season, 
March  to  November,  for  a  distance  of  2.2  miles  in  a  northeasterly 
direction  from  Torre  delle  Saline.  The  outer  end  of  the  nets  are 
marked  by  day  with  two  buoys.    (See  Caution,  p.  61.) 

Porto  Torres  is  formed  by  two  inner  moles,  and  an  outer  mole  ex- 
tending from  the  inner  end  of  the  Inner  East  Mole  in  a  northeast 
direction  for  about  400  yards,  and  then  curving  in  a  northwest  di- 
rection for  a  distance  of  550  yards,  the  greater  part  of  the  outer 
space  having  depths  of  from  4  to  5^  fathoms,  and  most  of  the  inner 
port  (Porto  Vecchio)  from  18  to  21  feet.  Dredging  operations  were 
in  progress  inside  the  Outer  Mole,  but  in  1912  were  suspended. 

Caution. — On  account  of  the  deposits  washed  down  by  the  Tor- 
rente  Turritano,  the  depths  in  the  outer  harbor  are  now  less  than 
those  shown  on  the  chart. 

Harbor  works. — The  construction  of  quays  within  the  port  was 
commenced  in  1915. 

A  new  West  Mole  is  under  construction.  Starting  from  a  point 
on  the  shore  about  30G  yards  westward  from  the  root  of  the  ohl  West 
mole,  it  extends  northward  about  437  yards  and  thence  northeast- 
ward about  371  yards.  Its  extremity,  when  completed,  will  be  about 
218  yards  westward  from  the  extremity  of  the  new  East  Mole. 

Lights — Outer  Mole. — A  small  cylindrical  iron  building,  23  feet 
in  height,  and  situated  on  the  extremity  of  the  Outer  Mole,  exhibits, 
at  an  elevation  of  33  feet  above  the  sea,  an  occulating  red  light, 
visible  5  miles. 

The  mast  and  hut  from  which  the  light  is  shown,  are  painted  in 
white  and  red  horizontal  bands. 

East  Mole. — An  old  octagonal  tower,  49  feet  in  height,  situated 
near  the  harbor  office  at  the  root  of  the  Inner  East  Mole,  exhibits  at 


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458  THE   ISLAND  OF   SARDINIA. 

an  elevation  of  65  feet  above  the  sea,  a  group  flashing  white  light, 
which  is  visible  13  miles. 

A  flashing  red  light  is  shown  from  a  post  painted  in  white  and 
red  horizontal  bands  16  feet  high  at  the  mole  head ;  it  is  elevated  20 
feet  above  the  sea,  and  is  visible  2  miles. 

West  Mole. — A  flashing  green  light  is  shown,  at  an  elevation  of 
16  feet  above  the  sea,  from  an  iron  mast,  painted  in  white  and  black 
horizontal  bands,  11  feet  in  herght,  at  the  extremity  of  the  West 
Mole;  it  is  visible  2  miles.    (See  Light  List.) 

Wreck. — The  wreck  of  the  steamer  Costazzurra  lies  sunk  in  Port 
Torres,  about  328  yards  165°  from  the  occulating  red  light  on  the 
end  of  the  Outer  Mole.  "*• 

Buoys. — A  mooring  buoy  lies  in  Porto  Vecchio,  about  267  yards 
westward  from  the  lighthouse  at  the  root  of  East  Mole. 

Pilots  may  be  obtained. 

Pilots  should,  when  requested,  conduct  vessels  leaving  up  to  J  mile 
beycnd  the  entrance  to  the  port,  always  provided  the  state  of  the 
weather  permits. 

Anchorage. — ^Tolerably  good  anchorage  may  be  obtained  in  10 
fathoms  water  about  400  yards  northeastward  of  the  head  of  the 
Outer  Mole.  With  winds  from  northwest  to  northeast  vessels  should 
seek  shelter  in  one  of  the  anchorages  of  Isola  Asinara. 

Town. — Torres  is  of  ancient  date,  as  testified  by  the  Roman  ruins 
surrounding  it,  and  is,  with  Alghero,  the  port  of  trade  for  Sassari 
and  its  district.  It  is  defended  by  a  large  square  tower,  and  the  town 
is  one  long  street  in  which  is  the  old  cathedral  of  San  Gavino;  the 
population  is  4,225.    The  climate  is  said  to  be  unhealthful. 

Torrente  Turritano  enters  the  sea  a  little  westward  of  the  port, 
and  is  crossed  near  the  mouth  by  a  substantial  Roman  bridge  of 
seven  irregular  arches.  The  country  around  Torres  is  bare,  scattered 
with  a  few  plant  trees  and  brushwood. 

Communication. — Weekly  steamers  to  Genoa,  Leghorn,  Spezzia, 
Bastia.  and  to  Ajaccio  in  Corsica;  fortnightly  to  Maddalena,  Castel 
Sardo,  Santa  Teresa,  and  Bona.  The  railroad  from  Torres  joins 
the  main  line  between  Caglian  and  Ten*anova  at  Chilivani  junction; 
there  is  telegraphic  communication  at  limited  hours,  and  a  good 
macadamized  road  of  11  miles  leads  to  Sassari,  and  thence  to  Cagliari, 
a  distance  of  146  miles. 

Coal  and  supplies. — About  750  tons  of  coal  are  kept  in  stock, 
and  200  tons  could  be  put  on  board  in  24  hours,  weather  permitting; 
there  are  6  lighters. 

Fresh  provisions  may  be  obtained,  and  the  water  is  of  good  quality. 

Trade. — The  exports  from  the  district  are  chiefly  oil  and  wine. 

Sassari^  the  second  city  in  the  island  and  capital  of  the  Province, 
situated  upon  rising  ground  of  722  feet  above  the  sea,  10  mile^  from 


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THE   ISLAND  OF   SARDINIA.  459 

Porto  Torres,  is  inclosed  by  walls  with  towers,  and  has  a  citadel,  now 
used  as  a  barracks;  it  contains  a  cathedral,  numerous  churches,  several 
-convents,  a  university,  official  establishments,  and  a  famous  marble 
fountain  adjacent.    The  population  is  about  42,240. 

Coast. — From  Punta  di  San  Gavino  a  Mare  (a  little  eastward  of 
Porto  Torres)  to  Punta  Pedras  de  Fogu,  distant  10  miles,  is  a  low 
•coast,  chiefly  of  sand ;  midway  on  a  hill,  430  feet  above  the  sea,  is  the 
town  of  Sorso,  the  church  with  cupola  and  steeple  being  conspicuous. 
Punta  Pedras  de  Fogu  and  the  coast  eastward  of  it  is  rocky,  and 
slopes  up  to  the  Edera  Plain,  which  is  1,959  feet  above  the  sea; 
off  the  shore  are  many  scattered  rocks  extending  for  a  distance  of  } 
mile,  but  the  5-fathoni  curve  will  be  found  a  little  beyond  that  dis- 
tance. 

Castel  SardOy  a  small  fortified  town  about  4J  miles  east-north- 
■eastward  of  Punta  Pedras  de  Fogu,  occupies  an  elevated  position 
immediately  over  the  sea,  and  was,  under  the  Spaniards — its  former 
possessors — named  Castel  Arragonese ;  it  has  been  a  place  of  consid- 
erable note,  but  now  contains  a  population  of  only  2,341. 

There  is  a  citadel  on  a  crag,  374  feet  above  the  sea,  to  the  south; 
westward  of  the  town,  and  on  both  sides  of  the  crag  (which  are  of 
volcanic  origin  and  from  200  to  300  feet  in  height)  are  small  coves, 
adapted  for  a  few  coasting  vessels,  but  they  are  much  exposed ;  that 
to  the  westward  has  a  sandy  beach,  and  is  partly  sheltered  by  a  small 
islet,  on  which  are  some  ruins.  Close  off  the  castle  point  is  another 
islet,  beyond  which  there  is  deep  water. 

Anchorage  may  be  obtained  northeastward  of  the  castl**.,  in  from 
14  to  16  fathoms  water. 

Rocks. — Situated  within  1  mile  in  a  northwesterly  direction  from 
the  Campanile  of  Castel  Sardo  are  two  rocky  patches  with  7  and  9 
fathoms  water  over  them,  the  outer,  named  Secca  di  Frigiano,  with 
the  latter  depth,  northwestward  from  the  point;  the  water  is  deep 
4iround  them,  and  with  northerly  winds  there  are  heavy  overfalls. 
Secca  di  Punta  Spinosa,  about  1  mile  westward  of  Castel  Sardo,  has 
a  depth  of  5  fathoms  over  it. 

Communication. — A  steamer  every  week  to  Porto  Torres,  I-iCg- 
liorn,  and  Genoa,  and  telegraphic  communication. 

Secca  di  Castel  Sardo^  at  a  distance  of  5  miles  9°  from  Castel 
Sardo,  a  more  dangerous  shoal  having  6  fathoms  over  it,  extends 
about  ^  mile  in  the  same  direction,  beyond  which  there  are  20  and 
oO  fathoms,  and  about  the  same  depth  between  it  and  the  shore. 
This  shoal  was  formerly  supposed  to  have  only  4  fathoms  water,  but 
f'  fathoms  was  the  least  water  found  during  the  Italian  survey,  1879. 

Coast. — From  Castel  Sardo  the  coast,  partly  rocky,  but  chiefly  of 
sand,  extends  in  an  east-northeasterly  direction  to  Capo  Monte  di 
Fava,  10^  miles  distant,  and  has  generally  a  depth  of  5  fathoms 

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460  THE   ISLAND  OF   SARDINIA. 

within  ^  mile  of  the  sandy  beach,  except  about  3  miles  eastward 
of  Castel  Sardo,  where  that  depth  is  nearly  1  mile  from  the  shore. 
Nearly  midway  between  the  capes  is  a  narrow  lake  into  which  flows 
the  Fiume  Coghinas,  the  second  largest  river  in  the  island ;  on  the 
eastern  side  the  country  is  well  wooded,  and  on  the  western  richly 
cultivated.  Rising  above  the  plain,  5  miles  to  the  southeastward,  is 
Castel  Doria,  a  square  tower  on  an  isolated  mountain,  791  feet  above 
the  sea,  westward  of  the  river. 

Capo  Monte  di  Fava,  a  low  rocky  projection,  is  separated  from 
the  western  point,  88  feet  above  the  sea,  off  which  is  the  bare  islet 
of  Eossa,  by  Cala  Falsa,  a  small  cove  with  about  8  fathoms  water  in 
it ;  a  few  rocks  fringe  the  shores,  and  there  are  depths  of  20  fathoms 
i  mile  from  the  point,  on  which  stands  Torre  Monfronara,  75  feet 
above  the  sea. 

From  Capo  Monte  di  Fava  a  bleak  iron-bound  coast  trends  in  a 
northeast  direction,  for  a  distance  of  10  miles,  toward  Punta  Vig- 
nola,  backed  by  the  slopes  from  the  mountainous  range  of  Monte 
della  Spina,  2,625  feet,  and  Monte  Giuncana,  1,795  feet  above  the 
sea,  down  which  flow  a  few  small  streams.  Detached  rocks  lie  at  a 
short  distance  off  the  shore,  the  farthest  distant  being  Secca  di  Moli, 
which  is  6  miles  from  the  cape  and  about  800  yards  offshore. 

Funta  Vignola,  on  which  there  is  a  round  tower,  62  feet  above 
the  sea,  lies  3  miles  beyond  Secca  di  Moli,  and  a  short  distance  south- 
eastward of  it  are  the  village  and  boat  port  of  the  same  name,  to 
which  the  coral  fishermen  repair  for  shelter  and  water  and  find  tol- 
erable security  near  the  round  tower.  The  country  eastward  of  this 
to  Santa  Reparata  is  a  barren  waste ;  within  the  point  there  is  a  val- 
ley (watered  by  a  river  from  the  mountains)  covered  with  the  wild 
olive  and  the  vine,  and  abounding  in  tortoises;  westward  as  far  as 
Capo  Monte  di  Fava  it  is  a  wooded  uncultivated  tract. 

Capo  Monte  Rossi.— Between  Punta  Vignola  and  Capo  Testa, 
7J  miles  distant,  the  coast  forms  a  spacious  bay  about  4  miles  in 
depth  to  Cala  Vall'Alta.  A  bold  headland  of  red  granite,  292  feet 
above  the  sea,  lies  3  miles  eastward  from  Punta  Vignola;  it  is 
named  Capo  Monte  Rossi,  and  close  off  it  is  a  small  islet.  On  both 
sides  of  the  cape  is  a  sandy  plain,  readily  distinguished  from  the 
offing;  that  on  the  east  named  Arena  Grossa,  and  the  other  Arena 
Maggiore.  Off  this  latter  beach,  nearly  J  mile  from  the  mouth  of  a 
stream,  is  the  islet  of  Connetta,  round  which  and  off  the  shore  are 
some  rocks  under  water. 

Cala  Vall^AIta  is  about  2 J  miles  eastward  from  Capo  Monte  Rossi 
and  4  miles  southward  of  Capo  Testa.  Northward  of  Cala  Vall'- 
Alta is  a  broken  rocky  coast  as  far  as  the  sandy  neck,  which  connects 
Capo  Testa  with  the  land  about  Porto  Longosardo.  A  few  islets 
and  rocks  lie  off  the  shore ;  the  south  of  the  isthmus  is  a  considerable 

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THE   ISLAND  OF   SARDINIA.  461 

reef,  which  fringes  the  shore  to  a  distance  of  400  yards;  the  bight 
southward  of  the  isthmus  is  named  La  Corba,  which  has  depths 
of  from  5  to  10  fathoms,  and  where  shelter  will  be  found  with  north- 
easterly winds. 

Wkter. — At  La  Corba  fresh  water  may  be  procured  from  a  source 
near  flie  sea. 

Bonifacio  Strait^  between  the  northern  end  of  Sardinia  and  the 
southern  end  of  Corsica,  is  6^  miles  wide;  several  islands  with  pas- 
sages between  them  lie  off  the  coasts  of  either  island,  narrowing  the 
main  channel,  or  strait,  to  3  miles  in  breadth.  The  passages  between 
the  islands  of  Porraja,  Eatino,  and  Cavallo,  which  are  convenient  for 
steamers  or  vessels  with  a  fair  wind,  are  described  in  Chapter  IV, 
and  the  passages  between  the  intermediate  islands  and  the  coast  of 
Sardinia  have  already  been  described. 

Bocca  Grande  or  main  channel,  or  properly  called  Stretto  di  Boni- 
facio, lies  between  Isola  di  Razzoli  (Sardinia)  and  Isola  di  Lavezzi 
(Corsica),  which  islands  lie  in  a  northwest  and  southeast  direction, 
distant  3^  miles  from  each  other. 

Secca  di  Lavezzi^  lying  1  mile  194°  from  the  lighthouse  on  Isola 
Lavezzi,  is  a  dangerous  rocky  shoal,  with  8  feet  of  water  over  it ;  it  is 
steep-to  on  the  southern  side,  but  on  the  northern  is  foul. 

Seacon. — A  circular  stone  safety  beacon,  about  30  feet  in  height, 
with  red  and  black  horizontal  bands  and  surmounted  by  a  refuge, 
marks  Secca  di  Lavezzi. 

A  ledge  of  rocks,  about  10  yards  in  extent,  with  3^  fathoms  least 
water,  and  9  to  10  fathoms  close-to,  is  situated  700  yards  40°,  from 
the  beacon. 

Light. — From  the  beacon  on  Secca  di  Lavezzi,  at  an  elevation  of 
54  feet  above  high  water,  an  unwatched  group  occulting  white  light 
is  exhibited  from  a  lantern  with  a  white  cupola.  It  is  visible  7  miles. 
(See  Light  List.) 

Detached  shoals. — A  bank,  with  less  than  10  fathoms  water, 
extends  nearly  i  mile  southward  of  the  beacon;  on  its  extremity  is 
a  patch  with  28  feet  water  over  it  situated  900  yards  162°  from  the 
beacon,  and  with  other  patches  of  4  and  5  fathoms  between. 

An  isolated  rock,  with  4J  fathoms  water  over  it,  lies  with  the  beacon 
bearing  220°,  distant  650  yards;  between  this  rock  and  the  28-foot 
patch  are  two  other  heads  with  4J  and  4J  fathoms  over  them.  The 
red  sector  of  Punta  Becchi  (Isola  Lavezzi)  light  and  the  red  sector  of 
Isola  Bazzoli  light  shows  over  Secca  di  Lavezzi  and  its  detached 
i^hoals. 

Clearing  marks. — ^The  Croix  de  la  Trinity  (on  a  conical  hill 
northwestward  of  Bonifacio)  kept  open  of  Capo  Pertusato  319° 
leads  southwestward  of  Secca  di  Lavezzi  and  detached  shoals;  and 


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462  THE   ISLAND  OF   SARDINIA, 

the  eastern  side  of  Isola  Lavezzi  in  range  with  the  highest  part  of 
Cavallo,  bearing  358°,  leads  eastward  of  them.  At  night  Bazzoli 
occulting  white  light  bearing  86°  will  lead  a  long  i  mile  southward 
of  the  rock  and  shoals,  or  keep  southward  of  the  southern  limit  of  the 
red  sector,  which  is  thrown  over  the  rock  from  that  light.  A  red 
sector  of  light  is  also  (as  before  mentioned)  thrown  over  the  rock  and 
shoals  from  Isola  Lavezzi  Light;  the  navigator  may  therefore  be 
sure  that  he  is  not  near  this  danger  when  one  of  the  lights  is  seen 
white,  but  should  both  red  lights  be  seen  the  course  must  be  altered 
immediately. 

Directions  from  west  to  east. — Vessels  from  the  westward 
bound  to  Civita  Vecchia,  Naples,  or  neighboring  ports  generally  take 
the  Bonifacio  Strait.  Approaching  the  entrance  to  the  strait  a 
course  should  be  steered  a  little  to  the  northward,  allowing  for  the 
effect  of  the  currents.  If  the  wind  is  from  the  northern  quarter 
sailing  vessels  make  the  land  at  Capo  Pertusato  (the  southern  ex- 
tremity of  Corsica),  known  by  its  whiteness  and  by  the  light  tower 
on  it;  with  the  wind  from  the  southern  quarter,  the  island  of  Asinara,. 
off  the  northwestern  point  of  Sardinia,  recognized  by  its  elevation 
and  the  lighthouse  on  its  summit. 

By  day,  on  arriving  off  the  entrance,  the  islets  appear  to  form  a 
barrier  without  any  opening,  but  on  a  nearer  approach  the  wide  pas- 
sage between  the  islands  of  Lavezzi  and  Razzoli  will  be  seen,  to- 
gether with  the  stone  beacon  on  Secca  di  Lavezzi.  Capo  Testa,  on 
the  southern  side,  is  also  a  conspicuous  headland,  being  conical  and 
isolated,  with  a  signal  tower  on  the  summit  and  lighthouse  below 
nearer  the  point. 

If  near  Capo  Testa  and  the  fog  should  prevent  Isola  Razzoli  being- 
seen,  by  bringing  this  cape  to  bear  about  180°  1  mile,  and  steering- 
thence  82°,  will  lead  about  the  same  distance  southward  of  Lavezzi 
detached  shoals.  On  arriving  off  the  entrance,  should  the  wind  be 
ahead,  a  sailing  vessel  can  work  to  windward  between  the  islands 
of  Eazzoli,  Budelli,  and  Spargi,  which  are  without  dangers;  the 
beacon  sufficiently  marks  Secca  di  Lavezzi,  which  can  be  approached 
at  a  prudent  distance  on  all  sides,  the  northern  being  the  shoalest. 
Vessels  of  deep  draft  should  avoid  Lavezzi  detached  shoals  and  the 
others  already  mentioned. 

Steamers  going  southward  generally  pass  through  Estuario  della 
Maddalena  (see  Caution  and  Passage  prohibited,  p.  401),  which,  al- 
though winding  and  in  some  places  narrow,  offers  a  clear,  deep 
channel  with  good  anchorages  throughout. 

In  taking  this  passage,  the  western  entrance  to  which  is  between 
Isola  Spargi  and  Punta  Sardegna,  steer  to  pass  southward  of  the 
island  to  avoid  Secca  Corsara,  with  1^  fathoms  water  over  it;  the 


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THE  ISLAND  OF  SARDINIA.  463 

southwest  point  of  Santo  Stefano  in  range  with  Punta  Sardegna, 
bearing  123°,  leads  northward  of  Scogli  Paganetto  off  Punta  Rosso, 
on  which  there  is  a  beacon,  and  leads  to  the  southward  of  Secca 
Corsara. 

The  coast  of  Sardinia  should  be  kept  on  board  to  avoid  the  rocks 
between  Maddalena  and  Santo  Stefano  (marked  by  beacons) ;  pass- 
ing through  the  channel  between  these  and  Sardinia,  and  after  round- 
ing Capo  Orso  keep  a  little  to  the  southward  of  Caprera,  or  with  that 
cape  just  open  of  the  southwest  point  of  Santo  Stefano  bearing  300°, 
and  thence  either  northward  or  southward  of  Isola  Biscie. 

Caution. — ^The  buoys  and  beacons  are  not  always  to  be  de- 
pended upon. 

At  night. — Approaching  the  strait  by  night,  give  the  western  side 
of  Capo  Testa  a  berth  of  2  miles,  so  as  to  ensure  passing  outside  the 
dangers,  which  lie  on  the  west  and  southwest  sides  of  the  peninsula. 
When  Capo  Testa  light  bears  180°,  distant  about  1  mile,  steer  for 
Isola  Kazzoli  light  (occulting  white)  bearing  about  72°  until  the 
fixed  red  sector  of  light  from  Isola  Lavezzi  changes  to  fixed  white, 
bearing  334°,  when  a  37°  course  should  lead  through  Bocca  Grande. 

If  from  the  northwestward,  bring  Razzoli  occulting  white  light  to 
bear  86°  before  Capo  Pertusato  group  flashing  light  bears  328°,  and 
steer  on  Razzoli  light,  bearing  86°,  and  having  passed  the  red  sector 
of  Isola  Lavezzi  light,  steer  37°  as  above.  A  sailing  vessel  working 
through  the  strait  during  the  night  should  not  stand  to  the  north- 
ward beyond  the  southern  limit  of  the  red  light  from  Razzoli,  bear- 
ing about  93°. 

It  must  be  remembered  that  the  currents  often  follow  the  direction 
of  the  prevailing  wind,  and  that  their  velocity  is  in  proportion  to  its 
force.  Also  that  in  a  gale,  particularly  from  the  northwest,  the  sea 
breaks  everywhere  in  the  passages,  and  the  currents  then  being  very 
rapid  much  attention  to  the  helm  is  necessary.  In  summer  it  often 
happens  that  while  the  wind  is  northwest  at  the  w^estem  entrance,  it 
is  east  in  the  eastern  portion  of  the  strait. 

From  east  to  west. — On  approaching  the  entrance  to  the  strait 
from  the  eastward  the  islands  of  Corsica  and  Sardinia  appear  united 
by  a  chain  of  islets  and  rocks ;  but  if  sufficiently  to  the  northward  to 
have  Isola  Lavezzi  bearing  less  than  280°,  a  clear  passage  will  be 
seen. 

Approaching  from  the  southward  pass  to  the  northward  of  Isola 
Santa  Maria  and  Isola  Razzoli;  but  in  a  sailing  vessel,  should  the 
wind  be  northerly  and  scant  for  passing  to  windward  of  these  islands, 
the  passages  between  the  islets  lying  between  Santa  Maria  and  Mad- 
dalena may  be  used,  thence  to  the  southward  of  Budelli,  and  for  the 
middle  of  the  channel  between  Lavezzi  and  the  coast  of  Sardinia. 


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464  THE   ISLAND  OF   SARDINIA. 

At  night. — ^Isola  Bazzoli  Light  is  obscured  by  the  land  southward 
of  the  bearing  of  291°,  and  until  it  is  sighted  a  vessel  should  be 
careful  not  to  enter  the  arc  of  red  light  from  Capo  Ferro,  between 
the  bearings  of  172°  and  206° ;  crossing  this  arc  with  Razzoli  Light 
just  sighted  will  pass  1^  miles  northward  of  Secca  dei  Monaci,  and 
2  miles  northward  of  Isolotti  Monaci. 

From  the  northward,  the  channel  between  Isola  Cavallo  and 
Isola  Perduto  can  be  taken,  or  that  eastward  of  Scoglio  Perduto ;  in 
the  first  case  take  the  middle  of  the  channel,  steering  202°,  and  either 
round  Isola  Lavezzi  at  the  distance  of  800  yards,  or  go  to  the  south- 
ward of  Secca  di  Lavezzi,  and  out  to  the  westward  as  before. 

In  passing  outside  Scoglio  Perduto  (which  lie  1,400  yards  to  the 
southeastward  of  the  islet),  keep  Razzoli  Lighthouse  bearing  west- 
ward of  170°  until  1  mile  southward  of  Perduto,  when  a  course  of 
226°  will  lead  well  to  the  eastward  of  Secca  di  Lavezzi.  To  pass 
southward  of  Secca  di  Lavezzi,  keep'  Croix  de  la  Trinite  open  west- 
ward of  Capo  Pertusato  bearing  319°.  There  is  no  difficulty  in 
working  through,  so  long  as  the  beacon  remains  or  these  marks  are 
attended  to. 

It  is  by  no  means  a  rare  occurrence  to  find  the  wind  from  the  north- 
west on  arriving  at  the  western  entrance  of  the  strait,  when  pre- 
viously it  had  been  even  fresh  from  the  southeast;  and  should  it  be 
too  fresh  for  a  sailing  vessel  to  work  to  windward  anchorage  can  be 
<»btained  in  Rada  di  Mezzo  Schifo  (Agincourt  Road). 

Should  there  be  signs  of  bad  weather  from  the  westward  it  might 
be  preferable  to  run  along  under  the  coast  of  Corsica  with  the  south- 
east wind,  which  is  often  very  fresh,  and  double  Capo  Corso  at  a  good 
distance.  If  bound  to  the  northern  ports  of  France  the  passage 
might  thus  be  made  more  quickly  than  by  remaining  at  anchor  until 
the  wind  admitted  of  clearing  the  strait. 

At  night. — As  soon  as  Razzoli  Light  is  made,  keep  it  bearing 
between  180°  and  235° ;  the  first  bearing  passes  well  to  the  eastward 
of  Scoglio  Perduto,  and  the  latter  to  the  northward  of  Isola  Santa 
Maria ;  pass  about  1  mile  northward  of  Razzoli  Light,  and  when  it 
bears  180°  alter  course  to  242°  for  Capo  Testa  Light;  this  course 
leads  1  mile  southward  of  Secca  Lavezzi  and  slioals;  and  when  the 
light  on  Capo  Pertusato  bears  328°  alter  course  as  requisite. 

With  a  steady  favorable  wind,  there  is  no  difficulty  for  a  sailing 
vessel  in  this  passage  as  long  as  the  lights  are  seen ;  otherwise  it  would 
not  be  prudent  to  enter  it,  but  rather  to  anchor  in  one  of  the  roads 
on  the  northeast  of  Sardinia. 

Currents  in  Bonifacio  Strait. — It  has  been  stated  previously 
that  the  currents  run  in  the  direction  of  the  prevailing  wind,  and 
that  their  velocity  is  in  proportion  to  the  force  of  tiie  wind. 


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THE  ISLAND  OF   SABDINIA.  465 

Mr.  A.  C.  Southwell,  Lloyd's  agent  for  Corsica,  states  the  follow- 
ing as  the  results  of  his  observations  made  in  the  months  of  April, 
May,  and  June,  1887,  between  Porto  di  Bonifacio  and  Scogli  Mo- 
nachi  (Les  Moines),  which  are  12  miles  to  the  westward  of  the  port, 
and  from  information  obtained  on  the  spot : 

The  currents  frequently  precede  the  wind  by  a  considerable  amount  of  time, 
running  eastward  before  the  setting  in  of  a  westerly  wind,  and  vice  versa,  and 
often  with  much  force.  The  navigator  must  not,  therefore,  conclude  that 
because  the  weather  is  culm  there  will  be  no  current. 

In  Porto  di  Bonifacio,  Mr.  Southwell  observed,  at  irregular  inter- 
vals, a  rise  and  fall  of  water,  often  amounting  to  2  and  3  feet,  and 
on  some  occasions  as  much  as  4  feet.  And  he  was  informed  that 
during  the  winter  the  rise  is  even  greater,  the  water  completely 
covering  the  quays.    There  is  no  appreciable  lunar  tide  at  any  time. 

Local  authorities  at  Porto  di  Bonifacio  state  that  the  rise  and  fall 
of  the  water  is  a  foretelling  of  the  weather  that  may  be  expected; 
that  a  rise  indicates  an  easterly  current  running  in  the  strait  before 
westerly  winds,  which  will  follow  in  a  few  (seldom  less  than  four  or 
five)  hours;  that  the  fall  of  water  during  fine  weather  will  indicate 
in  like  manner  a  westerly  current  running  before  easterly  winds; 
and  that  the  amount  of  the  rise  and  fall  will  indicate  the  force  of  the 
expected  wind. 

It  is  also  observed  that  the  water  commencing  to  fall  while  a 
strong  westerly  wind  is  blowing  is  an  indication  that  within  a  few 
hours  the  wind  will  subside,  and  if  the  fall  continues  easterly  winds 
follow. 

Mr.  Southwell  remarks  that  his  own  observations  taken  at  Scogli 
Monachi,  as  well  as  at  Porto  di  Bonifacio,  were  in  confirmation  of 
the  above-mentioned  rules. 

Fogs  are  said  to  occur  frequently  in  the  early  morning  in  the 
month  of  May  in  Bonifacio  Strait. 

68850—17 30 


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CHAPTER  VII. 


THE  SICILY  AND  MALTA  CHANNELS,  THE  MALTESE  ISLANDS, 
THE  JEGADEAN  ISLES,  AND  THE  WEST  AND  SOUTH  COASTS  OF 
SICILY. 

Skerki  Bank. — An  extensive  bank,  composed  of  rock,  sand,  coral, 
and  shells,  lies  in  the  fairway  channel  between  the  coasts  of  Tunis 
and  Sicily,  and  extends,  with  less  than  100  fathoms  water  on  it, 
about  36  miles  in  a  northeasterly  and  southwesterly  direction. 

Keith  Beef,  in  approximately  latitude  37*^  50'  N.,  longitude  10^ 
57'  E.,  the  shoalest  spot  on  Skerki  Bank,  is  of  compact  limestone, 
nearly  i  mile  in  length  and  700  yards  in  breadth,  with  a  space  of 
about  6  feet  square  covered  with  weeds,  nearly  awash,  which  gener- 
ally breaks.  On  the  northern  side  of  the  crown  of  the  reef  there  is 
2  fathoms  water,  8  fathoms  on  the  eastern,  and  14  fathoms  on  the 
western  side.  All  roimd  the  reef,  at  the  distance  of  400  yards,  there 
are  depths  of  17  fathoms,  deepening  suddenly  to  40  fathoms. 

Biddlecombe  Patch,  2  miles  to  the  northward  of  Keith  Reef,  is 
about  200  yards  in  extent,  with  4J  fathoms  water  on  it,  and  from  23 
to  45  fathoms  between.  About  1  mile  southeastward  of  Keith  Reef, 
and  the  same  distance  northwestward  of  Biddlecombe  Patch,  there 
is  a  depth  of  100  fathoms.  In  approaching,  the  water  is  clear  and 
the  bottom  distinctly  seen  at  a  considerable  depth.  In  calm  weather 
the  sea  does  hot  break,  and  then  the  reef  is  not  visible. 

Hecate  Patch,  with  a  depth  of  4  fathoms,  lies  63  miles  south- 
westward  of  Keith  Reef.  Locust  Patch,  with  9  fathoms  least  water, 
lies  J  miles  northwestward  of  Hecate  Patch.  Within  an  area  of  1 
mile  from  Hecate  Patch  there  are  from  9  to  50  fathoms;  to  the 
southward  the  water  deepens  rapidly. 

Sylvia  EnoU. — During  the  examination  of  Skerki  Bank  made  by 
the  British  surveying  vessel  Sylvia  in  the  year  1885,  a  knoll  was 
found  near  the  northeast  eirtremity  of  the  bank.  This,  named  Sylvia 
Knoll,  has  a  depth  of  7  fathoms,  with  25  to  28  fathoms  close-to,  and 
lies  7  miles  northeastward  of  Keith  Reef. 

Caution. — As  the  currents  are  uncertain  both  in  strength  and 
direction,  and  the  reefs  not  always  seen,  mariners  should  take  great 
care  to  give  all  these  dangers  a  wide  berth. 

467 


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468  THE  SICILY  AND  MALTA  CHANNELS. 

Pantellaria  (ancient  Cossyra). — The  northern  point  of  this 
island  lies  46  miles  109°  from  Cap  Bon,  and  66  miles  219**  from  Capo 
Granitola,  in  Sicily.  The  island  belonging  to  Italy,  and  adminis- 
tratively in  the  Province  of  Trapani,  is  about  7  miles  in  length  in  a 
northwesterly  and  southeasterly  direction  nearly  4^  miles  in  breadth 
and  composed  of  a  mass  of  volcanic  rock,  with  vestiges  of  craters, 
large  quantities  of  lava,  scoria,  and  pumice  stone. 

The  hills  are  covered  with  brushwood  and  the  valleys  are  culti- 
vated with  olives,  figs,  vines,  and  vegetables.  The  land  is  high  and 
broken,  rising  near  the  center  to  a  conspicuous  peak  2,730  feet  above 
the  sea,  and  sloping  to  each  end,  the  east  being  much  the  higher. 
On  the  southern  side  of  the  highest  mountain  is  a  wood  of  fine  trees, 
chiefly  of  chestnut  and  oak,  and  lower  down  are  numerous  olive  trees. 

On  the  summit  of  the  mountain  is  a  great  natural  curiosity,  the 
remains  of  a  crater  about  90  feet  deep  converted  into  a  deep  lake, 
which  is  surrounded  by  a  wall.  The  ridge  of  high  land  around  the 
crater  forms  a  complete  amphitheater  and  commands  a  delightful 
view  of  the  lake,  the  surrounding  land,  and  sea. 

Light. — On  Punta  Spadillo,  northeast  coast  of  Pantellaria,  a 
white  circular  tower  69  feet  in  height,  and  surmounting  a  two- 
storied  dwelling,  exhibits  at  an  elevation  of  164  feet  above  the  sea 
a  flashing  white  light  visible  from  a  distance  of  19  miles.  (For  arc 
of  visibility,  see  Light  List.) 

H  Porto,  at  the  norwestem  end  of  the  island,  between  Punta  San 
Leonardo,  which  is  low,  and  Punta  della  Croce,  is  a  bay  about  i  mile 
wide  and  nearly  the  same  deep,  open  to  the  northwestward;  the 
greater  part  is  shallow  and  encumbered  with  rocks,  several  of  which 
are  above  water  and  extend  to  the  northeastward  for  a  distance  of 
400  yards  from  the  western  side  of  the  bay.  Between  the  rocks  and 
a  cove  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  bay  is  a  clear  space  about  200  yards 
in  extent,  with  8  fathoms  water. 

A  mole  extends  about  300  yards  from  the  western  side  of  the  bay, 
and  between  its  extremity  and  rocks  extending  150  yards  from  the 
eastern  side  is  the  entrance,  nearly  100  yards  in  width,  to  another 
cove,  nearly  circular,  less  than  200  yards  in  diameter,  with  from  1^  to 
2  fathoms  water,  where  the  country  vessels  are  secured. 

Lights. — On  Punta  San  Leonardo,  from  a  red  iron  structure, 
above  a  hut  with  a  white  roof,  33  feet  in  height,  is  exhibited  at  an 
elevation  of  43  feet  above  the  sea  an  occulting  white  light.  The  light 
is  visible  10  miles. 

At  the  head  of  II  Porto  a  fixed  red  light  is  shown  from  a  bracket 
on  a  wall  16  fe^t  in  height,  at  an  elevation  of  16  feet  above  the  level 
of  the  sea,  visible  2  miles. 

A  fixed  green  light  of  small  power  is  shown  from  the  church  of 
San  Nicolo  del  Borgo  and  is  situated  250  yards  south  westward  of  the 

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THE  SICILY  AND  MALTA  CHANNELS.  469 

preceding  light.  Too  much  reliance  must  not  be  placed  on  the  two 
harbor  lights. 

Submarine  teleg^ph  cable— Beacons. — A  cable  connects  Pan- 
tellaria  with  Mazzara  (south  coast  of  Sicily).  Its  direction  is  marked 
by  two  beacons. 

The  beacons  are  posts,  each  surmounted  by  a  white  framework 
globe,  one  of  the  globes  having  the  letter  T  on  it,  painted  black.  The 
rear  beacon  is  attached  to  San  Leonardo  Lighthouse;  the  front  beacon 
is  situated  on  a  rock  near  the  wat^.  There  is  also  a  board,  where 
the  cable  is  landed,  with  notice  that  anchorage,  etc.,  is  prohibited 
near  the  cable. 

Anchorage. — Large  vessels  will  find  temporary  anchorage  outside 
the  bay  in  about  18  fathoms  water,  over  sandy  bottom,  with  the  castle 
bearing  139°  |  mile;  smaller  vessels  may  anchor  westward  of  Punta 
San  Leonardo  in  4^  fathoms  water,  with  good  holding  ground  of 
sand,  avoiding  the  telegraph  cable. 

IJown. — ^The  town  of  Pantellaria  occupies  the  head  of  the  bay, 
and  in  the  middle  of  it  is  a  conspicuous  castle  and  prison.  The  popu- 
lation of  the  island  is  about  8,700. 

The  ruins  of  the  ancient  city  of  Cossyra  are  on  the  slope  and  in 
the  valley  southeastward  of  the  town,  and  there  are  some  natural 
mineral  baths  of  great  antiquity. 

Communication. — Weekly  steamers  alternately  to  Trapani  and 
Porto  Empedocle,  and  frequent  communiciBttion  with  Tunis,  but  the 
vessels  do  not  communicate  in  bad  weather.  Telegraphic  communi- 
cation :  The  telegraph  office  is  open  till  9  p.  m. 

Supplies. — Moderate  supplies  of  fresh  provisions  and  water  may 
be  obtained. 

liloyd^s  signal  station. — A  Lloyd's  signal  station  and  sema- 
phore is  established  at  Monte  Sant'  Elmo,  southeastward  of  the  town. 

Trade. — Vines  are  grown  extensively,  and  the  production  of  wine 
and  dried  currants  is  not  unimportant;  there  is  also  a  small  export 
trade  of  oil,  cotton,  and  orchitt  for  dyeing,  and  the  island  is  famous 
for  a  hardy  race  of  donkey,  supposed  to  be  of  African  origin,  but 
developed  into  a  species. 

Pratique. — Vessels  on  arriving  have  to  obtain  pratique;  the 
health  office  is  on  the  northern  side  of  the  harbor ;  the  town  landing 
place  is  at  a  small  pier,  westward  of  the  castle. 

Coasts. — The  northeast  coast  of  the  island  is  irregular  and  rocky, 
and  between  Kharuscia  Point  and  Pimta  Spadillo  is  a  bay,  about 
1^  miles  in  width,  in  which  is  Klhartibugal  Shoal,  of  6^  fathoms, 
situated  i  mile  offshore,  and  surrounded  by  deep  water.  Within 
the  head  of  the  bay  is  a  lake  about  1  mile  in  circumference,  and  near 
it  are  various  warm  springs. 


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470  THE  SICILY  AND  MALTA  CHANNELS. 

About  2  miles  southeastward  of  Punta  Spadillo  are  Gala  di  Tra- 
montana  and  Gala  di  Levante,  separated  by  Punt>i  Tracino,  off  which 
is  a  high,  rocky  islet  with  deep  water  between.  From  Gala  di  Levante 
the  coast  to  the  southward  and  southwestward  (for  4^  miles  to  the 
southern  extremity  of  the  island,  near  Punta  Limarsi)  is  composed  of 
nearly  inaccessible  cliffs,  at  the  foot  of  which  are  some  rocks  above 
and  below  water. 

On  the  southwestern  side  of  the  island,  a  little  southward  of  Punta 
del  Eosso  di  Nica,  and  i  mile  off  a  fall  of  black  lava,  is  Secca  di 
Nica,  on  which  the  depth  is  4  fathoms,  and  a  small  inlet,  named 
Porto  di  Scauri,  open  to  the  southeastward,  is  situated  inside  Punta 
Tre  Pietre,  1^  miles  farther  northwestward,  from  which  a  broken 
and  rocky  coast  continues  to  Gala  Brabant,  2^  miles  northwestward, 
and  then  turns  to  the  northward  to  Punta  della  Groce,  the  western 
point  of  Bada  di  Pantellaria. 

All  this  part  of  the  coast  is  rugged,  with  steep,  inaccessible  cliffs, 
having  basaltic  caves  at  the  base,  and  some  rocks  are  scattered  along 
shore,  but  none  at  a  considerable  distance. 

Depths  offshore. — ^The  100-fathom  curve  generally  surroimds 
Pantellaria  at  distances  of  from  f  to  1  mile,  except  on  the  north- 
eastern side,  where,  at  Punta  Spadillo,  it  is  only  about  i  mile  off- 
shore, and  at  the  northwestern  end,  where  its  distance  is  2f  miles. 

There  are  races  off  the  several  headlands,  and  the  current  is  said  at 
times  to  run  strong  from  the  westward  toward  the  island.  It  lies 
directly  in  the  track  of  vessels  proceeding  to  Malta  from  Gap  Bon; 
therefore  at  night  or  in  thick  weather  a  good  lookout  is  necessary. 

Scourge  Patches  and  Pantellaria  Patch  lie  between  the  bear- 
ings of  18*^  and  31°,  distant  from  22  to  25  miles  from  Punta  San 
Leonardo,  Pantellaria;  Pantellaria  Patch,  the  eastern,  has  a  depth 
of  5  fathoms  near  its  western  extremity. 

About  3^  miles  westward  of  it  the  larger  patch  extends  about  2 
miles  east  and  west  and  1^  miles  north  and  south,  and  has  from  7  to 
14  fathoms  water  over  it. 

With  the  exception  of  Smyth  Patch,  of  20  fathoms,  about  7  miles 
westward  of  the  preceding,  the  surrounding  depths  to  that  distance 
are  from  40  to  45  fathoms  over  sand,  shells,  and  gravel. 

Vessels  of  deep  draft  should  avoid  these  patches,  especially  with 
any  sea,  by  keeping  within  the  distance  of  20  miles  from  Pantellaria, 
while  the  peak  of  that  island  bears  between  188*^  and  203°. 

Talbot  Shoal  (in  approxhnately  lat,  3T°  28'  N.,  long.  IV  39'  E.), 
about  30  miles  to  the  northwestward  of  Scourge  Patches,  is  about  i 
mile  in  diameter.  A  little  to  the  westward  there  is  a  depth  of  200 
fathoms;  but  to  the  eastward,  adjacent  to  Adventure  Bank,  imeven 
ground  of  from  13  to  50  fathoms.  The  shallowest  part,  8  fathoms, 
bears  338°,  distant  46  miles  from  the  peak  of  Pantellaria. 


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THE  SICILY  AND  MALTA  CHANNELS.  471 

Graham  Shoal,  which  is  the  remains  of  the  volcanic  island  of  the 
same  name,  had  in  1863  the  least  water  on  it  of  15  feet,  from  whicli 
San  Calogero  Monastery,  northeastward  of  the  town  of  Sciacca  in 
Sicily,  bears  42°,  distant  28  miles.  Capo  Granitola  Lighthouse  lies 
25  miles  to  the  northward,  but  the  range  of  the  light  will  not  allow 
it  to  be  seen  from  any  part  of  this  shoal. 

In  an  examination  made  by  the  officers  of  the  British  surveying 
vessel  Shearwater  in  the  year  1870,  a  depth  of  3  fathoms  was  found 
in  this  position.  In  the  year  1885  not  less  than  4  fathoms  could  be 
found  by  the  British  surveying  vessel  Sylvia,  The  minimum  depth, 
2^  fathoms,  has,  however,  been  retained  upon  the  charts. 

The  shoal  has  two  heads  close  together,  and  at  the  distance  of 
about  20  yards  all  round  there  are  from  7  to  9  fathoms  water.  The 
bottom  is  cinders  and  fine  black  sand,  occasionally  coral  and  brown 
sand.  At  about  |  mile  from  the  least  water  is  a  patch  with  19  and  20 
fathoms  on  it. 

The  shoal  lies  on  the  western  edge  of  a  bank  which  extends  about 
12  miles  east  and  west  and  9  miles  north  and  south,  having  on  it 
several  patches,  the  depths  varying  from  18  to  90  fathoms.  At  2 
miles  westward  of  the  shoal  there  are  depths  of  m.cre  than  150 
fathoms. 

Eespecting  this*  interesting  phenomenon,  Commander  Swinburne, 
of  British  naval  sloop  Rapid^  states  that  on  June  28,  1831,  when 
passing  nearly  over  the  spot,  several  shocks  of  an  earthquake  were 
felt,  proving  that  volcanic  action  was  in  operation.  On  July  19, 
after  an  eruption  of  a  high  column  of  water  and  smoke,  a  tract  of 
land  with  b  crater  mouth  rose  a  few  feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea, 
and  was  in  great  activity,  emitting  vast  volumes  of  steam,  ashes,  and 
scoriae.  From  that  time  it  gradually  increased  in  dimensions,  mag- 
nificent eruptions  of  cinders  with  white  vapors  rising  to  the  height 
of  from  400  to  1,000  feet,  accompanied  by  a  noise  like  thimder;  at 
night  constant  shootiAgs  of  small  columns  of  fire  were  visible,  with 
occasional  flashes  of  sheet  lightning.  Toward  the  end  of  August 
its  circumference  was  about  1,080  yards,  and  its  height  stated  to  be 
from  107  to  180  feet ;  then  various  changes  took  place,  it  gradually 
subsided,  and  in  December  had  disappeared;  in  January,  1832,  there 
were  from  2|  to  3  feet  of  water  over  the  spot. 

Current. — The  current  in  the  vicinity  of  the  shoal  is  irregular 
both  in  strength  and  direction,  generally,  however,  setting  to  the 
southeastward,  and  at  times  as  much  as  3  knots  an  hour  to  the 
northeastward.       '    *" 

Terrible  Bank  is  the  name  given  to  the  eastern  part  of  the  before- 
mentioned  bank ;  its  shoalest  spot  of  18  fathoms  lies  7  miles  eastward 
of  the  Graham  Shoal. 


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472  THE  SICILY  AND  MALTA  CHANNELS. 

The  Maltese  Islands. — Gozo  (ancient  Ganlus),  named  Ghau- 
desh  by  the  natives,  the  second  in  importance  of  the  Maltese  Islands, 
is  8  miles  in  length,  in  a  west-northwestward  and  east-southeastward 
direction,  and  4  miles  in  breadth,  containing  an  area  of  20  square 
miles,  and  a  coast  line  of  25  miles.  It  is  separated  from  Malta  by 
a  channel  2^  miles  wide,  in  the  middle  of  which  is  Comino  Island. 

Gozo  is  entirely  surrounded  by  perpendicular  cliffs,  those  to  the 
south  and  west  attaining  a  great  elevation.  The  principal  town  is 
Babat,  near  the  center  of  the  island,  and  there  are  also  several 
villages  and  scattered  houses;  the  whole  island  is  well  cultivated. 
The  small  bay  of  Mjiar  on  the  southeast  coast  is  defended  by  Fort 
Chambray;  there  are  besides  several  towers  and  redoubts  around 
the  island.  There  is  a  coral  fishery  on  the"  western  and  southern 
side  of  the  island. 

North  coast. — Cape  San  Dimitri,  the  northwestern  extremity  of 
the  island,  is  high,  bold,  and  steep-to,  the  50-fathom  contour  curve 
passing  within  400  yards  of  the  cliffs.  At  2  miles  eastward  of  the 
cape  is  Ras  Pinu,  the  intermediate  coast  being  high  and  steep ;  and 
about  i  mile  inland  Guirdan  is  a  remarkable^  hill  528  feet  above 
the  sea. 

Light. — On  the  highest  part  of  Guirdan  Hill,  at  i  mile  from  the 
coast,  is  a  white  tower  71  feet  in  height  surmounting  a  dwelling; 
it  exhibits,  at  an  elevation  of  595  feet  above  the  sea,  a  revolving 
white  light  which  is  visible  24  miles.     (See  Light  List.) 

Signal  station. — There  is  a  signal  station  on  Guirdan  Hill,  the 
flagstaff  being  close  to  the  northward  of  the  lighthouse. 

Coast. — About  1.3  miles  eastward  of  Bas  Pinu,  the  little  promon- 
tory named  Gholya  Baida,  faced  with  low  cliffs,  juts  out  from  the 
coast,  forming  a  small  bay  on  each  side  of  it,  and  has  a  remarkable 
steep,  white  mound  85  feet  high  and  shaped  like  a  truncated  cone 
standing  on  it;  a  small  redoubt  stands  eastward  of  the  mound,  and 
midway  between  the  two  points  shallow  water  extends  off  nearly 
300  yards;  and  a  rocky  shoal  with  from  2  to  3  fathoms  water  over 
it  extends  northward  and  eastward  of  Gholya  Baida. 

Marsa  Forno,  ^  mile  eastward  of  Gholya  Baida,  is  an  inlet  about 
i  mile  deep  and  300  yards  wide,  with  depths  of  from  3  to  4  fathoms 
in  the  middle  and  a  beach  at  its  head;  the  eastern  side  of  the  inlet 
is  fringed  by  a  reef  which  is  awash.  The  village  of  Marsa  Forno 
stands  at  the  head  of  the  inlet,  and  a  small  church  with  a  spire  in 
the  southeastern  corner.  There  is  also  a  small  camber  for  boats^ 
protected  by  two  arms  of  a  breakwater  and  having  6  feet  of  water 
in  it. 

Close  westward  of  Marsa  Forno  is  Gholya-is  Safra,  a  remarkable, 
isolated,  steep,  conical,  yellow  hill  206  feet  above  the  sea,  and  i  mile 


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THE  SICILY  AND  MALTA  CHANNELS.  473 

southward  of  this  another  remarkable  hill,  named  Gholya  Merzuch, 
is  322  feet  above  the  sea. 

From  Marsa  Fomo  as  far  eastward  as  II  Jebla  tal  Mistra,  a  dis- 
tance of  2^  miles,  the  general  appearance  of  the  coast  is  that  of  a 
flat  table-land  bordered  by  precipitous  reddish  cliffs  from  250  to  350  . 
feet  above  the  sea,  which  breaks  down  in  steep  slopes  of  large  bowl- 
ders to  the  shore. 

The  line  of  cliffs  is  intersected  by  Wied-il-Ghanak  and  Wied-la 
San  Mas,  the  two  main  cultivated  valleys,  and  the  steep  slopes  at 
the  base  of  the  cliffs  and  between  the  large  bowlders  are  cultivated 
with  vines.  The  villages  of  Shara  and  Nadur,  with  their  churches 
and  several  windmills,  are  seen  on  the  table  and  toward  the  interior 
of  the  island. 

On  the  first  cliff  eastward  of  Marsa  Fomo  is  Torri  ta  Shara,  a 
square  redoubt  with  a  tower  45  feet  in  height  and  standing  370  feet 
above  the  sea. 

Ramla  el  Eibifa,  li  miles  eastward  of  Marsa  Fomo,  has  a  con- 
spicuous sandy  beach  with  a  white  statue  in  the  center  of  it;  the  bay 
is  shallow  and  rocky,  but  affords  temporary  anchorage  to  small  ves- 
sels in  fine  weather,  care  being  taken  to  avoid  patches  of  rock  which 
show  distinctly  from  the  white  sand  which  forms  the  general  bottom 
of  the  bay. 

A  rock,  with  less  than  6  feet  water  over  it,  lies  about  200  yards 
from  the  shore  with  Torri  ta  Shara  bearing  280^,  distant  1,100 
yards. 

A  bank  500  yards  in  length  in  an  east  and  west  direction  and 
200  yards  in  breadth,  with  from  9  to  10  fathoms  water  over  it,  lies 
eastward  distant  1,100  yards  from  Ir  Rajel,  the  eastern  point  of 
Kamla  el  Kibifa ;  there  are  depths  of  from  11  to  15  fathoms  between 
this  bank  and  the  shore. 

San  Bias  Bay,  the  next  bay  eastward  of  Bamla  el  Kibifa,  has 
two  rocky  patches,  with  2  fathoms  least  water  over  them,  lying  about 
300  yards  from  the  nearest  point  of  the  shore  on  the  western  side 
of  the  bay. 

n  Jebla  tal  Mistra,  2J  miles  eastward  of  Marsa  Fomo,  is  a  bold 
point  formed  of  large  bowlders  that  have  fallen  from  the  cliffs 
above;  Torri  ta  Isopu,  a  square  tower,  44  feet  in  height,  stands  near 
the  edge  of  the  cliff  immediately  above  the  point.  To  the  eastward 
of  II  Jebla  tal  Mistra  the  coast  becomes  less  precipitous  to  Eas  il 
Kala,  2  miles  distant;  about  700  yards  westward  of  Ras  il  Kala  are 
some  stone  quarries. 

Bas  11  Kala,  the  eastern  extremity  of  Gozo,  is  clear  of  outlying 
dangers.  About  700  yards  southwestward  of  it  is  a  rocky  islet, 
named  Jebel  tal  Haifa,  72  feet  high,  from  which  a  chain  of  rocks 


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474  TJIE   SICILY  AND   MALTA  CHANNELS; 

extends  westward  parallel  to  the  shore  for  about  the  same  distance ; 
thence  the  coast  is  clear  of  danger  to  Mjiar  Bay. 

The  channel  between  Gozo  and  Comino,  named  II  Fliegu  ta  Ghan- 
desh  (North  Channel),  is  about  i  mile  wide. 

Anchorage. — ^Tempcw^ry  anchorage  will  be  found  off  Mjiar, 
about  400  yards  from  the  shore,  in  10  fathoms  water,  over  sand,  with 
the  church  seen  up  the  main  street  of  the  town,  bearing  about  291°, 
and  the  outer  rock  off  Chambray  in  range  with  the  low  point  beyond 
238°;  but  it  is  exposed  to  the  ejisterly  winds  which  blow  through 
Comino  Channel,  and  westerly  and  southerly  winds.  In  approach- 
ing the  bay  from  the  eastward  keep  in  mid-channel  between  Gozo 
and  Comino. 

Landing. — There  is  landing  by  boat  at  Chambray,  just  inside  a 
small  breakwater  made  of  rough  stones,  where  the  Gozo  steamers  load 
and  discharge  their  cargoes. 

Water  may  be  obtained  here. 

South  and  west  coasts. — Nearly  1^  miles  westward  of  Mjiar 
Bay  is  a  small  islet  33  feet  high,  named  Tal  Fessei,  fronting  Mjiar 
ish  Shini,  an  inlet  i  mile  deep,  with  a  well  and  tower  at  its  entrance, 
and  having  12  fathoms  water  at  the  mouth  to  2  fathoms  at  its  head. 

The  coast  to  Ras  el  Newhela,  J  mile  beyond  the  inlet,  is  bold,  with 
deep  water  close-to,  whence  it  trends  west-northwestward;  the  steep 
white  cliffs,  having  various  caves  or  grottoes  at  their  base,  rise  to 
about  160  feet  above  the  sea.  The  50-fathom  curve  passes  about  i 
mile  from  the  coast. 

Bas  il  Baydha,  2f  miles  farther  on  in  the  same  direction,  has  a 
tower  on  it,  and  is  surrounded  by  rocks  which  afford  some  shelter  to 
Cala  tas  Sclendi,  an  inlet  on  its  northern  side,  which  is  about  400 
yards  deep,  with  from  2  to  3^  fathoms  water.  There  is  a  rock  with 
4  feet  over  it,  and  4  to  6  fathoms  around,  lying  in  the  middle  of  the 
entrance  to  Cala  tas  Sclendi ;  it  is  situated  150  yards  northward  of 
the  tower  on  Bas  il  Baydha.  Cape  Bombardo,  IJ  miles  to  the  north- 
westward of  Ras  il  Baydha,  is  a  high,  bold,  perpendicular  headland, 
steep-to,  with  a  tower  on  it. 

From  Cape  Bombardo  the  west  coast  of  Gozo  trends  northward  for 
2i  miles  to  Cape  San  Dimitri,  and  though  high  and  bold  is  of  less 
elevation  than  the  south  coast.  About  1,300  yards  northward  of 
Cape  Bombardo  is  a  small  islet,  named  Ta  General  or  Fungas  Bock ; 
it  fronts  the  Cala  Dueira,  a  circular  basin,  about  400  yards  in  di- 
ameter, with  from  5  to  7  fathoms  water  in  it;  on  the  northern  side 
is  a  tower. 

The  shore,  for  nearly  ^  mile  northward  of  Ta  General,  is  bordered 
by  shoal  water  which  extends  off  nearly  400  yards,  and  is  steep-to. 
Coral  fishing  is  carried  on  along  the  coast. 


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THE   SICILY  AND  MALTA  CHANNELS.  475 

Comino,  the  third  of  the  Maltese  Islands,  is  about  1^  miles  in 
length  in  a  west-northwes£  and  east-southeast  direction,  and  1  mile 
in  breadth,  with  a  coast  line  of  &i  miles,  with  irregular  cliflpy  shores, 
skirted  here  and  there  by  rocks.  The  island  is  mostly  cultivated,  has 
a  farm,  chapel,  and  wells  upon  it;  a  tower, named  Torri  ta  Kemmuna, 
stands  on  the  southwestern  end  *  adjacent  on  its  western  side  is  the 
islet  of  Comminotto  with  several  rocks;  these  isl^s  are  bare  and 
rocky.  Comino  and  Comminotto  are  named,  respectively,  Kemmima 
and  Kemmunet  by  the  Maltese. 

CoaBts. — The  eastern  side  of  Comino  is  entirely  composed  of  high 
cliffs,  rising  in  many  places  to  nearly  140  feet  above  the  sea,  with 
many  caves  and  scattered  rocks  at  their  base.  Skol  tal  Prosha,  the 
eastern  point,  has  a  cliff  184  feet  high,  and  it  is  foul  for  the  distance  of 
i  mile  from  the  cliffs. 

The  southwestern  point  of  Comino,  named  Irkieka  ta  Kemmuna,  is 
low  and  sharp,  and  can  be  rounded  at  the  distance  of  200  yards,  as 
there  are  no  off-lying  rocks. 

On  the  northern  side  of  Comino  are  several  small  bays  only  suit- 
able for  boats,  and  the  northeastern  point,  named  Bas  tal  Imnieri, 
should  be  rounded  with  caution,  as  foul  groimd  lies  off  it,  and  it 
should  not  be  approached  within  a  distance  of  400  yards. 

Sultan  Sock  (Skoli  tal  Abiat  tal  Prosha),  in  approximately  lati- 
tude 36°  00'  N.,  longitude  14°  21'  E.,  with  a  depth  of  SJ  fathoms,  and 
on  which  the  British  naval  vessel  Sultan  struck  and  sank  in  the  year 
1889,  lies  with  the  rocky  islet  off  Skol  tal  Prosha  bearing  333°,  dis- 
tant  316  yards.  Another  rocky  patch,  on  which  the  depth  is  3  fath- 
oms, lies  about  150  yards  southwestward  of  Sultan  Bock,  and  a  rock, 
with  4  fathoms,  midway  between  this  latter  rock  and  Comino  Island. 
There  is  a  depth  of  5^  and  6J  fathoms  between  the  patches. 

Clearing  mark. — Palazz  iz  Zgheir  in  range  with  the  fall  of  the 
cliff  of  Bdum  il  Kaui,  behind  Ich  Chirkeuua,  bearing  227°,  leads 
about  600  yards  southeastward  of  these  dangers. 

Anchorage. — It  is  not  desirable  for  vessels  to  anchor  off  the 
southern  shore  of  Comino,  as  the  sandy  patches  are  few  and  too  near 
the  rocks,  but  on  the  western  side  there  is  anchorage  in  II  Mats,  a  bay 
between  Irkieka  ta  Kemmuna  and  Comminotto.  The  northwestern 
point  of  Comminotto  is  foul,  and  in  rounding  it  keep  the  Palazz  tal 
Marfa  open  of  Irkieka  ta  Kemmuna,  bearing  139°.  If  anchoring  in 
either  of  the  Comino  Channels,  care  should  be  taken  to  avoid  the  tele- 
graph cables. 

Comino  Channels  are  formed  on  either  side  of  the  island  of 
Comino  and  have  deep  water;  but  submerged  ledges,  on  which  the 
bottom  is  rocky  and  uneven,  extend  from  either  side.  The  north 
■channel  varies  in  width  from  800  to  1,200  yards,  and  has  in  midway 
depths  varying  from  11  to  20  fathoms.    The  southern  channel,  named 

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476  THE  SICILY  AND  MALTA  CHANNELS. 

H  Fliegu  ta  Malta,  has  an  average  width  of  1  mile,  with  depths  of  12 
to  25  fathoms.    It  is  recommended  to  keep  in  mid-channel. 

Currents. — ^The  currents  are  irregular  in  direction,  sometimes 
setting  against  a  strong  wind ;  but  their  strength  is  usually  less  than 
1  knot  an  hour. 

Malta  (ancient  Melita)  is  about  15  miles  in  length,  in  a  northwest- 
erly and  southeasterly  direction  and  rather  more  than  7  miles  in 
breadth,  with  an  area  of  95  square  miles  and  a  coastline  of  79  miles,, 
much  of  which  on  the  w^estem  and  southern  coasts  consists  of  per- 
pendicular cliffs  with  steep  slopes  behind,  rising  near  the  southwest- 
em  coast,  to  a  height  of  845  feet  above  the  sea ;  the  remaining  coasts 
are  broken  into  numerous  creeks  an4  bays,  the  most  important  being 
the  harbors  of  Valletta. 

Ths  island  is  of  an  irregular  oval  shape,  tapering  to  the  northwest- 
ward and  rising  near  the  western  side  at  Nadur  Tower  785  feet  above 
the  sea ;  its  outline  presents  the  appearance  of  an  inclined  plane,  slop- 
ing gradually  from  the  Bengerajna  Hills  to  the  more  level  land  on  the 
northeast  and  southeast. 

The  surface  of  the  island  is  covered  with  hills  of  moderate  height 
with  steep  slopes,  which  are  terraced  and  cultivated  wherever  possi- 
ble ;  it  has  neither  lake  nor  river  and  comparatively  few  springs,  the 
water  supply  being  derived  chiefly  from  tanks,  with  which  nearly 
every  house  is  provided. 

Malta  contains  three  cities  and  many  villages;  the  old  capital  of 
Medina  Notabile,  or  Citta  Vecchia,  with  its  cathedral  situated  on  the 
rising  ground  to  the  west;  Valletta,  the  present  capital  and  port,  and 
Sliema.    The  civil  population  of  the  islands  is  about  311,473. 

Submarine  vessels — Caution. — See  page  411. 

Signal  to  indicate  presence. — ^Letter  S  flag,  naval  code  (a  blue 
triangular  flag  with  a  yellow  fly),  will  be  hoisted  at  the  Castille^ 
Palace  Tower,  and  customhouse  to  indicate  that  submarine  vessels 
are  under  way  in  the  harbor  or  within  1  mile  of  the  entrance.  This 
signal  does  not  prohibit  the  entry  or  departure  of  merchant  vessels,, 
but  is  intended  to  serve  as  a  warning  of  the  presence  of  submarine 


The  Castille  will  hoist  the  flag  when  submarine  vessels  are  observed 
to  be  under  way  within  the  limits  named  and  at  the  same  time  will 
request  Palace  Tower  and  customhouse  to  do  likewise. 

The  signal  will  be  hauled  down  at  the  Castille  when  the  submarine 
vessels  are  beyond  the  mile  limit  or  are  secured  in  harbor. 

Artillery  practice— Regulations. — ^The  following  regulations 
govern  the  artillery  practice  from  any  fort  on  the  islands  of  Malta 
and  Gozo: 

A  blue  pennant  over  a  red  flag  will  be  displayed  at  the  work  from  which 
practice  Is  to  take  place  on  the  afternoon  previous  to  such  practice,  and  at  7 


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THE   SICILY  AND  MALTA  CHANNELS.  477 

a.  m.  on  the  day  on  which  the  practice  talces  place.  The  same  signal  will  be 
displayed  from  the  launch  leaving  the  harbor  with  targets  whenever  artillery 
practice  is  to  take  place  from  any  of  the  defense  works  in  the  undermentioned 
areas.  A  red  flag  will  also  be  hoisted  15  minutes  before  the  commencement  of 
4ind  kept  flying  during  the  continuance  of  firing  from  the  work  from  which  prac- 
tice is  to  be  made. 

Limits  of  fire-zone  areas : 

(a)  Between  a  line  drawn  312°  from  Fort  Madalena  and  a  line  drawn  16* 
from  Madalena  Tower. 

(6)  Between  a  line  drawn  16"  from  Madalena  Tower  and  a  line  drawn  43** 
from  Spinola,  northern  point  of  entrance  to  St.  Julians  Bay. 
■"  (c)  Between  a  line  drawn  43"  from  Spinola  and  a  line  drawn  43°  from  Fort 
St.  Elmo. 

(d)  Between  a  line  drawn  43"  from  Fort  St.  Elmo  and  a  line  drawn  42" 
from  a  point  on  the  coast  situated  1.1  miles  110°  from  Fort  Ricasoli. 

(e)  Between  a  line  drawn  42"  from  the  above-mentioned  point  (d)  and  a 
line  drawn  98"  from  a  point  on  the  coast  situated  1,600  yards  324"  from  the 
old  tower  on  northern  point  of  entrance  to  Marsa  Scala. 

(/)  Between  a  line  drawn  98"  from  the  above-mentioned  point  (e)  and  a  line 
-drawn  135"  from  Wolseley  Battery,  which  is  situated  at  a  distance  of  1,100 
yards  34"  from  Dellimara  Point  Light. 

(g)  Between  a  line  drawn  135"  from  Wolseley  Battery  and  a  line  drawn 
178°  from  a  point  on  the  coast  situated  at  a  distance  of  1,300  yards  245°  from 
Blnghaisa  Point. 

(h)  Between  two  lines  drown  282"  and  238°,  respectively,  from  Behgemiua 
Fort,  on  the  western  side  of  the  Island. 

The  danger  limit  extends  to  14,000  yards  from  the  firing  point. 

Whenever  and  so  long  as  a  red  flag  is  hoisted  at  any  fort  on  the  shore  be- 
tween the  lines  described  above,  denoting  the  danger  area,  fishing  is  prohibited 
and  vessels  are  forbidden  to  pass  through  thnt  area  unless  compelled  to  do  so 
by  stress  of  weather,  in  which  case  the  master  of  the  vessel  may  be  called  upon 
to  i)rove  that  entering  the  area  was  unavoidable. 

Any  person  infringing  the  above  regulations  will  be  liable  to  be  proceeded 
against,  and  will  be  subject  to  a  fine  not  exceeding  $25  or  to  a  period  of  deten- 
tion not  exceeding  one  month,  or  both  punishments  simultaneously,  and  the 
vessel  may  be  towed  out  of  the  prohibited  area  by  Government  launches  sta- 
tioned in  the  vicinity  for  the  purpose. 

Caution. — When  artillery  practice  is  being  carried  out  at  night, 
vessels  approaching  the  harbors  of  Malta  should  keep  a  lookout  for 
a  special  signal  to  be  displayed  from  the  naval  signal  station  on  the 
Castille,  Valetta,  namely,  two  green  lights  hoisted  vertically  at 
the  masthead,  indicating  "  If  you  wish  to  enter  harbor,  enter  as  soon 
as  possible." 

Searchlights. — Searchlights  are  worked  every  Tuesday,  and  pos- 
sibly on  other  nights  also,  throughout  the  year,  in  the  harbors  of 
Malta. 

Any  vessel  approaching  the  harbors  of  Malta  when  searchlights 
are  being  worked,  and  finding  that  they  interfere  with  her  safe  navi- 


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478  THE  SICILY  AND   MALTA  CHANNELS. 

gation,  may  make  use  of  the  following  signals,  either  singly  or  com- 
bined : 

(a)  By  flashing  lamp,  four  short  flashes  followed  by  one  long 

flash. 

(6)  By  whistle,  siren,  or  foghorn,  four  short  blasts  followed  by 
one  long  blast. 

Whenever  possible,  both  flashing  lamp  signals  and  sound  signals 
should  be  used. 

On  these  signals  being  made,  the  searchlights  will  be  worked  so  as 
to  cause  the  least  inconvenience,  being  either  doused,  raised,  or  their 
direction  altered. 

The  signals  should  not  be  used  without  real  necessity,  as  unless  the 
vessel  is  actually  in  the  rays  of  the  searchlight  it  is  impossible  to 
know  which  searchlight  is  affected. 

Note. — ^These  signals  are  designed  to  assist  mariners,  and  do  not 
render  the  Government  liable  in  any  way. 

North  coast. — From  Ponta  tal  Marf  a,  the  northwestern  extremity 
of  the  island,  the  coast,  which  is  low  and  rocky,  trends  to  the  east- 
ward for  a  distance  of  2  miles  to  Ponto  tal  Ahrash,-  and  is  broken  up 
into  several  small  bays,  with  beaches;  the  remains  of  •old  batteries 
stand  at  the  heads  of,  and  on  the  points  between,  the  bays. 

Close  to  Ponta  tal  Marfa  stands  an  isolated  building,  named 
Palazz  iz  Zgheir,  which  is  an  old  resthouse,  and  farther  to  the  east- 
ward a  larger  building,  of  a  pink  color,  with  a  castellated  appear- 
ance, is  situated  just  above  the  coast;  it  is  named  Palazz  tal  Marfa, 
and  is  now  used  as  a  police  station.  On  the  high  ridge  is  another 
pink  castle,  named  Torri  I'Ahmar,  which  is  very  conspicuous. 

Anchorage  may  be  obtained  off  this  shore,  with  good  shelter  from 
southerly  winds;  the  water  is  very  clear,  and  the  bottom,  composed 
of  sand  and  weed,  easily  visible  in  12  fathoms.  In  anchoring  a  sandy 
spot  should  be  looked  for,  as  there  are  a  few  rocky  patches;  but  the 
chart  will  be  a  suflicient  guide  for  their  avoidance. 

Ponta  tal  Ahrash  is  low,  and  a  spit  with  4J  fathoms  water  over 
it,  extends  for  a  cx)nsiderable  distance  northwestward  from  it. 
Palazz  tal  Marfa,  in  line  with  the  fall  of  the  high  cliff  at  Eas  il 
Kammieh,  bearing  229°.  lends  to  the  northward  of  this  spit  in  10 
fathoms  of  water.  There  is  a  conspicuous  building,  17  feet  in  height, 
near  Ponta  tal  Ahrash,  named  Torri  I'Abiat. 

Coast. — From  Ponta  tal  Ahrash  the  coast  turns  to  the  southeast- 
ward for  J  mile  to  Dahlet  ish  Shillip,  a  high  bluff,  which  forms  the 
northern  point  of  the  fine  bay  of  Mellieha ;  the  point  is  marked  by  a 
conspicuous  chapel  and  a  statue  close  to  the  edge  of  the  cliff.  Between 
Ponta  tal  Ahrash  and  Dahlet  ish  Shillip  the  coast  is  composed  of 
high  broken  cliffs,  with  rocks  below,  in  places,  and  especially  near  the 
latter  point. 


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THE   SICILY  AND  MALTA  CHANNELS.  479 

Deep  water  is  found  within  a  short  distance  from  the  shore,  and  a 
good  mark  for  passing  along  this  coast  is  the  western  of  two  wind- 
mills on  the  Nadur  Kidge  of  Gozo  in  range  with  the  perforated  cliff 
on  the  eastern  side  of  Comino;  but  frequently  the  haze,  during  the 
summer  months,  prevents  such  distant  marks  from  being  seen. 

Secca  11  Baida  (Balls  Bank),  a  shoal  of  irregular  outline,  If 
miles  in  length  in  an  east-southeast  and  west-northwest  direction, 
is  situated  about  1  mile  to  the  eastward  of  Ponta  tal  Ahrash.  The 
general  depths  over  it  are  from  8  to  10  fathoms,  but  there  are  shoal 
spots  of  6  fathoms,  and  it  is  not  advisable  for  vessels  of  heavy  draft 
to  cross  it.  Around  are  several  detached  patches,  but  none  are  dan- 
gerous. Target  buoys  for  artillery  practice  are  sometimes  laid  out 
on  this  bank. 

Clearing  marks. — Irkieka  ta  Kemmuna  open  of  Ponta  tal 
Ahrash,  bearing  278°,  leads  to  the  southward  of  Secca  il  Baida,  and 
Ponta  tal  Marfa,  in  range  with  Ponta  tal  Ahrash,  bearing  251°,  leads 
to  the  northward.  Musta  Dome,  in  range  with  Torri  Kaura  Beacon 
bearing  178°,  leads  to  the  eastward. 

Mellieha  Bay  is  1^  miles  deep,  with  good  anchorage  and  shelter 
from  northerly  and  westerly  winds  for  all  classes  of  vessels;  the 
head  of  the  bay  is  foul,  and  vessels  of  deep  draft  are  recommended  to 
keep  outside  the  line  on  which  the  rock  off  Has  il  Griebeg  is  seen 
under  the  statue  of  St.  Paul  on  Gzeier,  bearing  about  111°.  On  the 
southern  side,  between  Ras  il  Griebeg  and  Blata  il  Baida,  the  coast 
should  not  be  closed  nearer  than  the  10-fathom  curve,  as  several 
sunken  rocks  lie  off  it  surrounded  by  7  fathoms  water. 

The  town  of  Mellieha  is  built  on  one  of  the  slopes  on  the  southern 
side  of  the  bay,  near  its  head,  and  its  church  is  conspicuous. 

Tunny  fishery. — Tunny  nets  extend,  during  the  season,  i  mile 
in  a  southerly  direction  from  Dahlet  ish  Shillip. 

Gzeier  (the  islands),  the  islet  which  lies  off  the  Salmun  Penin- 
sula, between  Mellieha  and  St.  Pauls  Bays,  has  on  its  western  end  a 
large  statue  of  St.  Paul  the  Apostle,  which  forms  a  conspicuous  and 
useful  landmark.  Between  Gzeier  and  the  main  island  there  is  a 
narrow  rocky  channel,  only  passable  for  boats,  and  off  the  eastern  end 
of  Gzeier  a  si)it  extends,  for  the  distance  of  250  yards;  Torri  il 
(ihallis  (white),  open  to  the  northward  of  Torri  Kaura  (pink),  bear- 
ing about  131 '^,  leads  to  the  northward  of  this  spit. 

On  Selnum  Peninsula,  which  rises  immediately  behind  the  town  of 
Mellieha  to  500  feet  above  the  sea,  stands  the  Palazz  Selmun,  once  a 
summer  residence  of  the  Grand  Masters  and  still  kept  in  repair. 

St.  Pauls  Bay  is  well  sheltered  from  all  winds  except  those  from 
northeast  to  east,  the  holding  ground  is  good,  and,  with  the  exception 
of  a  rocky  patch  near  the  entrance,  vessels  can  anchor  all  over  it  out- 


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480  THE   SICILY  AND   MALTA  CHANNELS. 

side  the  10-fathom  curve;  within  this  limit  a  sandy  spot  should  be 
looked  for.  A  rocky  shoal,  with  4  fathoms  water  over  it,  lies  near 
the  head  of  the  bay  about  600  yards  northwestward  of  Skol  tal 
Ghazzonin. 

St.  Pauls  Shoal,  with  a  least  depth  of  6^  fathoms,  rock,  lies  nearly 
in  the  middle  of  the  bay  about  800  yards  southeastward  of  St.  Paul's 
statue. 

Small  vessels  will  find  a  gcod  sheltered  anchorage  between  the 
5-fathom  rocky  shoal  and  Kala  Mistra,  a  little  bay  on  the  northern 
side,  with  the  extremity  of  Ponta  il  Mijnuna  in  range  with  St.  Paul's 
statue,  bearing  22°,  and  Uardia  Tower  in  range  with  Nasciar  Dome, 
137° ;  Kala  Mistra  is  foul  inside  and  the  head  of  St.  Pauls  Bay  only 
suitable  for  boats. 

On  the  southern  side  of  the  bay  is  the  village  of  San  Paul  a  Mare, 
a  favorite  seaside  resort  during  the  summer;  Uardia  Tower,  large, 
square,  and  white,  is  conspicuous  in  the  front.  Immediately  behind 
the  village,  the  hills  slope  rapidly  from  350  feet  above  the  sea,  while 
to  the  eastward,  along  the  coast,  the  ground  declines  to  a  low  point, 
named  Ras  il  Kaura,  off  which  a  spit  extends  to  the  eastward  for  a 
distance  of  1,000  yards  to  the  10-fathom  curve.  Torri  San  Marcu 
(pink)  under  and  in  range  with  the  left  extremity  of  Fort  Mada- 
lena,  bearing  154"^,  leads  to  the  eastward  of  this  spit. 

Jetty. — On  the  southern  side,  and  near  the  head  of  St.  Pauls 
Bay,  there  is  a  small  stone  jetty  30  yards  in  length  with  a  depth  of 
2  fathoms  close  alongside  on  either  side,  but  at  the  head  it  extends 
under  water  for  about  15  feet,  having  a  depth  of  3  feet  on  it. 

Light. — At  the  root  of  the  jetty,  from  an  iron  lamp-post,  is  ex- 
hibited an  un watched  fixed  white  light,  which  is  visible  2  miles. 

Mooring  buoys. — Two  mooring  buoys  have  been  established  in 
St.  Pauls  Bay  at  1,100  yards  28°  and  480  yards  14'^,  from  the  lights 
on  the  jetty  near  the  head  of  the  bay. 

Examination  anchorage. — An  area  for  the  examination  of  ves- 
sels, under  the  circumstances  described  in  Appendix  I,  has  been 
appropriated  in  St.  Pauls  Bay,  inside  the  line  joining  the  entrance 
points,  Selmunet  and  Ras  il  Kaura. 

Vessels  inconvenienced  by  searchlights. — For  signals  to  be 
made  see  page  477. 

Communication.— Torri  Kaura,  42  feet  in  height,  and  500  yards 
westward  of  Eas  il  Kaura,  is  a  pink  watchtower,  marked  by  a  pole 
surmounted  by  a  diamond,  also  by  a  vertical  black  stripe  (partially 
obliterated)  on  its  northern  and  eastern  fronts;  the  top  of  the 
tower  is  87  feet,  and  of  the  beacon  106  feet  above  high  water ;  it  is 
in  telegraphic  communication  with  Valletta. 

Coast. — Between  Ras  il  Kaura  and  Madalena  Point  the  coast  is 
low  and  irregular,  forming  several  small  bays,  which  are  too  con- 

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THE   SICILY  AND  MALTA   CHANNELS.  481 

fined  and  foul  to  be  used  as  anchorages;  they  will,  however,  be  found 
useful  for  boats,  and  landing  is  generally  practicable.  The  prin- 
cipal features  are  Salina  Bay  or  Benuarrat,  the  head  of  which 
are  the  Government  salt  works;  Ras  il  Ghallis,  having  Torri  il 
Ghallis,  white,  and  39  feet  high,  on  it,  and  off  which  there  is  a 
low  islet,  II  Gzeira  tal  Ghallis;  Kalet  San  Marcu,  with  Torri  San 
Marcu,  pink,  and  38  feet  high,  on  Ras  il  Kreiten,  from  which  east- 
ward distant  800  yards  there  is  Marcu  Shoal,  with  4  fathoms  water 
over  it;  and  Bahar  ich  Chaghak  and  Madalena  Point,  800  yards 
westward  of  which  latter  stands  Torri  Madalena,  white  and  40  feet 
high. 

Signal  station. — At  Jebel  San  Pietru,  1.1  miles  southward  of 
Torri  San  Marcu,  there  is  a  signal  station,  477  feet  above  the  sea. 
It  is  locally  known  as  Gargur. 

Radio  station. — A  radio  mast,  belonging  to  the  Eastern  Tele- 
graph Co.,  is  situated  850  yards  south-southwestward  of  St.  Georges 
Tower. 

Rifle  range — ^Buoys. — Three  red  conical  buoys,  the  center  one 
surmounted  by  a  staff  and  cage,  the  northwestern  buoy  by  a  cross, 
and  an  inverted  V  on  the  southeastern  buoy,  are  moored  to  the  north- 
ward of  Madalena  Point  to  mark  the  limit  of  the  dangerous  zone 
from  the  rifle  fire  from  the  ranges  between  Madalena  and  St. 
Georges.  They  are  about  1,400  yards  apart  and  lie  about  1.3  miles 
from  the  coast. 

A  red  flag  will  be  hoisted  at  Torri  Madalena  and  St.  Georges 
Tower  as  a  warning  that  rifle  practice  is  going  on,  and  vessels  should 
pass  to  the  northward  of  the  buoys. 

St.  Georges  Shoals. — From  St.  Georges  Bay,  2  miles  to  the  north- 
westward of  St.  Elmo  Light  Tower,  a  rocky  bank  extends  nearly 
'i  mile  from  the  shore,  with  three  shallow  patches  on  it,  named, 
respectively.  Outer,  Middle,  and  Inner  St.  George  Kocks. 

The  outer  shoal  has  5  fathoms  water  over  it  and  lies  37^  1,100 
yards  from  the  tower  on  St.  Georges  Point. 

The  inner  slioal,  with  a  depth  of  3  fathoms  over  it,  lies  600  yards 
from  St.  Georges  Tower. 

The  middle  shoal  with  4^  fathoms  water  is  nearly  midway  between 
the  other  two. 

Clearing  marks. — St.  Paul's  Church  spire  in  range  with  the  east- 
em  steeple  of  St.  John's  Church,  bearing  167"^,  leads  to  the  eastward 
of  the  shoals,  and  Torri  San  Marcu  in  range  with  Palazz  Selmun, 
282°,  leads  to  the  northward  in  8  fathoms  water.  These  clearing 
marks  lead  inside  rifle-range  buoys. 

With  the  above  exceptions  the  northeast  coast  of  the  island  is 
clear  of  out-lying  dangers,  and  if  necessary  be  approached  to  a 
68850—17 31 


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482  THE   SICILY  AND  MALTA  CHANNELS. 

distance  of  i  mile ;  but  in  standing  towards  the  shore  a  sailing  vessel 
should  tack  on  the  first  shoal  cast  if  the  lead. 

Directions. — Vessels  from  the  westward  often  experience  a  set  to 
the  southward,  and  in  sighting  the  land,  Gozo  is  observed  on  the 
port  instead  of  the  starboard  bow;  therefore,  in  approaching  these 
islands,  especially  with  the  wind  from  the  northwestward,  a  sailing 
vessel  should  steer  rather  to  the  northward  of  them.  If  bound  to 
Valletta,  run  along  the  northern  side  of  Gozo  at  any  convenient  dis- 
tance according  to  the  wind  and  sea,  as  it  is  bold  and  clear  of  off- 
lying  danger. 

During  bad  weather  and  a  heavy  sea  Guirdan  Lighthouse  (Gozo) 
should  be  kept  open  and  not  brought  to  bear  more  than  290°  to  avoid 
the  northern  part  of  Secca  il  Baida  or  Balls  Bank  (which  is  said  to 
break  in  bad  weather) ;  but  with  smooth  water  a  vessel  of  moderate 
draft  may  pass  over  it. 

When  past  Secca  il  Baida  a  course  may  he  steered  to  pass  at  a  dis- 
tance of  li  or  2  miles  along  the  north  coast,  and  when  St.  Paul's 
church  is  in  range  with  the  east  steeple  of  St.  John's  church,  bearing 
167°,  St.  Elmo  may  be  steered  for.  (See  directions  for  entering 
Valletta  Harbor  at  p.  484,  and  directions  from  Malta  to  the  west- 
ward, p.  500.) 

Harbors. — Marsa  Musciet,  known  as  Quarantine  Harbor,  situ- 
ated on  the  northwestern  side  of  Valletta,  extends  upward  of  IJ 
miles  and  terminates  in  two  creeks,  separated  by  Pieta  Point;  the 
harbor,  though  narrow,  is  deep,  having  from  5  to  18  fathoms  water, 
except  near  the  shore  and  at  the  head  of  the  creeks. 

The  entrance  between  the  shore  of  St.  Elmo  and  Tigne  Point  is 
about  400  yards  wide,  and  within,*  on  the  northwestern  side,  the 
harbor  is  divided  into  Sliema  and  Lazaretto  Creeks  by  Jezirah 
Island,  which  lies  nearly  in  the  center,  and  on  which  is  Fort  Manoel 
and  the  Lazaretto.  The  island  is  connected  to  the  shore  by  a  bridge, 
and  narrows  the  harbor  to  less  than  300  yards. 

Lights. — At  Fort  St.  Elmo  a  white  tower,  59  feet  in  height,  ex- 
hibits, at  an  elevation  of  167  feet  above  the  sea,  a  fixed  white  light, 
which  is  visible  15  miles. 

On  Tigne  Point,  at  the  northern  side  of  entrance  to  Marsa  Mus- 
ciet,  a  square  stone  tower  exhibits  two  fixed  white  lights  placed  ver- 
tically. They  are  elevated  65  and  80  feet,  respectively,  above  the 
sea,  and  are  visible  4  miles.     (For  arc  of  visibility  see  Light  List.) 

A  fixed  white  light  is  exhibited  from  an  iron  staff  on  Fort  Manoel, 
38  yards  within  the  eastern  extremity  of  Jezirah  Island,  at  an  eleva- 
tion of  21  feet  above  the  sea,  and  is  visible  2  miles.  (For  arc  of  visi- 
bility see  Light  List.) 

Dragut  Point — Buoy. — A  red  spar  buoy  is  situated  150  yards 
eastward  of  Dragut  Point. 


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TITR   SICILY   AND   MALTA  CHANNELS.  483 

Submarine  mines. — When  submarine  mining  practice  is  taking 
l)lace,  northward  of  Dragut  Point,  the  area  is  marked  by  green 
buoys. 

Dragut  Shoal,  having  a  depth  of  5  fathoms  over  it,  lies  700  yards 
northeastward  of  Fort  Tigne  Lighthouse. 

Perry. — A  steam  ferry  runs  from  St.  Paul  steps  to  the  northern 
side  of  Sliema  Creek. 

Buoy. — A  red  spar  buoy  marks  the  extremity  of  shoal  water  off 
public  baths. 

Mooring  buoys,  the  positions  of  which  are  marked  upon  the 
<;hai-ts,  are  placed  in  Sliema  and  Lazaretto  Creeks. 

Sliema  Creek — Petrol  regulations. — Whenever  one  of  the  Brit- 
ish auxiliary  cruisers,  or  submarines,  is  discharging  or  taking  in 
petrol  at  the  store,  Fort  Manoel  (old  torpedo  pier),  in  Sliema  Creek, 
II  red  flag  will  be  hoisted  at  the  end  of  the  pier.  Two  mooring  buoys 
for  berthing  petrol-carrying  vessels  lie  off  the  pier. 

While  the  flag  is  flying,  all  vessels  are  to  keep  outside  a  radius  of 
250  feet,  and  steamers  going  up  or  down  Sliema  Creek  should  always 
pass  on  the  northern  (Sliema  side)  of  Nos.  1  and  2  large  mooring 
buoys  in  the  middle  of  the  harbor. 

For  the  convenience  of  the  local  ferry  service  only,  two  red  buoys 
will  be  dropped  marking  the  exact  radius  they  should  keep  outside 
these  buoys. 

Grand  Harbor. — The  Grand  Harbor  of  Valletta,  entered  between 
the  breakwaters  extending  from  St.  Elmo  and  Bicasoli  Points,  a  dis- 
tance of  about  400  yards,  is  commodious  and  safe ;  it  extends  to  the 
southwestward  along  the  southern  shore  of  Valletta  and  Floriana  for 
about  15  miles.  Within  the  enf ranee,  on  the  southeastern  side  of  the 
harbor,  is  Bighi  Bay,  with  Calcara  Creek  at  its  head,  and  farther  in 
Dockyard  and  French  Creeks,  which  each  extend  about  1,200  yards. 
The  extremity  of  the  peninsula  forming  these  creeks  extend  to  within 
less  than  400  yards  of  the  shore  of  Valletta,  thus  reducing  the  breadth 
of  the  harbor. 

Within  the  harbor  the  water,  everywhere  sufficiently  deep  for  the 
largest  vessels  except  at  the  Marsa  or  head  of  the  harbor,  ranges  from 
14  to  5  fathoms  as  far  up  at  Gun  Wharf  Point,  thence  from  4J  to  3 
fathoms  to  the  head  of  the  harbor. 

Breakwaters.— From  St.  Elmo  Point  a  breakwater  extends  in 
an  easterly  direction,  with  a  curve  to  the  southeastward  at  its  eastern 
end,  for  a  distance  of  500  yards;  the  10-fathom  curve  extends  parallel 
with  that  breakwater  at  a  distance  of  200  yards  from  it  on  the  north- 
ern side,  and  100  yards  from  the  southern  side. 

From  Ricasoli  Point  a  breakwater  extends  in  a  northwesterly  direc- 
tion for  a  distance  of  120  yards. 


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484  THE   SICILY  AND   MALTA  CHANNELS. 

Lights. — From  a  white  circular  tower,  with  a  red  horizontal 
stripe  on  the  eastern  side,  on  the  outer  end  of  St.  Elmo  Breakwater, 
is  exhibited,  at  an  elevation  of  60  feet  above  the  sea,  a  flashing  white 
light,  visible  12  miles. 

From  a  white  cylindrical  stone  tower  30  feet  in  height,  with  two 
horizontal  stripes,  the  upper  red  and  the  lower  white,  painted  on  the 
eastern  side,  erected  on  the  outer  end  of  Ricasoli  Breakwater,  is  ex- 
hibited, at  an  elevation  of  40  feet  above  the  sea,  an  occulting  red  light, 
visible  10  miles. 

At  the  head  of  the  Marsa  a  fixed  red  light  is  shown  from  the  point 
at  the  foot  of  Jesuit  Hill,  and  a  fixed  green  light  near  the  boat  shed 
on  the  opposite  point. 

Buoys. — ^The  following  red  spar  buoys  lie  in  the  harbor: 

One,  in  33  feet  of  water,  distant  200  feet,  290°,  from  Isola  Watch- 
tower,  and  another,  in  32  feet  of  water,  at  a  distance  of  240  feet,  8*^, 
from  the  same  tower. 

One,  about  70  yards  eastward  of  the  (Km  Wharf,  marking  the  ex- 
tremity of  the  shoal  water  off  that  point. 

One,  about  70  yards  northward  of  Ras  Hanzir  (Magazine  Point). 

Mooring  buoys,  the  positions  of  which  are  marked  upon  the 
charts,  are  placed  in  Grand  Harbor,  Bighi  Bay,  Dockyard,  and 
Calcara  Creeks. 

Dockyard  and  French  Creeks  are  exclusively  for  the  use  of 
British  Government  vessels,  and  along  the  shores  of  the  inner  part 
of  Dockyard  Creek  are  the  dock  and  victualling  yards;  at  its  head 
is  No.  1  dock,  two  dry  docks  in  line  of,  and  entering  from  one  another. 

On  the  eastern  side  of  French  Creek  are  Hamilton,  No.  2,  and 
Somerset,  No.  3,  docks ;  at  the  head  Nos.  4  and  5  docks ;  and  on  the 
west  side  the  naval  store  depot  and  water  tanks  at  Corradino  Point. 
The  channel  to  the  docks  at  the  head  of  French  Creek  is  being 
dredged  to  a  depth  of  35  feet,  and  the  depth  alongside  the  wharves 
to  32  feet. 

Wharfage. — The  various  Government  wharves  (1912)  afford  ac- 
conmiodation  of  a  total  length  of  3,830  feet  dredged  to  a  depth  of 
32  feet,  and  of  460  feet  dredged  to  a  depth  of  30  feet. 

Pilots. — Pilot  boats  are  distinguished  by  a  red  and  white  hori- 
zontal flag,  and  the  words  "Pilot  boat"  painted  on  the  bows.  In 
fine  weather  they  board  vessels  outside  the  harbor. 

Directions. — No  special  directions  are  necessary  for  entering  the 
harbors  of  Valletta ;  there  are  no  dangers,  and  ordinary  precaution 
is  all  that  is  required. 

The  approach  to  the  Grand  Harbor  is  exceedingly  picturesque 
and  interesting,  and  the  fortifications  most  imposing.  Passing  St. 
Elmo  Lighthouse  and  Fort  on  the  starboard  hand,  and  rounding  the 
end  of  St.  Elmo  Breakwater,  Fort  Eicasoli  and  its  breakwater  will 

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THE   SICILY  AND   MALTA  CHANNELS.  485 

be  seen  ahead ;  farther  in  the  naval  hospital,  then  Fort  St.  Angelo, 
with  the  town  of  Vittoriosa,  and  lastly  Isola  Point  and  the  town  of 
Senglea  or  Isola.  These  towns  unite  with  that  of  Bnrmola  or 
Conspicua  on  the  southward,  and  the  whole  are  surrounded  on  the 
land  side  by  double  lines  of  fortifications. 

Under  all  circumstances  it  would  be  prudent  for  vessels  of  deep 
draft  to  avoid  Dragut  Shoal.  The  passage  over  this  shoal  is  not 
safe  during  a  gregale  (northeast  gale)  or  when  there  is  a  heavy  sea 
running. 

The  light  staff  on  Jezirah  Island  in  range  with  Tigne  Point  bear- 
ing 248'',  will  lead  to  the  southeastward  of  Dragut  Shoal;  flagstaff 
on  Fort  St.  Angelo  in  range  with  the  viaduct  between  the  two  parts 
of  St.  Elmo  Breakwater,  bearing  198°,  lead  eastward  of  the  shoal. 

'When  inside  St.  Elmo  Breakwater  the  beacon  on  Corradino  Hill 
kept  in  range  with  the  watch  tower  on  the  northwestern  angle  of 
the  fort  on  Isola  Point,  bearing  217°,  leads  up  the  harbor,  and  about 
50  yards  southeastward  of  the  shoal  water  off  LTmgherbeb  Point. 

A  sailing  vessel,  entering  the  (Irand  Harbor  with  westerly  winds, 
should  keep  the  upper  sails  set  to  catch  the  flaws  over  the  houses. 
With  head  winds  it  is,  however,  very  difficult  for  a  sailing  vessel  to 
enter,  but  as  the  sea  under  the  land  is  smooth,  by  standing  close-in, 
the  assistance  of  a  tug  can  be  obtained. 

If  forced  to  run  for  the  port  with  a  heavy  breeze  from  the  north- 
eastward, great  caution  is  necessary  if  entering  the  Grand  Harbor, 
as  on  coming  to  the  wind,  the  vessel's  broadside  is  presented  to  the 
heavy  sea  then  running  at  the  entrance,  and  there  is  danger  of  being 
thrown  upon  the  breakwater.  Under  such  circumstances  it  is  better 
to  run  for  Marsa  Musciet,  when  the  sea  will  be  aft,  but  since  the 
building  of  the  breakwaters  there  is  a  troublesome  sea  off  the  en- 
trance, owing  to  the  rebound. 

In  northeastern  gales  pilots  can  not  get  out,  and  the  position  of 
the  buoys  must  not  be  relied  on,  as  they  are  liable  to  break  adrift. 

Valletta,  the  capital  of  the  island,  stands  on  a  promontory  form- 
ing a  sort  of  ridge  about  110  feet  above  the  sea,  nearly  1^  miles  in 
length,  and  J  mile  in  breadth,  which  slopes  on  each  side  to  the  sea, 
separating  the  Grand  Harbor  from  that  of  Marsa  Musciet,  and  hav- 
ing at  its  extremity  the  fort  and  light  tower  of  St.  Elmo.  It  was 
founded  in  1566  by  the  famous  grand  master,  John  de  la  Valletta. 

The  houses  are  well  built,  with  flat  roofs,  the  streets  are  wide,  and 
at  right  angles  to  each  other,  with  commodious  footpaths  on  each 
side,  while  a  road  runs  around  the  whole  city  between  the  houses 
and  fortifications.  The  ground  on  which  the  city  is  built  is  so  steep 
that  many  of  the  streets  leading  to  the  Strada  Reale  consist  of  a 
flight  of  stairs. 


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486  THE   SICILY   AND   MALTA   CHANNELS. 

The  public  buildings  are  the  palace,  university,  treasury,  the 
churches  of  St.  John  and  St.  Paul  and  several  other  churches,  bar- 
racks, several  hospitals,  the  opera  house,  palace  of  justice,  library, 
museum,  etc.,  all  of  which  are  well  and  neatly  built;  the  church  of 
St.  Paul,  with  its  tall  spire,  was  the  gift  of  Queen  Adelaide,  and  is  a 
conspicuous  object.  Between  Valletta  and  the  inner  lines  of  the  for- 
tifications is  the  suburb  of  Floriana,  with  the  public  gardens,  parade 
ground,  etc. 

Water  is  supplied  by  an  aqueduct,  but  every  house  has  a  tank  for 
rain  water,  and  there  are  numerous  wells.  Granaries  are  excavated 
in  the  rock  for  the  safe-keeping  of  grain. 

Communicatioiis. — The  Peninsula  and  Oriental  Co.'s  steamers 
for  London,  and  the  Moss  Line  of  steamers  for  Liverpool,  call  fort- 
nightly; two  services  of  steamers  daily  to  Gozo. 

A  railroad  connects  Valletta  with  Citta  Vecchia,  a  distance  of  8 
miles. 

An  electric  tramway  runs  from  Floriana  to  Birchircara,  Zebbug, 
and  around  the  head  of  the  Grand  Harbor  to  the  dockyard. 

There  is  telegraphic  communication  with  all  parts  by  cable:  the 
inland  telegraph  system  is  the  property  of  the  miltary  authorities. 
The  telegraph  office  is  always  open.  The  governor's  palace  and  all 
public  departments  are  connected  by  a  telephone  service,  and  the 
Island  of  (iozo  can  be  communicated  with  horn  the  Auberge  de 
Castille  through  the  miltary  telephone. 

Consul. — The  United  States  is  represented  by  a  consul  and  vice 
consul. 

Submarine  telegfraph  cables. — Submarine  telegraphic  cables 
are  laid  between  Malta  and  the  following  places:  From  Valetta  to 
Bona,  Gibraltar.  Pozzalo,  in  Sicily,  and  Alexandria:  these  cables  are 
connected  with  Valletta  by  land  lines,  also  by  submarine  cables  cross- 
ing Sliema  Creek  and  Julian  Bay;  a  cable  to  Tripoli  on  the  south. 
A  submarine  telephone  cable  crosses  tlie  entrance  to  Grand  Harbor 
fjom  Ricasoli  Lighthouse  to  St.  Elmo  Breakwater  Lighthouse,  and 
another  from  L'Tmgherbeb  Point  to  St.  Angelo. 

Coal  and  supplies. — All  coal  is  kept  at  the  Marsa.  An  aggre- 
gate amount  of  about  ^>(),()00  tons  of  coal  is  kept  in  stock  by  various 
fij-ms,  and  5,000  tons  could  be  put  on  board  in  24  hours;  coaling  is 
carried  on  by  baskets,  and  there  are  700  lighters,  holding  from  25  to 
»30  tons  each.  200  being  kept  ready  loaded,  and  7  steam  launches.  The 
coal  wharf,  2,500  feet  in  length,  has  depths  of  from  12  to  15  feet 
alongside;  colliers  generally  lie  ahmgside  lighters,  the  coal  being 
carried  across  them. 

All  naval  coal  is  kept  at  the  Marsa.  and  some  patent  fuel  at  Imsida. 

Provisions  and  stores  are  abundant.    Water  is  supplied  to  all  Gov- 


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THE   SICILY  AND  MALTA  CHANNELS.  487 

ernment  vessels  from  the  naval  reservoir  by  tank  vessels.  Merchant 
vessels  receive  it  also  by  tank  vessel. 

Trade. — The  exports  of  local  produce  consist  of  potatoes,  onions, 
cumin  seed,  vegetables,  oranges,  cotton,  goats,  mules,  and  Malta  free- 
stone; and  the  principal  imports  are  wheat,  manufactured  grain, 
wine,  cotton  goods,  spirits,  beer,  and  bullocks;  330,000  tons  of  coal 
are  imported  annually. 

Docks. — There  are  two  double  and  four  single  Government  docks 
in  Dockyard  and  French  Creeks,  a  hydraulic  dock  at  Imsida  Creek, 
and  a  patent  slip  at  French  Creek,  and  one  at  the  Marsa.  For  par- 
ticulars see  Appendix  I. 

Repairs. — Machinery  of  the  largest  battleships  can  be  repaired, 
and  engines  of  1,200  horsepower  have  been  made.  A  hydraulic  crane 
will  lift  160  tons;  a  steam  crane  40  tons;  also  cranes  to  lift  20  to  50 
tons:  sheers,  30  tons;  and  several  smaller  cranes.  There  are  a  number 
of  steam  hammers,  the  largest  being  50  hundredweight. 

Hospitals. — In  addition  to  the  naval  and  military  hospitals  there 
is  a  hospital  for  seamen  at  Floriana. 

Lloyd^s  signal  station. — A  Lloyd's  signal  station  is  situated  at 
the  palace  tower,  Valletto. 

Signals. — No  vessel  is  permitted,  during  nighttime,  to  make  use 
of  any  private  signals  off  any  Imy  or  creek  of  the  islands;  the  only 
authorized  signals  being:  (a)  A  vessel  requiring  a  pilot  to  burn  a 
blue  light;  (b)  A  vessel  in  distress  to  us(»  the  signal  authorized  under 
the  merchant  shipping  act. 

When  any  British  naval  vessels  are  entering  or  leaving  the  harbors 
a  blue  and  white  flag,  with  a  red  flag  above,  will  be  hoisted  on  the 
ciihtonihouse,  for  the  (irand  Harbor,  and  on  the  police  station  at 
Marsa  Musciet,  for  that  hal>or,  as  a  warning  that  all  fishing  nets  near 
the  fairways  are  to  be  removed. 

A  red  flag  hoisted  at  Castille  signal  station,  customhouse  flagstaff, 
or  palace  tower  flagstaff  denotes  that  a  naval  vessel  is  entering  or 
leaving  the  Grand  Harbor.  While  this  flag  is  flying  vessels  are  not 
permitted  to  leave  their  berths  or  enter  the  harbor. 

When  artillery  practice  is  l)eing  carried  out  at  night  two  green 
lights,  hoisted  vertically  at  the  masthead  of  the  Castille  signal  station, 
indicate  "  If  you  wish  to  enter  harbor,  enter  as  soon  as  possible." 

Radio  station. — A  radio  station  has  been  established  at  Malta, 
oi)en  to  the  public  at  all  timas.  The  call  letters  are  V  P  T.  The 
service  may  be  suspended  for  short  periods,  and  the  station  is  sub- 
je<H  to  be  closed  at  short  notice. 

Time  signal. — A  time  ball  is  dropped  daily  at  noon  from  the  flag- 
staff  on  the  Auberge  de  Castille,  Valletta.  The  ball  is  hoisted  close 
up  at  2i^h.  57m.,  and  dropped  by  electricity  at  Oh.  Om.  Os.  mid-European 
time,  corresponding  to  23h.  Om.  Os.  Greenwich  mean  time. 


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488  THE   SICILY   AND   MALTA   CHANNELS. 

A  gun  is  fired  by  the  same  circuit  which  drops  the  ball,  at  the 
upper  Barracca  saluting  battery. 

Should  either  the  gun  or  ball  fail  in  accuracy,  the  ball  will  l>e 
dropped  again  Oh.  10m.  Os.  mid-European  mean  time.  The  gun  will 
not  be  fired  a  second  time. 

Harbor  regulations. — Port  regulations,  and  regulations  a^  to 
landing  men  from  foreign  naval  vessels  and  transports,  are  given  in 
Appendix  IV. 

Quarantine  regulations. — Vessels  not  permitted  to  enter  the 
harlK>r  are  allowed  to  communicate,  in  quarantine,  with  the  islands 
Comino  and  Comminotto,  under  such  restrictions  as  the  collector  of 
customs  may  direirt. 

Some  vessels  are  allowed  to  enter  Quarantine  Harbor  to  coal  and 
take  in  provisions  under  quarantine  restrictions. 

Tides. — It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  in  Valletta  Harbor,  at 
3h.  30m. ;  springs  rise  from  10  to  14  inches,  approximately. 

Southeast  coast. — From  Fort  Ricasoli  the  coast  of  Malta  trends 
to  the  southeastward  for  3.2  miles  to  Ponta  tal  Zonkor,  the  coast 
rising,  with  a  gradual  slope,  from  the  water's  edge  to  the  ridge  run- 
ning parallel  to  it,  which  is  from  150  to  250  feet  above  the  sea;  at 
1,200  yards  from  Fort  Ricasoli  is  a  small  creek  named  Calanca  tal 
Patriet,  in  which,  at  Wied  il  Hammick  and  close  to  the  shore,  is  situ- 
ated a  rifle  range. 

Rifle  range — Buoys. — Two  red  conical  buoys,  surmounted  by  n 
triangle,  on  the  southeast  buoy,  are  moored  about  1  mile  off  the  creek 
to  mark  the  limits  of  the  fire  zone  from  the  rifle  range. 

Lines  drawn  from  the  head  of  (Calanca  tal  Patriet,  through  these 
buoys,  inclose  the  dangerous  area,  and  two  danger  flags  are  shown, 
while  firing  is  going  on  to  seaward,  from  flagstaffs  surmounting  two 
small  white  lookout  houses,  one  on  each  side  of  the  creek. 

Prohibited  Fishing  Ground. — A  beacon  lies  near  the  coast, 
about  400  yards  northwestward  of  the  same  measured  mile  beacon, 
and  another  beacon  lies  near  the  coast  close  eastward  of  the  north- 
eastern extremity  of  Foi*t  Ricasoli. 

Fishing  is  prohibited  inside  the  area  comprised  between  lines 
drawn  l>etween  the  Avestern  rifle-range  buoy  and  the  beacon  eastward 
of  Fort  Ricasoli,  and  between  the  rifle-range  buoys  and  from  the 
eastern  rifle-range  buoy  in  a  175'^  direction  to  Ras-el-Jebel. 

Measured  mile — ^Beacons. — Between  the  entrance  of  Valletta 
Harbor  and  Ponta  tal  Zonkor,  is  a  measured  mile  marked  by  beacons. 
Length,  6,080  feet;  course,  309°. 

The  western  pair  of  beacons,  situated  1.500  yards  southeastward 
of  Calanca  tal  Patriet,  are  masts,  the  outer  surmounted  by  a  black 
staff  and  diamond,  the  inner  by  a  stafl'  and  ball. 


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THE   SICILY  AND   MALTA  CHANNELS.  489 

The  eastern  beacons  are  similar,  but  the  inner  beacon  is  surmounted 
by  a  globe ;  the  walls  of  the  fields  intervening  are  marked  with  two 
white  stripes,  which  are  in  line  with  the  two  beacons  in  transit. 
Torre  ta  Trick  il  Wiesa,  a  ruined  tower,  32  feet  in  height,  stands 
near  the  outer  of  the  eastern  beacons. 

Delia  Larga  Forca,  a  bank  with  a  least  depth  of  a  fathoms,  lies 
with  Torra  ta  Trick  il  Wiesa  bearing  242°,  distant  700  yards;  the 
bank  extends  in  a  northerly  direction  from  this  position  to  the  10- 
fathom  curve  for  a  distance  of  600  yards;  there  is  a  channel  about 
400  yards  in  width,  between  the  5-fathom  bank  and  the  shore,  in 
which  the  depths  are  9  fathoms,  but  deep-draft  vessels  are  recom- 
mended not  to  use  it. 

The  eastern  measured  mile  beacons  in  range  lead  over  the  5 
fathoms  on  Delia  Larga  Forca. 

Ponta  tal  Zonkor^  on  the  northern  side  of  the  entrance  to  Marsa 
Scala,  is  low,  and  has  a  beacon,  presently  described,  standing  200 
yards  from  its  extremity. 

Zonkor  Beef  ^  a  rocky  shoal  about  200  yards  in  width,  betw  een  the 
5-fathom  curve,  stretches  800  yards  southeastward  of  the  point; 
here  there  is  a  depth  of  4f  fathoms,  with  5^  to  6  fathoms  immediately 
to  the  southeastward. 

A  rocky  head,  with  5  fathoms  least  water  over  and  15  to  20 
fathoms  close  seaward  of  it,  lies  900  yards  eastward  of  Ponta  tal 
Zonkor. 

Marsa  Scala^  the  narrow  inlet  between  Ponta  tal  Zonkor  and  II 
Gzira,  is  about  1,300  yards  deep  and  700  yards  wide  at  its  entrance. 
The  water  shoals  suddenly  just  inside  the  entrance  from  5  to  2 
fathoms,  thence  to  i  fathom  at  its  head. 

Fort  St.  Thomas,  an  old  castle,  is  a  white  rectangular  building, 
85  feet  in  height,  with  corner  turrets,  and  stands  on  the  southern 
side  of  the  entrance  to  the  Marsa. 

Beacons. — On  the  northern  side  of  the  entrance  to  Marsa  Scala, 
and  200  yards  westward  of  Ponta  tal  Zonkor  there  is  a  stone  beacon, 
with  black  and  white  horizontal  bands. 

On  the  extremity  of  II  Gzira,  the  southern  point  of  entrance,  a 
red  iron  beacon,  17  feet  in  height,  is  surmounted  by  a  staff  and  cage. 

It  Bamla  ta  San  Tumas,  or  St.  Thomas  Bay,  formed  between 
II  Gzira  and  Ponta  tal  Munsciar,  is  nearly  f  mile  wide,  and  1,200 
yards  deep,  with  4 J  and  5  fathoms  water  in  the  center ;  it  is  foul  and 
rocky,  the  bottom  consisting  of  sand  and  rocks  covered  by  weed; 
there  is  a  sandy  beach  at  its  head.  A  sunken  rock,  with  a  depth  of 
8  feet  over  it,  lies  near  the  center  of  the  bay,  500  yards  317°,  from 
the  extremity  of  Ponta  tal  Munsciar;  like  Marsa  Scala  this  bay  is 
completely  open  to  the  eastward. 


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490  THE   SICILY  AND  MALTA  CHANNELS. 

Ponta  tal  Munsciar  will  be  known  by  its  being  the  northern  point 
of  a  range  of  high  white  cliffs;  the  point  terminates  in  rocks,  from 
which  a  reef,  with  several  heads  of  less  than  6  feet  water,  extends 
ijast-northeastward  for  a  distance  of  750  yards. 

Secca  il  Munsciar^  about  400  yards  in  extent,  with  If  fathoms 
least  water  over  it,  and  6  to  8  fathoms  around,  lies  about  1,600  yards 
eastward  from  Ponta  tal  Munsciar.  Between  this  reef  and  that  ex- 
tending from  Ponta  tal  Munsciar  is  Munsciar  Pass,  with  4  fathoms 
in  mid-channel ;  the  bottom  of  the  pass  is  uneven  and  rocky. 

Zonkor  Beacon  in  range  with  II  Gzira  Beacon,  bearing  333°,  leads 
through  the  center  of  the  pass  in  4  fathoms  water.  Dellimara  Light- 
house, just  open  of  Shirob  il  Ghagin,  bearing  211°,  also  leads  through 
the  pass  in  4  fathoms  water. 

Outer  Munsciar  Rock,  having  a  depth  of  5^  fathoms,  lies  east- 
southeastward,  distant  nearly  800  yards,  from  the  shoalest  part  of 
Secca  il  Munsciar. 

The  irregular  outline  and  uneven  depths  on  the  bank,  which  ex- 
tends IJ  miles  eastward  of  Ponta  tal  Munsciar  and  around  these 
reefs,  cause  a  heavy  sea  during  easterly  winds,  when  a  vessel  should 
give  them  a  wide  berth. 

Buoy. — A  red  conical  buoy,  surmounted  by  a  staff  and  two  cages 
placed  vertically,  is  moored  on  the  northern  side  of  Outer  Munsciar 
Rock. 

Clearing  marks. — St.  Elmo  Ijighthouse,  open  northeastward  of 
Ricasoli  Ridge,  bearing  299*^,  or  St.  Elmo  Breakwater  Light,  visible, 
bearing  303°,  leads  1  mile  to  the  northeastward  of  Secca  il  Munsciar; 
and  Dellimara  Lighthouse,  bearing  233°,  leads  southward  of  it. 

Shirob  il  Ghagin^  ^  mile  southward  of  Ponta  tal  Munsciar,  is 
low  and  projecting,  with  a  ruined  tower,  which  is  gradually  dis- 
appearing, standing  on  it;  the  coast  between,  of  high  white  cliffs, 
forming  a  bay,  and  rising  at  its  head  to  145  feet  above  the  sea,  this 
being  the  highest  cliff  to  the  northward  of  Dellimara  Point. 

To  the  southward  of  Shirob  il  Ghagin  are  two  small  bays  named, 
respectively,  Cala  ta  Lihfar  and  Zgheira  in  the  form  of  a  horseshoe, 
with  high  white  cliffs  at  their  heads;  thence  on  to  Dellimara  Point 
the  coast  is  irregular  and  cliffy. 

Signal  station. — Fort  ta  Silc  Signal  Station,  223  feet  above  the 
sea,  is  situated  about  5  mile  westward  of  Shirob  il  Ghagin  Tower, 
and  is  conspicuously  marked  by  a  flagstaff  and  semaphore. 

Marsa  Scirocco. — The  entrance  to  this  bay,  between  Dellimara 
and  Binghaisa  Points,  is  about  1  mile  wide,  and  widens  slightly 
within  the  entrance:  it  extends  about  1^  miles  to  the  northward  and 
northwestward,  being  divided  at  its  head  by  the  promontory  of  St. 
Lucian,  which  is  broad,  with  white  cliffs  from  50  to  60  feet  above  the 
sea,  and  on  which  stands  Fort  St.  Lucian.  a  large  square  building 

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THE   SICILY  AND   MALTA   CHANNELS.  491 

with  corner  turrets.  A  small  rock,  Hajra,  2  feet  in  height,  with  foul 
ground  around  it,  lies  300  yards  southeastward  of  the  promontory. 

On  the  eastern  side  of  the  bay  the  coast,"for  a  little  more  than  J 
mile  northward  of  Dellimara  Point,  is  a  bold  yellow  cliff,  from  70 
to  120  feet  above  the  sea;  thence  it  becomes  less  precipitous,  until  ^ 
mile  farther  northward  it  again  breaks  on  to  the  high  white  cliff 
named  II  Hotba  tal  Bies,  152  feet  above  the  sea. 

The  coast  on  the  western  side  of  the  bay  is  low  and  rises  gradually 
towards  the  interior  of  the  island ;  there  are  the  ruins  of  several  old 
batteries  and  fortifications  on  this  side  of  the  bay. 

Dellimara  Point,  terminating  in  a  cliff  50  feet  above  the  sea,  has 
a  square  white  tower,  35  feet  in  height,  standing  on  it,  and  forms 
the  eastern  side  of  the  entrance  to  Marsa  Scirocco.  Lying  close  to 
the  southward  of  the  point  is  II  Taktigha  ta  Marsa  Scirocco,  a  small 
low  islet,  13  feet  above  the  sea  and  foul  for  the  distance  of  100  yards 
seaward. 

Lights. — At  the  distance  of  400  yards  from  the  extremity  of 
Dellimara  Point  is  an  octagonal  tower,  80  feet  in  height,  surmount- 
ing a  dwelling;  it  exhibits,  at  an  elevation  of  151  feet  above  the  sea, 
an  alternating  revolving  red  and  white  light,  showing  red  and  white 
alternately,  and  is  visible  15  miles.  (For  arc  of  visibility  see  Light 
List  and  chart.) 

On  the  southern  face  of  Fort  St.  Lucian  an  iron  structure,  12  feet 
in  height,  exhibits,  at  an  elevation  of  127  feet  above  the  sea,  an  un- 
watched  fixed  white  light,  visible  6  miles.  (For  arc  of  visibility 
see  Light  List  and  chart.) 

A  fixed  red  light  is  occasionally  shown  on  Cala  Frana  torpedo 
depot  pier. 

Beacon. — An  iron  beacon,  painted  in  red  and  white  horizontal 
bands,  with  a  red  triangular  topmark,  is  situated  on  the  point  north- 
eastward of  Fort  St.  Lucian. 

Binghaisa  Point,  on  the  western  side  of  the  entrance  to  Marsa 
Scirocco,  is  low  and  has  a  square  pink  tower,  with  a  vertical  black 
.^tri))e  on  its  eastern  face.  40  feet  in  height,  standing  on  it;  there  are 
also  the  ruined  walls  of  old  fortifications. 

Binghaisa  Patch,  lying  600  yards  southward  of  Binghaisa  Point, 
is  a  rocky  shoal  about  300  yards  in  extent,  with  3  fathoms  least 
water  over  it ;  there  are  depths  of  from  4  to  (>  fathoms  between  the 
shoal  and  the  shore. 

Binghaisa  Reef  is  a  rocky  shoal  extending  about  700  yards  in  a 
northwest  and  southeast  direction,  with  shoal  heads  on  which  the 
depths  are  from  3  to  5  fathoms;  the  reef  rises  gradually  on  its  east- 
ern side,  but  falls  abruptly  at  its  western  edge  to  depths  of  20  and 
30  fathoms.     The  northwestern  end  of  the  reef  is  900  vards  south- 


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492  THE   SICILY   AND    MALTA   CHANNELS. 

eastward  of  Binghaisa  Patch,  with  depths  of  from  7  to  10  fathoms 
between  them. 

The  outer  head  of  3|  fathoms  lies  1  mile  southeastward  of  Bing- 
haisa Tower. 

The  sea  breaks  heavily  on  the  reef  with  on-shore  winds,  but  they 
afford  some  shelter  to  Marsa  Scirocco  with  southerly  winds. 

Clearing  marks. — Torri  tal  Wied  Zurriek  kept  open  of  land 
bearing  288°,  leads  to  the  southward  of  Binghaisa  Reef.  The  Capu- 
cin  Convent,  on  the  ridge  southward  of  Zeitun,  in  range  with  the 
center  of  Fort  St.  Lucian,  bearing  334° ;  or  Zeitun  Church  well  open 
to  the  eastward  of  the  same,  leads  to  the  eastward. 

Cala  Frana — Torpedo  range. — Cala  Frana  is  a  small  bay  situ- 
ated on  the  southern  side  of  Marsa  Scirocco,  westward  of  Binghaisa 
Point.  The  torpedo  depot  is  erected  on  its  western  shore,  a  pier, 
570  feet  long,  extending  in  a  northerly  direction;  this  pier  is  used 
for  running  torpedoes  from,  and  has  a  length  of  60  feet  at  its  head, 
with  a  depth  of  33  feet  alongside.  Two  mooring  buoys,  for  the  use 
of  petrol  vessels,  lie  off  the  pier.  The  torpedo  range,  with  its  various 
mark  buoys,  extends  for  a  distance  of  2  miles  in  an  east-southeasterly 
direction  southward  of  Dellimara  Point.  The  danger  limits  of  the 
range  when  in  use  are  marked  by  circular  red  buoys,  each  surmounted 
by  a  staff  and  globe:  there  are  a  number  of  beacons  erected  on  shoi'e 
used  in  connection  with  the  marking  of  this  range.  A  small  concrete 
jetty  is  situated  on  the  western  shore  of  Cala  Frana  for  landing 
stores,  etc. ;  there  is  depth  of  12  feet  alongside. 

The  torpedo  depot  is  in  telephonic  communication  with  Valletta; 
a  large  water  tower  stands  on'lts  side,  and  forms  a  conspicuous  ob- 
ject. A  breakwater,  290  feet  long,  extends  in  a  northwesterly  direc- 
tion from  the  outer  bend  of  the  eastern  shore  of  Cala  Frana  for  the 
protection  of  small  craft  belonging  to  the  depot.  Several  rocky 
heads,  with  varying  depths  of  from  2  to  6  feet,  are  scattered  about 
the  center  and  toward  the  head  of  the  bay,  so  that  nothing  larger 
than  a  boat  should  at  present  attempt  to  use  Cala  Frana  for  shelter 
purposes,  and  torpedo  boats  using,  the  jetty  on  its  western  shore 
should  exercise  caution,  as  the  water  shoals  very  rapidly  on  the  inside 
of  the  jetty. 

The  torpedo  range  buoys  are  not  to  be  depended  upon  for  naviga- 
tional purposes,  as  the  four  outer  buoys  are  only  laid  down  when  long 
ranges  are  in  use,  and  the  raft  moorings  depend  on  the  weather. 

Mooring  buoys. — There  are  two  mooring  buoys  in  Marsa  Sci- 
rocco; their  positions  will  be  seen  on  the  chart. 

Anchorage. — Marsa  Scirocco  is  clear  of  danger,  with  from  10 
to  13  fathoms  water  in  the  center,  the  soundings  diminisliing  gradu- 
ally tow^ard  the  shore.    The  northeastern  arm  is  shallow,  and  a  nar- 


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THE   SICILY  AND  MALTA  CHANNELS.  493 

row  bank  surrounds  this  part  of  the  bay.  Marsa  Scirocco  is  a  very 
safe  harbor,  except  with  southerly  winds,  and  even  these  seldom  blow 
home;  the  bottom  is  fine  sand  and  mud  between  patches  of  hard 
ground  covered  with  weed,  and  affords  good  holding  ground;  small 
vessels  generally  anchor  off  the  eastern  shore,  with  Fort  St.  Lucian 
bearing  about  283°. 

Examination  anchorage. — An  area  for  the  examination  of  ves- 
sels, under  the  circumstances  described  in  appendix  III,  has  been 
appropriated  in  Marsa  Scirocco  "  inside  the  line  joining  Binghaisa 
and  Dellimara  Points." 

Vessels  inconvenienced  by  searchlights. — For  signals  to  be 
made,  see  page  477. 

Directions. — Vessels  boimd  to  Marsa  Scirocco  from  the  north- 
eastward may  roimd  Dellimara  Point  at  any  convenient  distance ;  but 
from  the  southward  and  westward  should  attend  to  the  clearing 
marks. 

At  night,  Dellimara  light  should  be  kept  bearing  westward  of  356° 
until  Fort  St.  Lucian  Light  bears  334°. 

Current. — About  1  mile  off  the  entrance  to  Marsa  Scirocco  a  very 
strong  current  setting  to  the  northeastward  has  been  experienced. 
It  apparently  was  caused  by  several  days  of  southeasterly  winds,  as 
it  ceased  after  two  days'  westerly  winds. 

Villages. — ^The  village  of  Marsa  Scirocco  lies  at  the  head  of  the 
northeastern  arm  of  the  bay,  with  two  small  churches  and  several 
conspicuous  houses  and  the  two  small  villages  of  San  Giorgio  and 
Birzebbugia,  separated  by  the  low  promontory,  II  Gzira,  are  on  the 
western  side  of  the  bay.  There  is  a  landing  phice  for  small  boats 
drawing  4  feet  at  the  police  station,  on  the  northern  side  of  the  bay,  in 
which  Birzebbugia  is  situated. 

Zeitun. — The  town  of  Zeitun,  with  its  conspicuous  church  with 
red  domCy  and  two  spires,  stands  on  ridge  of  the  hill,  1^  miles  north- 
ward of  Fort  St.  Lucian;  J  mile  southeastward  of  Zeitun  Church 
is  the  low  white  dome  of  the  church  of  San  Gregorio. 

Situated  on  tlie  ridge,  about  1  mile  westward  of  Zeitun,  is  the  town 
of  (ihashiak,  having  a  chiircli  with  dome  and  two  spires,  and  4  mile 
farther  westward  is  tlio  old  signal  tower,  round,  55  feet  in  height 
and  standing  at  the  eastern  end  of  the  village  of  (ludia,  which  has  a 
church  with  a  dome  and  two  spires. 

On  the  ridge,  nearly  1  mile  northward  of  Fort  St.  Lucian,  is  the 
Capucin  Convent,  a  large  dark  house,  which,  with  Fort  St.  Lucian, 
forms  a  clearing  mark  for  Binghaisa  Reef,  when  entering  the  bay. 

Submarine  telegraph  cable. — A  telegraph  cable  from  Malta  to 
Tripoli  runs  through  Marsa  Scirocco,  and  is  landed  in  Cala  San 
Giorrgio. 


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494  THE   SICILY   AND   MALTA   CHANNELS. 

Hurd  Bank  lies  11  miles  eastward  from  the  entrance  of  Valletta 
Harbor.  It  is  about  4  miles  long  northeast  and  southwest,  and  about 
2  miles  in  breadth;  on  it  are  depths  of  from  23  to  27  fathoms  over 
sand  and  coral  bottom. 

Southwest  coast. — From  Binghaisa  Point  the  coast  trends  to  the 
westward,  and  for  a  distance  of  3^  miles,  as  far  as  a  bold  headland, 
named  Cap  tal  Baitar,  is  a  continuous  range  of  high  precipitous  cliffs, 
gradually  increasing  in  height  from  100  to  300  feet  above  the  sea. 

From  Cap  tal  Baitar  to  Torre  tal  Wied  Zurriek,  a  distance  of  1 
mile,  the  cliffs  are  still  high,  but  more  broken  and  less  precipitous 
and  much  darker  in  color.  Xegret  Mill,  standing  on  the  high  land 
above  Caj)  tal  Baitar,  519  feet  above  the  sea,  is  a  conspicuous  object. 

From  Torri  tal  Wied  Zurriek,  a  stjuare  pink  tower,  38  feet  in 
height,  to  Kalp  is  Sabia  the  land  is  lower  and  there  are  no  cliffs  of 
any  height,  but  the  coast  rises  steeph'  from  the  water's  edge  to  the 
summits  of  the  hills,  }  mile  back,  which  are  about  450  feet  above 
the  sea. 

Bas  il  Hamriahy  ^  mile  westAvard  of  Torri  tal  Wied  Zurriek,  is 
an  irregular  projection  from  the  coast,  and,  on  the  side  of  the  hill 
above  it  is  Torri  Hamriah,  34  feet  in  height  and  of  a  yellow  color. 
One  mile  westward  of  Ras  il  Hamriah  and  close  to  the  shore  is  a 
small  rock,  2  feet  above  the  sea,  named  Hajra  is  Seuda. 

Hamriali  Bank^  in  approximately  latitude  35°  49'  N.,  longitude 
14°  26'  E.j  with  general  depths  of  from  5  to  10  fathoms,  fronts  the 
coast  between  Ras  il  Hamriah  and  Hajra  is  Seuda,  extends  1,200 
yards  from  the  shore,  and  is  very^  rocky  and  uneven,  with  several 
shoal  heads  of  from  3  to  5  fathoms  over  it. 

The  eastern  head,  with  a  depth  of  3  fathoms,  lies  with  Torri  Ham- 
riah bearing  17°,  distant  900  yards.  There  is  a  depth  of  4J  fathoms 
400  yards  westward  of  this  position  and  4^  fathoms  400  yards  north- 
westward of  it. 

The  western  head,  with  a  depth  of  4J  fathoms,  lies  with  Torri 
Hamriah  bearing  86°,  distant  1,700  yards;  there  is  a  depth  of  5} 
fathoms  400  yards  southeastward  of  it. 

A  rock,  with  5  feet  least  water  over  it,  lies  southwestward  of  Torri 
Hamriah  and  at  about  200  yards  from  the  shore. 

Nowhere  along  this  coast  is  there  any  sheltered  anchorage,  but. 
with  the  exception  of  Hamriah  Bank,  it  is  clear  of  danger  and  steep- 
to,  the  50-fathom  curve  of  soundings  being  within  ^  mile  from,  and 
in  places  close  to,  the  cliffs,  except  the  bank,  which  extends  from 
the  coast  to  Filfola  Island  and  i  mile  southward  of  it. 

Current. — With  fresh  westerly  or  northwesterly  winds,  a  current 
setting  along  the  shore  to  the  westAvard  is  sometimes  experienced; 
this  current  extends  from  J  to  1  mile  from  the  shore,  with  a  velocity* 
of  from  ^  knot  to  1  knot  an  hour. 


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THE   SICILY  AND  MALTA  CHANNELS.  495 

Filfola  Island^  2^  miles  southward  of  Kas  il  Hamriah,  and  2^ 
miles  from  the  coast,  is  cliffy,  rocky,  and  190  feet  above  the  sea;  it 
is  400  yards  long,  east  and  west,  and  200  yards  broad.  Two  rocks, 
51  and  29  feet  above  the  sea,  respectively,  lie  at  its  western  end,  to 
which  they  are  nearly  united;  there  is  a  rock  awash  134  yards  west- 
ward of  the  western  rock,  and  a  small  rock,  2  feet  above  the  sea,  lies 
at  the  eastern  end  of  the  island. 

Stork  Becky  with  a  least  depth  of  3J  fathoms,  and  7  to  20  fath- 
oms close  around,  lies  800  yards  southward  of  Filfola  Island;  and 
two  patches,  with  3  fathoms  water  over  them,  lie  between  Stork  Rock 
and  the  island. 

Coast. — From  Kalp  is  Sabia  the  coast  trends  to  the  northwest 
to  Ras  ir  Raheb,  a  distance  of  6^  miles,  and  is  a  continuous  wall  of 
high  cliffs,  remarkable  not  only  for  their  high  and  precipitous  char- 
acter but  from  the  fact  that  within  i  mile  from  the  coast  they  rise 
to  the  most  elevated  land  of  the  island,  culminating  near  the  village 
of  Dingli  in  a  hill  845  feet  above  the  sea,  Jebel  Giantar  summit,  1 
mile  to  the  eastward,  being  only  5  feet  lower. 

At  the  foot  of  these  cliffs  are  various  caves  or  grottoes  which  are 
full  of  stalactites  and  stalagmites. 

Signal  station. — There  is  a  signal' station  and  semaphore  on  the 
summit  near  Dingli. 

Ras  ir  Raheb  is  the  northern  extremity  of  the  perpendicular  cliffs 
which  form  the  coast  line  of  Malta  for  a  distance  of  13^  miles  on 
the  south  and  west.  The  cape  is  precipitous,  156  feet  above  the  sea, 
with  deep  water  alongside. 

Fom  ir  Rieh  is  a  bight  extending  eastward  from  Ras  ir  Raheb 
for  about  i  mile.  The  southern  side  of  the  bight  is  a  perpendicular 
cliff,  steep-to,  but  the  northern  side  is  broken,  and  foul  ground 
extends  some  distance  from  the  shore. 

Anchorage,  with  excellent  shelter  from  easterly  winds,  will  be 
found  in  the  bay. 

Beacons. — A  pyramidal  beacon  with  black  and  white  horizontal 
stripes  is  situated  at  the  extremity  of  Ras  ir  Raheb,  and  two  others 
of  a  similar  nature  are  situated  near  the  summit  of  Rdum  Ahmar^ 
on  the  northern  side  of  the  bay.  These  beacons  are  low,  hard  to  dis- 
tinguish from  a  distance,  and  are  used  for  calibrating  purposes. 

Ras  il  Pelligrin,  1  mile  northward  of  Ras  ir  Raheb,  is  the  ex- 
tremity of  Sicca  tal  Imjieles.  The  coast  between  this  point  and  Fom 
ir  Rich  consists  of  bowlders  that  have  slipped  from  the  steep  slopes 
above,  and  there  are  many  off-lying  rocks  inside  the  10-fathom  curve. 
Off  the  northern  side  of  Ras  il  Pelligrin  there  is  a  rock,  just  awash, 
100  yards  distant  from  the  coast  line,  so  this  point  should  be  given  a 
wide  berth,  even  by  boats. 


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496  THE   SICILY  AND  MALTA  CHANNELS. 

Jneina. — On  the  northern  side  of  Sicca  tal  Imjieles  the  coast 
turns  into  the  little  bay  of  Jneina,  where  there  is  a  beach  and  good 
landing,  but  it  is  too  confined  for  vessels,  which  will  find  anchorage 
in  Ghain  Tuffiha  immediately  to  the  northward  of  and  separated 
from  Jneina  by  a  remarkable  looking  rocky  peninsula  named  Bas  il 
Karabba. 

Bifle  range — Buoys. — ^Two  buoys  mark  the  limit  of  the  danger 
zone  of  fire  from  the  rifle  range  at  Ghain  Tuffiha,  and  vessels  should 
on  no  account  pass  inshore  of  them.  Both  buoys  are  red  conical, 
surmounted  by  a  staff  and  cage,  and  moored  700  yards  apart,  about 
1  mile  seaward  from  the  rifle  butts. 

Directions. — In  entering  Jneina  the  rock  awash  off  Ras  il  Pelli- 
grin  will  be  cleared  by  keeping  the  solitary  house,  just  above  the 
beach,  open  of  the  extremity  of  Sicca  tal  Imjieles,  bearing  about  120° ;  * 
and  to  anchor  in  Ghain  Tuffiha  keep  in  the  center  of  the  bay,  and 
anchor  when  Gozo  Island  is  shut  in  by  the  rocks  under  Ras  il  Uash, 
bearing  310°. 

Communication. — At  the  heads  of  both  Jneina  and  Ghain  Tuf- 
fiha there  are  lookout  towers;  the  former,  named  Torri  ta  Lippia, 
is  connected  by  telegraph  with  Valletta  Customhouse. 

Coast. — From  Ghain  Tuffiha  to  the  northward  the  coast  is  still 
composed  of  bowlders,  with  steep  slopes,  and  sometimes  cliffs  behind 
them.  Off  Ras  il  Uash,  which  forms  the  northern  point  of  Ghain 
Tuffiha,  there  is  foul  ground,  which  will  be  avoided  by  vessels  keeping 
the  western  part  of  Cominotto  open  westward  of  the  rocks  under 
Ras  il  Kammieh,  bearing  about  1°. 

Bas  in  Nieshfa  Bay  is  formed  by  the  point  of  that  name  and 
Ras  il  Kammieh,  about  f  mile  to  the  northwestward.  The  northern 
shore  is  bold  and  steep-to ;  the  eastern  side  is  studded  with  rocks  or 
bowlders.  There  are  two  mooring  buoys  in  the. northeastern  corner 
for  British  naval  vessels  calibrating.  There  are  also  four  beacons 
on  the  edge  of  the  cliffs,  and  one  about  300  yards  inland  from  the 
northeastern  corner  of  the  bay.  These  beacons  are  used,  in  connec- 
tion with  those  along  the  coast  as  far  as  Ras  ir  Raheb,  for  calibrating 
purposes. 

Landing. — Between  Ras  il  Uash  and  Ras  il  Kammieh  there  is 
only  one  place  available  for  landing,  which  is  at  II  Praiiet,  a  rocky 
cove  on  the  southern  side  of  Ras  in  Nieshfa ;  to  enter  the  cove,  boats 
should  keep  close  to  the  cliff  on  the  south  side,  as  there  are  many 
sunken  rocks  under  Ras  in  Nieshfa. 

Bas  il  Kammieh  is  of  similar  appearance  to  the  other  head- 
lands immediately  southward  of  it,  with  cliffs  and  very  steep  slopes 
below,  strewn  with  bowlders,  which  also  form  the  coast  line;  Ras  il 
Kammieh  rises  to  410  feet  above  the  sea.  Foul  ground  extends  from 
it  to  the^westward  for  a  distance  of  600  yards,  and  will  be  cleared  by 


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THE  SICILY  AND  MALTA  CHANNELS.  497 

keeping  the  eastern  extremity  of  Comino  in  range  with  the  western 
extremity  of  Skol  tal  Marfa,  bearing  45^. 

Anchorage. — There  is  anchorage  in  the  little  Bay  of  Ich  Chir- 
keuua,  between  Bas  il  Kammieh  and  Ponta  tal  Marfa;  the  bottom 
is  sandy. 

Tunny  fishery. — ^Tmmy  nets  are  laid  out  during  the  season 
northward  of  Ras  il  Uash  and  northward  of  Ras  il  Kammieh.  (For 
lights,  marks,  and  caution,  see  p.  60.) 

Ponta  tal  Marfa  is  low,  with  high  sloping  ground  behind.  It 
is  steep-to  on  its  southern  side,  but  a  ledge  extends  under  water  from 
the  low  rock  off  the  point,  named  Skol  tal  Marfa,  which  should  not 
be  approached  within  a  distance  of  400  yards. 

Medina  Bank  (in  approximately  lat.  34^  57'  N.,  long.  16°  12'  E  ) 
was  discovered  by  the  British  surveying  vessel  Medina  in  the  year 
1862 ;  this  bank,  within  the  100- fathom  curve  of  soundings,  is  about 
20  miles  long  in  a  north  and  south  direction  and  about  16  miles 
broad,  the  bottom  consisting  of  sand,  mud,  and  shells.  The  shoalest 
part,  74  fathoms,  lies  152°,  distant  60  miles  from  the  eastern  ex- 
tremity of  Malta. 

Isola  di  Linosa  (ancient  Algusa)  lies  65  miles  142°  from  Pan- 
tellaria  and  63  miles  259°  from  Cape  San  Dimitri,  the  northwest 
extremity  of  Gozo,  and  is  inhabited  by  a  small  Italian  colony  em- 
ployed in  husbandry  and  who  export  vegetables  and  farm  produce 
to  Girgenti.  This  island,  with  Lampedusa  and  the  islet  of  Lampion, 
are  the  Pelagic  Isles  of  the  ancients,  and  both  belong  to  Italy. 

Linosa,  of  an  irregular  quadrilateral  shape,  is  about  6  miles  in 
circuit,  and  the  summit  is  a  crater  528  feet  above  the  sea;  it  is 
entirely  volcanic,  with  an  extinct  crater  on  its  northeastern  side  and 
three  smaller,  but  not  less  marked,  to  the  southward.  There  are 
three  hilly  ranges  with  good  valleys  between  them,  covered  with  a 
rich  vegetation. 

Monte  Rosso,  610  feet  above  the  sea,  may  be  seen  in  clear  weather 
from  a  distance  of  30  or  35  miles,  when  it  has  the  appearance  of  two 
islets,  but  on  closing  in  the  hills  and  valleys  are  defined.  Punta 
Calcarella  (Strepito),  the  southern  extremity,  is  high  and  bluff,  and 
at  the  distance  of  about  450  yards  eastward  from  it  is  a  small  rocky 
shoal  with  2 J  fathoms  water  over  it;  the  bottom  in  the  neighborhood 
is  also  rocky.  Punta  Arena  Bianca  (Sciarazza),  the  southwestern 
point,  is  low  and  rugged. 

Light. — On  Punta  Beppe  Tuccio  (Vergogna)  a  white  truncated 
conical  tower,  56  feet  in  height,  with  keeper's  dwelling  attached,  ex- 
hibits, at  an  elevation  of  105  feet  above  sea,  a  flashing  white  light, 
visible  16  miles.  (For  arcs  of  visibility  see  Light  List  and  charts.) 
68,850—17 32 


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498  THE   SICILY  AND   MALTA   CHANNELS. 

Village. — The  village  of  Linosa  is  situated  on  the  southwestern 
side  of  the  island,  about  ^  mile  from  Cala  Pozzolana  on  the  west 
coast. 

Communication. — ^There  is  communication  alternately  every 
week  by  steamers,  with  Trapani  and  Porto  Empedocle. 

Supplies. — Goats,  sheep,  poultry,  and  eggs  may  be  procured,  and 
water  from  tanks,  but  in  very  limited  quantity. 

Landing,  on  a  beach  of  fine  sand,  may  be  effected  on  the  southern 
side  of  Cala  Pozzolana. 

Anchorage,  over  sandy  bottom,  may  be  obtained  off  the  south 
coast  between  Punta  Arena  Bianca  and  Punta  Calcarella ;  on  the  east 
coast  at  Faraglioni  and  the  west  coast  in  Cala  Pozzolana. 

Lampedusa,  the  ancient  Lopadusa,  lies  24  miles  to  the  southwest 
of  Linosa,  and  is  6  miles  in  length  in  an  east-southeast  and  west- 
northwest  direction,  with  an  average  breadth  of  1  mile,  its  eastern 
part  being  the  broadest ;  it  has  a  population  of  about  2,500,  of  whom 
500  are  convicts.  Its  surface  is  level,  but  the  coast  is  abrupt  and 
rugged,  except  on  the  southeastern,  where  it  shelves  to  a  low  shore. 
Monte  Albero  Sole,  436  feet  above  the  sea,  on  the  northern  side  of  the 
island,  near  its  western  extremity,  is  the  greatest  elevation. 

Lampedusa  is  composed  of  sedimentary  calcareous  formations 
similar  to  the  adjacent  coast. 

Capo  Ponente,  the  western  extremity,  is  a  perpendicular  cliff,  the 
land  over  it  being  400  feet  above  the  sea  and  woody;  it  is  steep-to, 
and  may  be  rounded  at  any  convenient  distance.  On  the  southern  side 
of  the  island,  2^  miles  from  the  cape,  is  Isola  Conigli,  89  feet  high, 
steep,  and  connected  to  the  main  island  by  a  reef;  on  the  southern 
side  of  the  islet  are  two  rocks,  the  western  being  low,  but  the  islet 
and  rocks  are  not  seen  until  near,  being  blended  with  the  white  cliffs 
of  the  coast. 

At  2^  miles  farther  eastward  is  the  entrance  to  II  Porto,  the  inter- 
mediate coast  being  indented  with  several  small  bays  or  inlets.  It  is 
all  along,  as  far  as  is  known,  clear  of  danger,  with  from  22  to  35 
fathoms  water  at  i  mile  from  the  coast. 

H  Porto  is  about  700  yards  deep,  with  from  12  fathoms  water  at 
the  entrance,  shoaling  to  3  fathoms  at  400  yards  within,  and,  being 
open  to  the  south  westward,  a  swell  sets  in  when  the  wind  is  from  that 
quarter.  The  entrance  is  rather  more  than  3<K)  yards  wide,  and 
within  there  are  three  small,  shallow  bays  with  beaches. 

Punta  Guitgia,  on  the  western  side  of  the  entrance,  is  bordered  by  a 
shoal  which  extends  off  about  67  yards;  Punta  Cavallo  Bianco  is 
clear  of  danger  on  its  western  side,  but  has  shoal  water  extending  100 
yards  southward  of  it. .  On  the  projecting  point  facing  the  entrance, 
and  which  separates  the  two  bays,  Cala  Palma  and  Cala  Salina,  at 
the  head  of  the  harbor,  are  the  remains  of  a  castle,  a  chapel,  some 

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THE  SICILY  AND  MALTA  CHANNELS.  499 

houses,  and  the  health  office.  Dredging  operations  are  in  progress  in 
Cala  Salina,  the  depth  of  which  is  to  be  increased  to  13  feet. 

Lights. — On  Punta  Cavallo  Bianco,  the  point  on  the  eastern  side 
of  the  entrance  to  the  port,  an  occulting  green  light  is  exhibited,  at 
an  elevation  of  59  feet  above  the  sea,  from  an  iron  standard  on  a 
masonry  building,  the  whole  20  feet  high;  it  is  visible  7  miles.  (For 
arc  of  visibility  see  Light  List.) 

On  Punta  Guitgia,  the  western  side  of  the  entrance,  a  fixed  red  light 
is  exhibited,  at  an  elevation  of  41  feet  above  the  sea,  from  a  similar 
structure  to  the  preceding  light ;  it  is  visible  5  miles. 

Anchorage. — A  large  vessel  will  obtain  anchorage  about  300 
yards  outside  the  entrance,  in  8  fathoms  water. 

Communication. — There  is  communication  by  steamer  every 
week  alternately  to  Porto  Empedocle  and  Trapani,  and  frequently  by 
sailing  vessel  Avith  the  coast  of  Africa,  especially  with  Mahediah  and 
Sf  ax ;  telegrams  should  be  sent  by  steamer  to  Porto  Empedocle. 

Supplies  of  fresh  provisions  are  scarce;  water  of  poor  quality 
may  be  obtained  in  Cala  Palma. 

Cala  Fisana. — Punta  Sottile  (the  southeastern  extremity  of  Lam- 
pedusa),  1^  miles  eastward  of  the  harbor,  is  low,  and  westward  of  it, 
formed  between  cliffs,  is  Cala  Francese,  with  4  fathoms  water.  The 
northeastern  extremity  of  the  island  is  named  Capo  Grecale,  and  the 
coast  between  it  and  the  southeastern  extremity  forms  a  bay  in  which 
are  two  coves  named  Cala  Pisana  and  Cala  Creta;  Cala  Pisana  is 
narrow,  but  between  400  and  600  yards  deep,  terminating  in  a  steep 
beach.  This  part  of  the  island  is  sheltered  from  westerly  winds. 
Here,  in  1551,  the  celebrated  Andrea  Doria  anchored  the  fleet  of 
Charles  V,  after  an  engagement  with  the  Turks,  that  was  followed 
by  a  gale  from  the  southwestward. 

The  north  coast  of  the  island  is  bold  and  steep-to,  having  about 
35  fathoms  water,  at  a  distance  of  ^  mile. 

Light. — A  white  octagonal  tower,  56  feet  in  height,  on  Capo  Gre- 
cale, exhibits,  at  an  elevation  of  213  feet  above  the  sea,  a  flashing 
white  light,  which  is  visible  19  miles.  (For  arc  of  visibility  see 
Light  List.) 

Lampion  Islet  (ancient  Scola),  8  miles  westward  from  Capo 
Ponente,  the  western  extremity  of  Lampedusa,  is  a  steep,  tabled,  and 
triangular  islet,  which  is  about  600  yards  in  length  north  and  south 
and  300  yards  in  breadth ;  it  is  of  the  same  formation  as  Lampedusa. 
Its  surface  is  so  flat  that  on  making  it  from  the  northwestward  it 
looks  like  a  wall,  and  there  are  vestiges  of  buildings  of  an  ancient 
date  on  its  summit. 

It  is  steep  on  its  western,  northeastern,  and  southwestern  sides, 
in  cliffs  of  from  120  to  140  feet  high,  shelving  on  its  eastern  side  to 
a  low  point  much  frequented  by  seals.    It  is  steep-to  all  around, 

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500  THE   SICILY  AND   MALTA   CHANNELS. 

with  from  10  to  20  fathoms  water  close  in  except  at  the  low  eastern 
point,  from  which  a  shoal  extends  off  about  200  yards. 

Directions  from  Malta  westward. — Sailing  vessels  bound  to 
the  westward  from  Malta  during  northwest  and  westerly  gales  (in- 
stead of  vainly  contending  against  a  heavy  sea  and  strong  current  in 
the  channel  between  Gozo  and  Sicily)  are  recommended  to  run  to 
leeward  of  the  island  and  stand  over  on  the  starboard  tack  until  they 
sight  the  coast  of  Africa,  then  work  to  windward  in  smooth  water  as 
far  as  Cap  Bon. 

Should  westerly  gales  still  prevail  when  in  the  neighborhood  of 
Cap  Bon,  a  sheltered  anchorage  under  it,  or  along  the  coast  to  the 
southward,  is  available,  and  from  this  any  change  of  wind  may  be 
taken  advantage  of. 

The  following  is  by  Sir  William  Eeid,  K.  C.  B.,  sometime  governor 
of  Malta  and  author  of  the  well-known  work  on  the  Laws  of  Storms. 

A  residence  of  four  years  In  Malta  has  convinced  me  that  the  gales  and 
storms  of  the  Mediterranean  Sea  follow  the  same  general  laws  as  the  revolving 
winds  in  corresponding  latitudes  In  the  Atlantic,  modified  no  doubt  by  the  high 
land  which  surrounds  this  sea  and  by  the  African  Continent.  The  same  may 
be  said  of  Malta  as  was  said  of  Bermuda,  namely,  that  after  the  commencement 
of  November  revolving  winds  of  various  degrees  of  force  set  In,  and  gradually 
become  frequent,  yet  they  seldom  follow  In  such  rapid  succession  as  that  one 
gale  becomes  confounded  with  another;  light  winds  and  very  fine  weather 
usually  Intervene  between  the  passage  of  revolving  winds,  while  at  other  times 
hard-blowing,  straight-line  winds  with  a  high  barometer  intervene. 

Seamen  who  have  studied  the  theory  of  the  revolving  winds  will  be  able  to 
estimate  the  probable  advantage  they  may  derive  from  the  altering  of  the 
wind  during  the  winter  season  by  following  the  course  Indicated  by  Capt. 
Graves. 

Vessels  sailing  from  the  harbor  of  Valletta  at  that  season,  with  the  ba- 
rometer rising,  and  a  westerly  wind  altering  and  moderating,  by  steering 
southwardly  would  come  up  as  the  wind  alters  toward  the  north.  If  a  calm 
should  follow,  the  next  breeze  would.probably  blow  from  the  eastward,  because 
at  that  season  of  tlie  year  revolving  gales  follow  in  close  succession,  and  in 
their  northern  portion  the  wind  Is  easterly. 

In  the  following  diagram  a  whirlwind  gale  passing  off  toward  the  north- 
east and  giving  a  westerly  wind  in  the  Malta  Channel  is  represented  by  the 
dotteil  circle.  The  other  circle  represents  a  new  whirlwind  gale  coming  from 
the  southwestward,  and  giving  an  easterly  br(»eze  to  a  vessel  to  the  southward 
of  Malta. 

If  the  circle  which  represents  the  new  whirlwind  gale  crnnlng  from  the  south- 
westward  were  to  be  placed  more  to  the  westward  and  over  Algeria,  it  would 
give  a  southwest  wind  to  such  a  vessel  as  that  marked  In  the  diagram. 

The  wind  in  progressive  revolving  gales  does  not  ho]<l  in  the  same  quarter, 
but  chsinges  (except  at  their  centers).  The  east  wind  In  such  a  new  gale 
coming  from  the  southwest  might  be  exi)ected  to  chanire  by  the  south  toward 
west.  A  vessel  under  such  clrcumstanct^  would  fall  off  her  course  and  be 
carried  toward  the  north.  But  she  would  be  In  a  favorable  position  for  taking 
advantage  of  the  northwest  wind,  which  is  usually  the  concluding  portion  of 
revolving  gales  in  the  Northern  Ilemisphoie. 


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THE   SICILY  AND  MALTA  CHANNELS. 


501 


Sicily^  the  most  important  island  in  the  Mediterranean,  is  sepa- 
rated from  the  mainland  of  Calabria  by  the  narrow  Strait  of 
Messina,  and  forms  a  part  of  the  Kingdom  of  Italy.  Its  ancient 
name  was  Thrinacria,  from  its  triangular  form.  The  ncii'thern  or 
longest  side  is  about  150,  the  southern  140,  and  the  eastern  100  miles 
in  length.  The  western  end  is  a  rounded  point,  off  which  lie  the 
^gadean  Islands. 

That  porti(Mi  of  the  Mediterranean  which  bounds  the  northern 
coasts  of  Sicily  is  named  Mar  Tirreno  (Tyrrhenian  Sea),  and  that 
to  the  southward  the  Sicily  and  Malta  Channels. 

Tides. — It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  3  hours  33  minutes 
at  six  different  places  on  the  southeast  coast  of  Sicily,  with  a  mean 
range  of  1  foot.  Of  the  other  places  both  the  times  and  heights  of 
tide  are  very  irregular  and  vary  considerably,  the  former  as  much 
as  three  or  four  hours  from  that  given  at  the  places  hereafter  men- 
tioned; two  causes  apparently  produce  this  variation.  First,  there 
appear  to  be  two  waves  coming  in  different  directions,  with  dissimilar 
fluctuations,  sometimes  giving  two  high  waters  instead  of  one, 
with  a  well-marked  though  slight  depression  and  corresponding 
low  water  between  them,  and  these  on  different  days  are  separated 
by  unequal  intervals. 

Secondly,  the  wind  blowing  on  or  off  shore  alters  the  level  of  the 
surface  of  the  water,  producing  what  may  be  termed  "  wind  fluctua- 
tions," varying  with  its  strength  and  direction  and  the  formation  of 


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502  THE   SICILY  AND   MALTA   CHANNELS. 

the  coast  line;  these  fluctuations  produce  the  observed  difference  in 
the  times  of  high  water.  The  variations  in  the  range  are  as  much  as 
1 5  inches.    (For  the  tidal  streams  in  the  Strait  of  Messina,  see  p.  560.) 

The  Sicilian  coasts  are  sometimes  affected  by  a  phenomenon 
named  the  mare-moto,  which  is  the  same  in  its  effects  at  sea  as  the 
terra  moto,  or  earthquake,  is  on  shore,  and  appears  to  be  owing  to 
similar  causes. 

iEgadean  Isles.— Off  the  west  coast  of  Sicily,  between  Trapani 
and  Marsala,  are  the  islands  formerly  known  as  the  ^gades  or 
Agates  (the  Insulse  iEgates  of  the  ancients),  consisting  of  Mari- 
timo,  Favignana,  Levanzo,  and  the  Formiche.  They  stand  boldly 
out  from  the  coast,  and  may  be  seen  in  clear  weather  at  distances  of 
from  40  to  60  miles. 

Maritime  (Marittimo)  (ancient  Hiera),  the  westernmost  of  the 
-Egades,  is  4  miles  in  length  in  a  north-northwest  and  south-south- 
east direction,  and  1^  miles  in  breadth ;  its  opposite  sides  are  nearly 
parallel,  and  the  extent  of  the  coast  line  is  about  12  miles.  It  is  high 
and  mountainous,  ranging  from  1,560  to  2,271  feet  above  the  sea; 
nearly  the  whole  of  the  western  and  north  sides  are  high,  steep,  inac- 
cessible cliffs,  but  the  eastern  side  is  lower. 

Punta  Troia,  the  northeastern  extremity,  is  a  small  but  prominent 
peninsula,  with  a  castle  on  it  370  feet  above  the  sea,  and  midway  on 
the  east  coast  is  the  village  of  San  Simone  (Maretimo),  north-north- 
eastward of  which  there  is  indifferent  anchorage  in  12  fathoms 
water,  with  the  castle  bearing  336°,  and  the  highest  peak  292° ;  fish- 
ing vessels  find  shelter  in  the  small  coves  around  the  island. 

The  northern  side  of  the  island  is  skirted  with  rocks,  which  are 
near  the  coast,  but  on  the  southwestern  side,  at  800  yards  to  the 
southeastward  of  the  lighthouse,  they  extend  400  yards  off.  Punta 
Bassana,  the  southeastern  point,  is  a  nearly  isolated  mass,  623  feet 
above  the  sea. 

Iiights. — On  the  western  side  of  Maritimo  a  rocky  ridge  projects 
about  i  mile  westward,  named  Punta  Libeccio,  and  about  400  yards 
to  the  southward  of  it  is  an  octagonal  tower,  80  feet  in  height,  and 
surmounting  a  dwelling,  the  whole  painted  in  black  and  white  hori- 
zontal bands,  with  "Punta  Libeccio"  in  large  black  letters  below 
the  terrace;  it  exhibits,  at  an  elevation  of  240  feet  above  the  sea, 
a  fixed  and  flashing  white  light  visible  22  miles.  (For  arc  of  visibil- 
ity, see  Light  List.) 

A  fixed  red  light  is  shown  from  the  pier  at  San  Simone  on  the  east 
coast  of  the  island :  it  is  visible  1  miles,  but  can  not  be  lighted  in  bad 
weather. 

A  fixed  green  light  is  exhibited,  at  an  elevation  of  20  feet  above  the 
sea,  on  the  slip  near  the  village  of  San  Simone. 


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THE  SICILY  AND  MALTA  CHANNELS.  503 

Conxmunicatioii. — Weather  permitting,  a  sailing  vessel  communi- 
cates three  times  weekly  with  Trapani,  and  there  is  telegraphic  com- 
munication at  limited  hours. 

Supplies. — A  small  quantity  of  fresh  provisions  may  be  obtained 
and  water  of  good  quality. 

Submarine  telegraph  cable. — A  telegraph  cable  connects  Mari- 
timo  with  Favignana. 

Favignana  (ancient  ^gusa)  is  about  8f  miles  east-southeastward 
of  Maritimo,  and  its  eastern  side  3  miles  northwestward  of  Punta 
Scario,  Sicily;  it  is  about  5  miles  in  length  in  a  northwestern  and 
southeastern  direction  and  irregular  in  form,  its  breadth  varying  from 
about  J  of  a  mile  to  2^  miles ;  the  greater  part  is  low,  but  a  remark- 
able wall-like  ridge  runs  north  and  south  across  the  island,  and  on 
its  summit  is  Forte  Santa  Caterina,  1,129  feet  above  the  sea.  The 
population  of  the  island  is  6,400. 

The  level  land  on  either  side  of  the  ridge  is  fertile  and  well  culti- 
vated, and  there  are  several  quarries  in  the  cliffs  on  its  eastern  side. 
The  northern,  western,  and  southern  sides  are  skirted  here  and  there 
by  a  narrow  bank,  but  the  northeastern  side  is  steep-to. 

Lights. — On  Punta  Sottile,  the  western  extremity  of  the  island, 
a  white  circular  tower,  126  feet  in  height,  with  a  dwelling  near,  ex- 
hibits, at  an  elevation  of  141  feet  above  the  sea,  a  flashing  white  light, 
visible  18  miles. 

A  flashing  white  light  is  shown,  at  an  elevation  of  61  feet  above  the 
sea,  at  Punta  Marsala,  the  southeastern  extremity  of  the  island,  from 
a  white  circular  tower,  39  feet  in  height,  with  a  dwelling  near  it;  in 
clear  weather  the  light  is  visible  10  miles. 

Fog  signal. — A  fog  signal  is  sounded  at  Punta  Marsala  Light- 
house.    (See  Light  List.) 

Signal  station — Semaphore. — On  Forte  Santa  Caterina,  situ- 
ated on  the  highest  point  of  the  island,  is  a  semaphore,  by  whidi  ves- 
sels can  communicate.  The  apparatus  is  on  a  small  tower  painted  in 
black  and  white  squares,  but  the  semaphore  is  sometimes  hidden  by 
clouds. 

Cala  Principale  lies  between  Punta  Faraglione  and  Punta  San 
Nicolo,  which  are  2  miles  apart  on  the  northeastern  side  of  the  island. 
It  is  the  port  of  Favignana,  and  is  about  300  yards  wide  and  400 
yards  deep,  with  depths  of  from  2^  to  3^  fathoms  between  the  en- 
trance point,  and  shoaling  to  3  feet  near  the  head.  There  are  two 
bollards  for  securing  vessels  on  the  southern  part  of  the  rock,  situ- 
ated 100  yards  northward  of  the  pier. 

Pier. — A  small  pier,  about  150  yards  in  length,  extends  from  the 
town  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  port. 


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504  THE  SICILY  AND  MALTA  CHANNELS. 

Light. — A  fixed  light,  with  red  and  white  sectors,  is  exhibited 
from  the  pier  end,  at  an  elevation  of  17  feet  above  the  sea ;  in  clear 
weather  it  is  visible  8  miles,  but  with  strong  northerly  winds  it  can 
not  be  lighted.     (For  sectors  see  Light  List.) 

Anchorage. — ^Anchorage  will  be  found  off  the  town,  with  south- 
erly and  westerly  winds,  in  18  fathoms  water,  but  exposed  to  north- 
erly winds,  with  the  cupola  of  the  church  bearing  144**  and  the  sema- 
phore 216^. 

Town. — The  town  of  Favignana  (ancient  ^gusa)  lies  on  the 
eastern  side  of  the  port.  There  are  large  fisheries  here  for  tunny  and 
anchovy. 

Communicatioii. — Weekly  steamers  to  Palermo,  Tunis,  Porto 
Empedocle  and  Syracuse,  and  fortnightly  with  Trapani ;  telegraphic 
conmiimication  with  all  parts. 

Supplies. — Fresh  provisions  in  moderate  quantities  may  be  pro- 
cured ;  water  only  from  cisterns. 

Submarine  telegraph  cables. — Favignana  is  connected  by  tele- 
graph cables  with  Sicily  and  Maritimo. 

Tunny  fishery. — The  tunny  fisheries  would  appear  to  have  been 
worked  for  more  than  400  years,  according  to  a  slab,  recording  a 
large  catch  taken  so  far  back,  and  attached  to  the  church  door.  Dur- 
ing the  fishing  season,  from  March  to  November,  nets  extend  from  a 
point  about  J  mile  northwestward  of  Gala  Principale,  in  a  north- 
easterly direction,  for  a  distance  of  about  If  miles ;  and  from  Punta 
San  Nicolo  in  an  easterly  direction  for  a  distance  of  about  IJ  miles. 
The  outer  end  of  the  nets  is  marked  with  a  boat  painted  with  black 
and  white  stripes,  and  having  a  mast  and  flag  by  day,  and  showing  a 
white  light  by  night.     (See  Caution,  p.  — ,  and  on  chart.) 

Anchorage. — ^The  best  anchorage  is  off  the  eastern  end  of  the 
island,  between  Punta  Rossa  and  Punta  Morsala  Lighthouse,  in  7^ 
or  8  fathoms  water,  over  mud,  about  ^  mile  from  the  shore.  From 
this  anchorage  to  2  miles  farther  northward,  the  depths  are  from  9 
to  19  fathoms,  over  sand  or  gravel,  and  toward  Punta  Scario  (on 
the  mainland)  for  2  miles  from  9  to  6  fathoms,  where  during  westerly 
winds  any  number  of  vessels  will  find  anchorage. 

Levanzo  (ancient  Phorbantia)  lies  more  than  2  miles  to  the 
northward  of  Favignana,  the  channel  between  being  deep  and  clear 
of  danger.  Levanzo  is  2  miles  in  length  north  and  south,  1  mile  in 
breadth,  and  887  feet  above  the  sea;  it  is  rugged,  with  steep  inac- 
cessible cliffs,  the  northwestern  and  southeastern  ends  excepted. 
Close  to  its  southwestern  point  is  II  Faraglione,  a  high  conical  rock, 
and  near  the  southeastern  end  a  tower  and  a  few  scattered  houses; 
the  soil  is  cultivated.  The  coast  is  clear  of  danger  and  generally 
steep-to. 


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THE  SICILY  AND  MALTA  CHANNELS.  505 

Light. — On  Piinta  Grosso,  the  northern  extremity  of  the  island, 
is  a  white  circular  tower,  39  feet  in  height,  and  having  a  dwelling 
near;  it  exhibits,  at  an  elevation  of  225  feet  above  the  sea,  a  group 
flashing  white  light,  visible  20  miles.  (For  arc  of  visibility,  see 
Light  List.) 

Communicatioii. — Weather  permitting,  a  sailing  vessel  com- 
municates twice  every  week  with  Trapani. 

Supplies. — A  small  quantity  of  fresh  provisions  might  be  ob- 
tained ;  water  is  procured  from  cisterns. 

Secca  di  Pesci  is  a  sand  bank  lying  5  miles  314°  from  Punta 
Grosso  Lighthouse,  on  which  the  least  water  is  12  fathoms;  within 
2  miles  northward  of  it  is  a  depth  of  100  fathoms,  which  depth  in  a 
tortuous  line  extends  close  to  Capo  San  Vito. 

Sicily — ^West  Coast. — Capo  San  Vito,  the  northwestern  extrem- 
ity of  Sicily,  and  the  usual  landfall  to  vessels  from  the  westward, 
is  a  low  point  about  1^  miles  long,  lying  at  the  foot  of  a  rugged  pro- 
montory on  which  is  Monte  Monaco,  2,296  feet  above  the  sea.  This 
promontory  forms  the  termination  of  a  lofty  but  narrow  ridge,  ex- 
tending seaward  from  Monte  Sparagio,  3,637  feet  above  the  sea, 
and  situated  8  miles  to  the  southward  of  Capo  San  Vito.  On  the 
extremity  of  the  cape  is  a  white  lighthouse,  and  on  the  shoulder  of 
the  first  rise  of  land,  Torre  del  Roccazzo,  a  square  tower. 

Light. — About  173  yards  from  the  extremity  of  Capo  San  Vito 
is  a  white  circular  tower,  125  feet  in  height,  with  a  dwelling  at- 
tached; it  exhibits,  at  an  elevation  of  144  feet  above  the  sea,  an  alter- 
nating fixed  and  flashing  light,  visiblef  18  miles,  the  red  light  14 
miles.  An  auxiliary  fixed  red  light  is  exhibited  below  the  main  light, 
and  is  visible  from  a  distance  of  2i  miles.  (For  arcs  of  visibility, 
see  Light  List  and  chart) 

Shoal. — A  shoal,  with  16  feet  water  over  it,  lies  1,700  yards  north- 
ward from  the  lighthouse,  and  depths  of  3^  to  4^  fathoms  between  it 
and  the  cape,  and  in  consequence  of  the  abrupt  rise  of  the  bottom,  the 
sea  in  heavy  gales  breaks  on  the  shallow  ground  off  the  point,  and  is 
dangerous  to  small  vessels.  At  1|  miles  from  the  lighthouse  there 
are  depths  of  more  than  100  fathoms,  and  large  vessels  should  not 
round  it  within  that  distance.  The  auxiliary  fixed  red  light  on  Capo 
San  Vito  shows  over  this  shoal. 

Baja  di  Vermia,  between  the  shore  of  Capo  San  Vito  and  Capo 
Cof ano,  is  about  5  miles  wide  and  2  miles  deep.  The  water  is  every- 
where deep,  except  on  the  southeastern  shore  in  front  of  the  valley 
sloping  from  Monte  Sparagio,  where  a  vessel  may  anchor,  with  off- 
shore winds,  within  i  mile  of  the  land.  At  3  miles  southward  of 
Capo  San  Vito  is  a  small  cove  and  beach  named  Cala  Isoletta. 


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506  THE   SICILY  AND  MALTA  CHANNELS. 

Monte  Cof ano  is  a  remarkable,  steep,  conical  mountain,  2427  feet 
above  the  sea,  rising  abruptly  from  the  coast  at  the  southwestern 
extremity  of  Baja  di  Vermia.  The  point  at  its  base  is  named  Capo 
Cof  ano  (Punta  Barone),  on  which  is  the  square  tower  of  Agra,  and 
1  mile  to  the  eastward  is  Vermia  Islet  or  Rock. 

Punta  Pizzolnngo  is  low,  and  the  termination  of  a  spur  from 
Monte  San  Giuliano.  About  i  mile  within  the  point  is  a  remarkable 
sugar-loaf  hill,  234  feet  above  the  sea,  and  conspicuous  from  th« 
northeastward. 

Signal  station. — On  a  hill  near  to  Punta  Pizzolungo  is  a  sema- 
phore station. 

Secca  Bonagla,  a  shoal  nearly  1^  miles  in  length  in  an  east-north- 
easterly and  west-southwesterly  direction,  about  800  yards  in  breadth, 
with  a  least  depth  of  6  feet,  fronts  the  rocky  shore  eastward  of  Punta 
Pizzolungo;  at  its  eastern  end  it  is  1  mile,  and  at  its  western  i  mile 
from  the  shore,  and  the  10-fathom  curve  is  about  the  same  distance 
outside  it. 

Tunny  fishery. — Tunny  nets  are  laid  out  during  the  season, 
March  to  November,  from  the  shore  about  ^  mile  eastward  of  Torre 
Banagia,  and  extend  northwestward  for  a  distance  of  about  2^  miles. 
The  outer  end  is  marked  by  a  floating  beacon  surmounted  by  a  mast 
by  day  and  a  white  light  by  night.  (See  Caution,  p.  61,  and  on 
chart.) 

Isola  Asinelliy  200  yards  in  circuit,  and  6  feet  above  the  sea, 
lies  li  miles  westward  of  Punta  Pizzolungo,  and  there  are  from  10 
to  17  fathoms  between  it  and  the  coast. 

Beacon. — A  white  iron  beacon,  32  feet  above  the  sea,  and  sur- 
mounted by  a  cylinder,  on  the  northern  and  southern  sides  of  which 
''Asinelli  "  is  lettered  in  black,  stands  on  Isola  Asinelli. 

Light. — From  Asinelli  Beacon,  at  an  elevation  of  37  feet  above 
the  sea,  is  exhibited  an  unvvatched  flashing  red  light,  visible  7  miles. 

Tunny  fishery. — Tunny  nets  are  laid  out,  during  the  season, 
March  to  November,  from  the  shore  about  f  mile  southwestward  of 
Punta  Pizjsolungo,  and  extend  north-northwestward  for  a  distance 
of  about  1  mile.  The  outer  end  is  marked  by  a  floating  beacon  sur- 
mounted by  a  mast  by  day  and  a  white  light  by  night.  (See  Caution, 
p.  61,  and  on  chart.) 

Monte  San  Giuliano^  the  summit  of  which  is  about  2J  miles 
south-southeastward  of  Punta  Pizzolungo,  is  a  large,  rugged,  coni- 
cal mass  rising  2,464  feet  above  the  sea,  crowned  by  the  town  of  the 
same  name  (ancient  Eryx),  which  is  surrounded  by  a  dilapidated 
wall  with  square  turrets,  with  the  ruins  of  a  Saracenic  castle  at  its 
eastern  angle;  it  has  a  population  of  about  29,800.  In  rounding 
Capo  San  Vito  from  the  eastward,  the  town  is  conspicuous  on  the 
summit  of  the  mount. 


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THE   SICU-Y  AND  MALTA  CHANNELS.  507 

Punta  San  (Huliano,  a  rocky  projection  on  which  is  a  tower,  50 
feet  high,  and  the  buildings  of  a  tunny  factory,  lies  2^  miles  south- 
westward  of  Punta  Pizzolungo,  the  coast  between  being  low  and 
marshy,  with  a  sandy  beach. 

Tunny  fishery. — Off  Punta  San  Giuliano  tunny  nets  are  laid 
out  during  the  season,  March  to  November,  and  they  extend  in  a 
northwesterly  direction  about  1  mile  from  the  shore.  The  outer  end 
is  marked  by  a  floating  beacon,  surmoimted  by  a  mast  by  day  and  a 
white  light  by  night.    (See  Caution,  p.  61,  and  on  chart.) 

Scoglio  Porcelliy  lying  4.3  miles  westward  from  Punta  San  Giu- 
liano, are  a  small  dangerous  group  awash,  with  depths  of  from  7  to 
8  fathoms  close  to  them,  and  15  fathoms  at  a  distance  of  200  yards. 

Light. — From  a  circular  masonry  tower,  79  feet  high,  erected  on 
these  rocks,  is  exhibited  an  imwatched  flashing  white  light.  It  is 
exhibited  at  an  elevation  of  74  feet  above  the  sea,  and  is  visible  12 
miles.     (See  Light  List.) 

Beacon. — In  the  middle  of  the  shoal  close  to  the  lighthouse  is  an 
iron  beacon,  surmoimted  by  a  ball  28  feet  above  the  sea. 

Secca  San  Oiovanni,  a  sand  bank  about  700  yards  in  length  in 
a  northerly  and  southerly  direction,  with  a  least  depth  of  5^  fathoms, 
lies  1.1  miles  south-southeastward  of  Scoglio  Porcelli. 

Formica  and  Maraone  are  two  islets  lying  about  3J  miles  south- 
ward from  Scoglio  Porcelli ;  Maraone,  the  western  islet,  is  long  and 
narrow,  with  a  building  on  it ;  the  eastern  is  of  irregular  shape,  with 
the  buildings  of  a  tunny  factory  and  lighthouse  on  it.  The  islets  are 
generally  steep-to,  and  may  be  passed  at  a  distance  of  200  yards,  but 
a  shoal,  with  3  fathoms  over  it,  lies  640  yards  eastward  of  Formica. 

Light. — ^The  lighthouse  on  Formica  is  a  white  circular  turret,  05 
feet  in  height  over  a  fort,  and  exhibits,  at  an  elevation  of  85  feet 
above  the  sea,  an  occulting  white  light,  visible  8  miles.  The  light  is 
named  Formiche.     (See  Light  List.) 

Tunny  fllshery. — Tunny  nets  are  laid  out  during  the  season, 
March  to  November,  about  J  mile  in  a  north-northwestern  and 
nearly  1:]  miles  in  an  east-northeastern  direction  from  Formica. 
The  seaward  limits  of  the  nets  are  marked  in  daytime  by  boats 
painted  black  and  white  with  mast  and  flag,  and  by  night  with  a 
white  light  on  the  boats.     (See  Caution,  p.  61,  and  on  chart.) 

Trapani  Approach. — About  1^  miles  southwestward  of  Punta 
San  Giuliano  a  low  rocky  tongue  of  land,  Punta  Ligni,  extends 
nearly  i  mile  to  the  northwestward,  the  outer  part  being  broken  into 
rocks  or  islets ;  the  inner  end  forms  the  northern  part  of  Porto  Tra- 
pani ;  400  yards  within  the  extremity  of  the  point  is  Torre  liigni. 

Isola  del  Lazaretto  lies  400  yards  southwestward  of  the  inner  end 
of  Punta  Ligni,  with  which  it  is  connected  by  a  causeway,  and  from 


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508  THE  SICILY  AND  MALTA  CHANNELS. 

the  Lazaretto  a  cluster  of  low  rocks  and  islands  extends  to  the  north- 
w^ward  for  a  distance  of  800  yards. 

Secca  Ballata  lies  850  yards  westward  from  Punta  Ligni,  and 
has  9  feet  water  on  it. 

About  i  mile  to  the  southward  of  Secca  Ballata,  and  nearly  the 
same  distance  from  the  northern  extremity  of  rocks  southwestward 
of  Punta  Ligni,  is  a  rocky  patch  with  10  feet  water  on  it,  and  another, 
with  13  feet,  300  yards  farther  southward.  The  supplementary 
fixed  red  light  on  Scoglio  Palumbo  shows  over  Secca  Ballata  and 
these  rocks. 

Isola  Colombaiay  400  yards  to  the  southward  of  Isola  del  Laza- 
retto, has  a  fort  and  disused  lighthouse  at  its  eastern  extremity; 
westward  of  the  island  are  two  other  islets;  the  outer  one,  Palumbo, 
also  has  a  lighthouse  on  it;  they  are  surrounded  by  a  flat,  with  depths 
of  from  1  foot  to  12  feet,  and  at  nearly  400  yards  to  the  northeast- 
ward of  Punta  Ligni  is  Malconsiglio,  8  feet  above  the  sea  and 
steep-to. 

Lights. — On  Scoglio  Palumbo,  700  yards  westward  of  Colombaia 
disused  lighthouse,  a  white  circular  tower,  38  feet  in  height,  and 
having  a  dwelling  attached,  exhibits,  at  an  elevation  of  55  feet  above 
the  sea,  a  flashing  white  light.  The  light  shows  all  round  the  horizon 
except  where  obscured  by  the  land,  and  is  visible  12  miles. 

A  supplementary  fixed  red  light  is  exhibited  from  one  of  the  win- 
dows of  the  lighthouse;  it  is  visible  2  miles.  (For  arc  of  visibility, 
see  Light  List  and  chart.) 

Porto  di  Trapaniy  formed  on  the  southern  side  of  the  town  be- 
tween Isola  Colombaia  and  the  shore,  is  open  to  the  southward,  Und 
the  harbor  extends  from  Isola  del  Lazaretto  for  about  IJ  miles 
eastward,  its  breadth  between  the  Salinas  and  the  town  being  about 
350  yards;  but  the  northwestern  half  is  nearly  dry,  and  it  shoals 
rapidly  800  yards  inside  the  inner  breakwater. 

Depths. — There  are  depths  of  24  to  50  feet  in  the  outer  part  of 
the  harbor,  23  to  24  feet  into  the  inner  part  of  the  harbor,  and  a  space 
in  the  inner  part,  700  yards  in  length  and  200  yards  in  width,  has  been 
dredged  to  a  depth  of  from  21  to  25  feet. 

Dredging  operations  are  in  progress. 

Secca  Mauda — Buoys. — On  the  northern  side  of  the  entrance  to 
the  inner  part  of  the  port,  about  150  yards  northwestward  of  Punta 
Ronciglio  Breakwater  Lighthouse,  is  a  shoal  named  Mauda.  It  is 
marked  by  two  spar  buoys,  with  black  and  white  horizontal  bands, 
one  at  each  end  of  the  shoal. 

Breakwaters. — A  breakwater  to  protect  the  port  from  the  west- 
ward and  southwestward  extends  for  280  yards  southward  from  the 
southeastern  angle  of  the  fort  on  Isola  Colombaia.    A  breakwater 


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THE  SICILY  AND  MALTA  CHANNELS.  509 

about  200  yards  in  length  extends  in  a  northwesterly  direction  from 
Punta  Ronciglio  on  the  southern  side  of  the  harbor,  and  on  the 
northern  side  a  short  mole  has  a  southerly  direction  from  near  the 
customhouse. 

Dredging. — ^Dredging  is  in  progress  on  the  northern  side  of  the 
entrance  to  the  inner  port  of  Trapani. 

tJLights. — On  the  extremity  of  the  breakwater  at  Punta  Ronciglio, 
from  an  iron  crane,  is  exhibited,  at  an  elevation  of  33  feet  above  the 
sea,  an  occulting  green  light  visible  9  miles. 

On  the  outer  end  of  the  breakwater,  extending  from  Isola  Colom- 
baia,  is  exhibited,  at  an  elevation  of  31  feet  above  the  sea,  from  a 
gray  iron  structure,  an  occulting  red  light  visible  6  miles. 

On  the  extremity  of  the  Health  Mole,  near  the  customhouse,  a 
fixed  red  light  is  exhibited,  at  an  elevation  of  16  feet  above  the  sea, 
from  an  iron  standard  13  feet  in  height  standing  on  a  stone  base ;  it 
is  visible  in  clear  weather  from  a  distance  of  3  miles  and  shows  over 
the  port  near  the  middle  of  the  mole.    (See  Light  List.) 

Mooring  buoys. — There  are  two  mooring  buoys  in  the  outer  part 
of  the  harbor ;  they  lie  in  a  southwesterly  direction  from  Ronciglio 
Breakwater  Lighthouse,  the  outer  being  i  mile  distant  from  it.  They 
are  for  the  use  of  the  Italian  mail  steamers. 

Pilots. — There  are  seven  pilots  for  the  port,  but  pilotage  is  not 
compulsory  either  for  entering  or  leaving. 

Anchorages. — The  outer  anchorage  is  about  500  yards  southward 
of  Colombaia  Lighthouse,  in  8  or  10  fathoms  water,  over  mud  and 
weeds.  There  is  also  good  anchorage,  with  southwest  and  southerly 
winds,  in  the  bay  northward  of  the  town,  in  depths  of  7  or  8  fathoms 
over  sand. 

Directions. — Vessels  from  the  northward  bound  to  Trapani,  after 
rounding  the  promontory  of  Capo  San  Vito,  should  steer  about  232° 
for  10  miles,  when  Scoglio  Porcelli  Lighthouse  will  be  seen,  and 
then  Isola  Asenelli  Beacon -and  Formica  Lighthouse.  Bring  For- 
mica Lighthouse  to  bear  213°  just  westward  of  the  eastern  end  of 
Favignana,  and  steer  for  it,  which  will  lead  nearly  midway  between 
Scoglio  Porcelli  and  Secca  Ballata,  until  Palumbo  Light  bears  126° 
and  is  in  range  with  Paceco  (Jreen  Peak  (Monte  Castellazo)  413 
feet  above  the  sea,  situated  to  the  southeastward  of  the  town  of 
Paceco;  then  steer  more  to  the  southward  and  gradually  haul  in  for 
the  anchorage. 

From  Trapani,  bound  to  the  southward  ,steer  about  242°  for  the 
peak  of  Favignana,  to  avoid  the  shoal  ground  extending  IJ  miles 
seaward  northwest  of  Torre  Nubia,  until  the  southern  point  of  Le- 
vanzo  is  open  southward  of  Formica,  bearing  270° ;  then  steer  212°, 
passing  about  midway  between  the  lighthouse  of  Punta  Marsala  at 


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510  THE   SICILY   AND   MALTA  CHANNELS. 

the  southeastern  end  of  Favignana,  ahd  the  lightbuoy  northwestward 
of  Punto  Scario. 

At  nighty  vessels  from  the  northward,  after  rounding  Capo  San 
Vito  should  steer  for  Scoglio  Porcelli,  and  when  the  light,  flashing 
white,  is  sighted  (Isola  Asinelli  Light,  flashing  red,  will  be  sighted 
about  the  same  time),  keep  it  bearing  233°  until  Formica  Light,  oc- 
culting white,  is  sighted,  which  light  should  be  kept  bearing  216° 
until  through  the  red  sector  of  Palumbo  supplementary  light,  when 
the  anchorage  may  be  steered  for. 

Cautloii. — During  the  tunny  season  the  channels  eastward  of 
Scoglio  Porcelli,  Levanzo,  and  Favignana  are  so  much  obstructed  by 
tunny  nets  that  it  is  advisable  to  pass  westward  of  them. 

Town. — ^The  town  of  Trapani  (ancient  Drepanum)  stands  on  a 
low  tongue  of  land  curving  to  the  north-northwestward  in  the  form 
of  a  scythe ;  it  contains  a  population  of  about  59,400,  is  well  built, 
with  regular  streets,  and  has  a  cathedral,  many  churches^  convents, 
nunneries,  hospitals,  and  other  public  buildings,  and  is  entirely 
surroimded  by  a  wall,  with  bastions,  ravelins,  etc.  A  fine  marina 
extends  along  in  front  of  the  southern  wall. 

Communication. — Steamers  leave  every  week  for  Mai-sala, 
Tunis,  Bizerta,  Palermo,  and  Cagliari,  and  fortnightly  for  Pan- 
tellaria,  also  frequent  commimication  with  Europe;  railroad  com- 
munication with  Marsala,  and  telegraphic  communication  with  all 
lines.    The  telegraph  office  is  open  till  midnight. 

Coal  and  supplies. — About  2,000  tons  of  coal  are  usually  kept 
in  stock,  coaling  is  carried  on  by  baskets,  and  about  200  tons  could 
be  put  on  board  in  24  hours;  there  are  about  50  lighters,  each  hold- 
ing 20  tons.  Southeastern  and  northwestern  winds  might  impede 
or  prevent  coaling. 

Supplies  of  fresh  provisions  are  abundant,  and  very  good  water 
which  is  conveyed  into  the  town  by  an  aqueduct  may  be  obtained  by 
means  of  a  municipal  tank  boat. 

Trade. — ^Trapani  has  a  considerable  trade,  and  the  salinas,  just  to 
the  southeastward  of  the  town,  are  the  most  extensive  of  any  in 
Sicily,  the  salt  being  of  good  quality  and  largely  exported.  The 
inhabitants  carry  on  the  coral  fishery  on  the  African  coast,  the  cut- 
ting and  polishing  of  coral  being  a  branch  of  industry.  Besides 
gait  and  coral,  the  exports  comprise  wine,  macaroni,  and  com  flour, 
and  imports  staves,  deals,  planks,  chemical  fertilizers,  charcoal, 
and  coal. 

Hospital. — The  Civil  Hospital  has  250  beds,  50  of  which  are 
available  for  a  fixed  rate  of  payment. 

Coast. — ^To  the  southward  of  Trapani  the  coast  land  is  flat,  and 
so  low  as  to  be  flooded  by  the  sea.    It  is  formed  into  extensive  sal- 


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THE  SICILY  AND  MALTA  CHANNELS..  511 

terns,  the  squares  being  separated  by  raised  causeways.  The  salt, 
when  collected  and  heaped  into  pyramids  ready  for  shipment,  pre- 
sents from  seaward  the  appearance  of  a  large  camp,  behind  which 
the  richly  cultivated  land  gradually  rises  to  the  small  towns  of  Xitta 
and  Paceco,  which  are  backed  by  a  range  of  hills  721  feet  above 
the  sea. 

About  2  miles  southward  of  Trapani  is  Torre  Nubia,  46  feet  in 
height,  square,  white,  and  isolated,  and  off  the  low  point  a  small, 
sandy  islet  with  shoal  water  extending  off  some  distance,  there  being 
only  5  fathoms  at  li  miles  northwestward  of  the  tower.  The  shoal 
affords  some  protection  to  the  anchorage  of  Trapani. 

From  Torre  Nubia  the  low  coast,  with  houses  close  to  the  sea, 
trends  in  a  southerly  direction  for  4f  miles  to  a  point  on  which  is 
Torre  di  San  Teodoro  (telegraph) ,  painted  black  and  white  in  squares, 
and  two  mills ;  nearly  midway  between  is  Torre  Mezzo.  The  country 
is  richly  cultivated  with  olive  groves  and  vineyards  and  backed  by  a 
ridge  from  320  to  400  feet  above  the  sea. 

Secca  del  Fiume,  a  detached  bank  with  45  fathoms  over  it,  lies 
2  miles  west-southwestward  of  Torre  Mezzo,  and  the  5-f  athom  curve 
extends  nearly  IJ  miles  from  the  shore  in  this  neighborhood. 

Isola  Oxande. — About  600  yards  southwestward  of  Torre  di  San 
Teodoro  is  Punta  Tramontana,  the  northern  extremity  of  a  low 
island,  named  Isola  Grande,  which  extends  southward  for  a  distance 
of  3.7  miles,  its  surface  being  formed  into  salterns;  a  tower  stands 
midway  between  its  extremities,  and  there  are  several  mills ;  between 
it  and  the  mainland  is  a  shallow  lagoon,  locally  known  as  Stagnone, 
in  which  are  two  smaller  islands  and  several  rocks. 

From  Punta  Scario,  the  northwest  extremity  of  Isola  Grande,  shal- 
low water  extends  in  the  same  direction  IJ  miles,  and  in  rounding 
the  point  a  vessel  should  not  approach  into  less  than  6  fathoms  water. 
Anchorage  will  be  found  with  southerly  winds  off  the  bend  of  the 
shore  northward  of  the  island,  avoiding  the  telegraph  cable  which 
crosses  to  Favignana. 

Lightbuoy. — On  the  northwestern  edge  of  the  shoal  extending 
from  Punta  Scario  a  cylindrical  lightbuoy,  with  black  and  white 
horizontal  stripes,  surmounted  by  a  staff,  has  been  established,  ex- 
hibiting an  occulting  red  light  every  five  seconds,  thus:  Flash,  | 
second;  eclipse,  4 J  seconds. 

Tunny  fishery. — Tunny  nets  are  laid  out  during  the  season, 
March  to  November,  from  the  shore  about  J  mile  eastward  of  Punta 
Scario ;  they  extend  about  1.3  miles  in  a  northwesterly  direction.  The 
outer  end  is  marked  by  a  pole  by  day  and  a  white  light  by  night. 
(See  Caution,  p.  61.) 

Capo  liilibeOy  about  5i  miles  southward  of  Punta  Scario,  is  low, 
sloping,  and  foul ;  the  shore  between,  being  bordered  by  shallow  water 

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612  THE   SICILY  AND   MALTA  CHANNELS. 

at  distances  varying  from  1  to  2^  miles,  should  not  be  approached 
nearer  than  6  or  7  fathoms. 

Porto  di  Marsala  is  an  artificial  port  about  1  mile  south  westward 
of  Capo  Lilibeo. 

A  conspicuous  mill  IJ  miles  eastward  of  the  cape  is  108  feet  above 
the  sea,  and  along  the  shore  inunediately  southward  of  the  town  are 
three  wine  establishments  appearing  like  large  barracks  and  con- 
spicuous from  seaward. 

The  port  is  shallow  and  the  entrance  narrow,  so  vessels  should 
not  enter  without  local  assistance. 

Depths. — There  are  depths  of  12  to  15  feet  a  little  within  the 
entrance.  Vessels  drawing  14  feet  can  enter.  The  Western  Mole 
has  depths  of  4  to  9  feet  alongside.  The  Eastern  Mole  is  not  in  a 
condition  for  vessels  to  load  or  discharge  alongside.  A  20-foot 
channel  into  the  harbor  is  being  dredged. 

Moles. — The  Western  Mole,  extending  in  a  southwest  direction 
from  the  customhouse,  curves  gradually  round  to  southeast,  and  is 
about  1,150  yards  in  length.  At  200  yards  from  its  extremity  a 
mode  extends  607  yards  in  a  southerly  direction. 

The  East  Mole,  1,300  yards  southeastward  of  the  commencement 
of  the  West  Mole,  has  an  easterly  direction  curving  slightly  to  the 
northward,  and  is  500  yards  in  length,  leaving  an  entrance  between 
the  mole  heads  about  200  yards  in  width  with  depths  of  from  IJ 
to  3  fathoms. 

Lights. — On  the  extremity  of  the  West  Mole  a  circular  tower, 
59  feet  in  height,  exhibits,  at  an  elevation  of  65  feet  above  the  level 
of  the  sea,  a  group  flashing  white  light.  It  is  visible  in  clear  weather 
from  a  distance  of  13  miles. 

A  flashing  red  light  is  erected  at  the  head  of  the  outer  West  Mole. 
The  light  is  exhibited  from  a  skeleton  iron  mast  set  in  a  concrete 
base,  and  is  visible  5  miles. 

At  the  end  of  the  East  Mole  a  flashing  green  light  is  shown  from 
a  light  tower  elevated  31  feet  above  the  sea,  being  visible  5  miles. 

(For  arc  of  visibility,  see  Light  List  and  Chart) 

Mooring  buoy. — A  mooring  buoy  lies  in  4J  TEathoms  about  200 
yards  eastward  of  the  flashing  red  light  on  the  outer  West  Mole. 

Note. — Carrletl  away  in  1914. 

Pilots. — Pilots  are  obliged,  when  requested,  to  meet  vessels  arriv- 
ing up  to  2  miles  from  the  entrance  of  the  port  and  to  conduct  those 
leaving  1  mile  from  the  entrance,  subject  to  weather  permitting. 

When  the  master,  moving  his  vessel,  requests  the  assistance  of  the 
pilot  boat,  this  is  not  refused,  but  for  such  work  the  pilots  are  entitled 
to  payment. 

Town. — The  town  of  Marsala  (ancient  Lilybseum),  long  the  capi- 
tal of  the  Carthaginian  dominions  in  Sicily,  has,  like  Trapani,  sev- 

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THE  SICILY  AND  MALTA  CHANNELS.  513 

eral  churches  and  convents  and  a  cathedral  dedicated  to  St.  Thomas 
a  Becket;  it  is  situated  northward  of  the  port,  is  built  in  a  square 
form,  and  surrounded  by  a  wall  in  ruins. 

The  population  of  the  town  and  district  is  about  69,410. 

Communicatioii. — Steamers  every  week  to  Palermo,  Trapani, 
Genoa,  Pantellaria,  Syracuse,  Porto  Empedocle,  and  Tunis,  and 
every  fortnight  to  Lampedusa ;  also  steamers  frequently  to  England 
and  Malta.  Railroad  communication  with  Trapani,  Mazzara,  and 
Palermo ;  telegraphic  commimication  with  all  lines.  The  telegraph 
office  at  the  railroad  station  is  open  till  midnight. 

Coal  and  supplies. — ^There  is  no  coal,  patent  fuel,  or  oil  fuel, 
at  Marsala.  Meat  is  not  very  plentiful,  but  bread  and  vegetables  are. 
Spring  water  may  be  obtained  from  a  public  fountain  near  the  wharf. 

Trade. — ^The  principal  trade  is  in  wine,  most  of  which  is  sent  to 
Great  Britain  or  her  colonies;  cheese,  salt,  macaroni,  olive  oil,  cereals, 
and  green  fruit  are  also  exported ;  the  imports  are  chiefly  petroleum, 
staves,  coffee,  sugar,  and  wood  for  building. 

Hospital. — The  civil  hospital  has  30  beds. 

Anchorage. — ^There  is  good  anchorage,  except  in  winter  months, 
about  J  mile  southwestward  of  the  lighthouse  on  the  West  Mole, 
with  the  southern  wine  establishment  (Ingham's)  bearing  65°. 

Punta  Sibiliana. — From  Marsala  the  coast  trends  southward  5 
miles  to  Punta  Sibiliana,  on  which  is  a  tower.  The  land  between  is 
richly  cultivated  and  the  coast  low,  bordered  with  shallow  water, 
the  5-fathom  curve  of  soundings  being,  in  places,  nearly  1  mile  off- 
shore. 

Sicily — Southwest  coast. — Punta  Bushini,  1  mile  southward  of 
Punta  Sibiliana,  is  low  and  surrounded  by  rocks,  with  two  or  three 
small  houses  on  the  land  forming  the  bay  on  its  northern  side;  thence 
to  Punta  della  Matica,  3f  miles  southeastward,  the  coast  is  low  and 
skirted  with  rocks.  Punta  della  Matica  (Capo  Feto)  is  surrounded 
by  shallow  water,  there  being  a  depth  of  4  fathoms  f  mile  from  the 
shore,  and  vessels  should  not  approach  the  point  within  a  depth  of 
10  fathoms.  In  proceeding  to  the  southward  and  eastward,  the  light 
at  the  town  of  Marsala  should  not  be  brought  to  bear  westward  of 
3°  tintil  Capo  Granitola  light  bears  123°. 

At  Punta  della  Matica  a  sandy  beach  extends  eastward  and  south- 
ward, forming  an  inward  bend,  and  terminating  at  the  town  of 
Mazzara,  3^  miles  from  the  point;  the  low  shore  is  bordered  all  along « 
by  shallow  water.    The  red  sector  of  Mazzara  Light  shows  over  the . 
shoal  water  off  Punta  della  Matica. 

Punta  della  Matica  (Capo  Feto). — ^Light. — An  unwatched 
flashing  white  light  visible  10  miles  is  shown  23  feet  above  the  sea 

(588r>0— 17 33 


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514  THE  SICILY  AND  MALTA  CHANNELS. 

from  pole  on  a  yellow  masonry  building,  19  feet  in  height,  situated 
on  Punta  della  Matica  (Capo  Feto). 

Tunny  fishery. — Tunny  nets  are  laid  out  during  the  season, 
March  to  November,  from  the  shore  of  Punta  della  Matica;  they 
extend  in  a  south-southwesterly  direction  for  aver  1  mile;  the  outer 
end  is  marked  with  a  white  pole  by  day  and  a  white  light  by  night. 
(See  Caution,  p.  61.) 

Mazzara  (ancient  Emporiiun  or  Massara)  is  surrounded  by  an 
old  wall  of  Saracenic  construction,  flanked  by  small  square  towers, 
and  has  an  old  castle  in  ruins  at  its  southwestern  angle.  The  domes  of 
the  churches  give  the  town  an  imposing  aspect  from  the  sea,  and 
another  conspicuous  object  is  the  white  statue  to  San  Vito  at  the 
entrance  to  the  River  Salemi  (Torrente  Mazzaro).  The  population 
numbers  about  20,000. 

Porto  Canale,  formed  by  the  estuary  of  Torrente  Mazzaro,  runs 
in  about  i  mile  westward  of  the  town;  it  is  about  70  yards  wide 
for  the  first  100  yards  and  then  contracts  to  about  30  yards.  The 
outer  part  is  kept  dredged  to  a  depth  of  9  feet,  and  affords  shelter 
to  small  vessels,  but  a  pilot  is  necessary  to  take  a  vessel  in. 

Lights. — A  red  iron  framework  support,  7  feet  high,  and  situated 
on  the  small  pier  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  entrance  to  the  Porto 
Canale,  exhibits,  at  an  elevation  of  33  feet  above  the  sea,  a  white 
occulting  light,  with  red  sector  every  15  seconds,  thus:  Light,  10 
seconds ;  eclipse,  5  seconds.  It  is  visible  in  clear  weather  from  a  dis- 
tance of  10  miles.  (For  sector  and  arc  of  visibility,  see  Light  List 
and  chart.) 

Two  fixed  red  electric  lights  mark  the  entrance  to  Porto  Canale. 

Beacon. — On  Secca  Balata,  a  shoal  lying  about  100  yards  to  the 
westward  of  the  small  pier  at  the  entrance,  is  a  red  beacon  consisting 
of  a  masonry  base  surmounted  by  an  iron  framework,  with  cylinder ; 
it  should  be  left  on  the  port  hand  when  entering. 

Mooring  buoy. — A  black  cylindrical  mooring  buoy  lies  about 
600  yards  southwestward  of  the  entrance  to  Porto  Canale. 

Anchorage. — ^There  is  anchorage,  in  6  to  7  fathoms,  off  Porto 
Canale,  with  the  statue  of  San  Vito  bearing  about  56°.  The  bottom 
is  generally  sand  and  weed,  but  the  nature  should  be  ascertained  be- 
fore anchoring,  as  there  are  patdies  of  rock. 

Communication. — Steuans  every  week  to  Palermo,  and  to  Syra- 
cuse, calling  at  the  ports  oh  the  aouth  coast  of  the  island.  Railroad 
communication  with  PalefiBO  and  Trapani  at  San  Nicola,  about  2 
miles  inland;  tel^raphic  commtmication  with  all  parts.  The  tele- 
graph office  is  open  till  9  p.  m. 

HospitaL— There  is  a  civil  hospital  with  16  beds. 

Supplies  of  fresh  provisions  may  be  procured,  and  water  of  good 
quality. 


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THE  SICILY  AND  MALTA  CHANNELS.  515 

Trade. — The  principal  exports  to  Great  Britain  and  colonies  are 
wine,  cheese,  and  olive  oil,  and  the  imports  from  the  same  are  rice 
and  wine. 

Submarine  telegraph  cable. — A  telegraph  cable  to  Pantellaria 
is  landed  on  the  northern  side  of  the  entrance  to  Fiume  Arena,  a 
river  1^  miles  southeastward  of  Mazzara ;  its  direction  is  marked  by 
two  beacons. 

The  beacons  marking  the  first  direction  of  the  cable  are  posts,  each 
surmounted  by  a  white  framework  globe,  one  of  the  globes  having 
the  letter  T  in  black  on  it.  There  is  also  a  board,  with  a  notice  that 
anchorage,  etc.,  is  prohibited  near  the  cable. 

n  Marobbio. — It  is  not  prudent  to  anchor  too  near  the  town,  on 
account  cf  II  Marobbio,  an  extraordinary  phenomenon,  most  prob- 
ably deriving  its  name  from  Mare  Ubbriaco,  or  Drunken  Sea,  being 
a  violent  agitation  of  the  water,  occurring  principally  on  the  south- 
ern coast  of  Sicily,  and,  though  generally  found  to  happen  in  calm 
weather,  is  considered  the  certain  precursor  of  a  gale. 

II  Marobbio  is  fell  with  the  greatest  violence  at  Mazzara,  per- 
haps owing  to  the  contour  of  the  coast.  Its  approach  is  announced 
by  a  stillness  in  the  atmosphere  and  a  lurid  sky ;  when  suddenly  the 
water  rises  nearly  2  feet  above  its  usual  level,  and  rushes  into  the 
creeks  with  amazing  rapidity;  but  in  a  few  minutes  recedes  with 
equal  velocity,  disturbing  the  mud,  tearing  up  the  seaweed,  and 
occasioning  a  noisome  effluvia;  during  its  continuance  the  fish  float 
helpless  on  the  turbid  surface  and  are  easily  taken. 

These  rapid  changes  generally  continue  from  30  minutes  to  up- 
wards of  2  hours,  and  are  succeeded  by  a  breeze  from  the  southward, 
which  quickly  increases  to  heavy  gusts.  This  phenomenon  may  be 
occasioned  by  a  westerly  wind,  blowing  at  some  distance  in  the 
offing  toward  the  north  coast  of  Sicily,  and  a  southeast  wind  at 
the  same  time  in  the  channel  of  Malta,  the  meeting  of  which  would 
take  place  between  Trapani  and  Capo  St.  Marco;  for  the  westerly 
wind  most  usually  precedes,  and  the  southeast  succeeds  II  Marobbio. 

South  coast — Capo  Oranitola. — At  li  miles  from  Mazzara  the 
Fiume  Arena  runs  into  the  sea,  and  between  it  and  the  cape  is 
Lago  Preola.  Capo  Granitola  is  a  low,  broad  projection,  and 
about  f  mile  to  the  northward  of  it  is  the  old  lighthouse  of  Sorello 
and  a  white  cylindrical  tower  near  it;  the  coast  in  this  vicinity  is 
skirted  with  rocks. 

Light. — On  Capo  Granitola  a  white  circular  tower,  110  feet  in 
height,  with  a  dwelling  attached,  exhibits,  at  an  elevation  of  123 
feet  above  the  sea,  a  flashing  white  light,  visible  19  miles. 

Funta  Atriversa,  about  f  mile  to  the  southeastward  of  the  cape, 
is  low  and  skirted  with  rocks,  the  shallow  water  extending  off  about 


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516  THE  SICILY  AND  MALTA  CHANNELS. 

1,200  yards.  All  the  adjacent  land  is  flat  and  low,  can  not  be  seen 
in  thick  weather,  and  should  not  be  approached  within  the  depth  of 
10  fathoms. 

Current. — Off  Capo  Granitola  and  along  the  south  coast  of  Sicily 
the  current  generally  sets  to  the  southeastward,  increasing  in 
strength  with  northwest  winds;  while  southwest  winds,  which  are 
sensibly  felt  during  the  vernal  equinox,  cause  a  strong  counter  cur- 
rent. At  times,  however,  the  currents  are  irregular,  and  no  depend- 
ence can  be  placed  on  them,  but  their  strength  and  direction  gen- 
erally depend  on  that  of  the  wind. 

Coast. — From  Pimta  Atriversa  a  long  line  of  beach  stretches  in 
an  easterly  direction  for  7  miles  to  another  point  named  Polusia, 
composed  of  small  cliffs  and  about  80  feet  high.  Torre  Tre  Fontane 
stands  close  to  the  sea  2^  miles  from  Punta  Atriversa,  and  near  it  is 
a  good  stream  of  fresh  water ;  upon  the  rising  ground  northeastward 
of  Torre  Tre  Fontane  are  the  towns  of  Campobello  and  Castel- 
vetrano,  the  latter  660  feet  above  the  sea. 

A  shallow  bank,  close  to  the  beach,  breaks  the  sea  and  affords  shel- 
ter to  the  fishing  boats  during  southerly  winds;  the  boats  are  hauled 
on  the  beach  at  night. 

Sellnunte. — On  the  plain  over  the  cliffs,  about  f  mile  eastward 
of  Punta  Polusia,  are  the  ruins  of  Selynus,  or  Selinuntum,  which, 
at  a  little  distance  seaward,  resembles  a  large  town;  two  enormous 
pillars,  like  towers,  are  still  standing.  There  are  also  a  few  houses 
and  a  coast-guard  station.  On  each  side  of  the  cliffs  is  a  small  river, 
the  western  named  Modione,  and  the  eastern  Belice;  they  are  about 
2  miles  apart,  with  a  tower  on  the  cliff  near  the  former. 

Near  the  coast  the  land  is  covered  with  dwarf  palms,  wild  olives, 
and  myrtles,  and  abounds  with  game,  and  the  interior  is  richly  cul- 
tivated with  vineyards. 

Porto  Palo,  about  3  miles  eastward  of  the  ruins  of  Selinunte,  is 
formed  by  a  small,  bluff,  cliffy  point  named  Capo  Scaro,  has  from  3 
to  4  fathoms  water,  over  muddy  sand,  and  is  much  to  be  recom- 
mended as  a  port  of  shelter  to  small  vessels,  from  northwesterly 
winds.  The  point  is  rocky  and  surrounded  with  shallow  water ;  there 
is  a  village  on  it,  and  a  square  tower  136  feet  above  the  sea. 

Here  is  a  large  fishery  for  anchovies  and  sardines  and  the  town  of 
Menfi,  of  which  Palo  is  the  port,  is  3  miles  to  the  northeastward, 
connected  by  a  broad  road  through  a  fertile  grain  district,  and  ex- 
ports a  large  quantity  of  grain.  Porto  Palo  is  difficult  to  distinguish 
when  making  it  from  the  south*vvard ;  the  tower  on  the  point  is,  how- 
ever, a  good  guide. 

Communicatloii. — ^The  nearest  railroad  station  is  Castelvetrano, 
on  the  Trapani-Palermo  line;  there  is  a  good  road  from  Porto  Palo 
to  Menfi,  and  thence  to  Castelvetrano. 


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THE  SICILY  AND  MALTA  CHANNELS.  617» 

Telegraph  Btation. — There  is  a  telegraph  station  on  Capo  Scaro. 

Supplies. — Fresh  provisions  in  small  quantities  may  be  obtained ; 
the  water  is  good  and  abundant. 

Coast. — From  Porto  Palo  to  Capo  San  Marco,  a  distance  of  7 
miles,  the  coast  is  low  and  sandy,  and  between  is  the  Fiume  Carabi. 
The  coast  between  Punta  Atriversa,  17  miles  west-northwestward, 
and  this  cape  forms  a  bay  more  than  3  miles  deep,  which  is  clear  of 
danger;  the  shore  may  be  approached  to  the  distance  of  1  mile,  in 
depths  of  from  10  to  15  fathoms,  over  mud  and  sand. 

Capo  San  Marco  is  an  abrupt,  irregular  point  of  reddish  color, 
with  a  cylindrical  white  tower  fronted  by  a  house  on  it,  elevated  310 
feet  above  the  sea;  it  is  skirted  with  rocks,  the  depths  near  it  are 
irregular,  and  there  is  a  patch  of  4f  fathoms  about  f  mile  southward 
of  it. 

Light. — On  Capo  San  Marco  a  white  octagonal  turret,  21  feet  in 
height,  and  surmounting  a  dwelling,  exhibits,  at  an  elevation  of  100 
feet  above  the  sea,  a  flashing  white  light,  visible  15  miles.  (For  arc 
of  visibility  see  Light  List  and  chart.) 

Sciacca. — Between  Capo  San  Marco  and  Capo  Bianco,  about  14 
miles  to  the  southeastward,  the  coast  forms  another  extensive  bay 
similar  to  that  northwestward  of  the  former  cape.  The  town  of 
Sciacca  (ancient  Thermae  Selinuntia?),  about  3  miles  from  Capo  San 
Marco,  stands  on  the  declivity  of  an  eminence  rising  from  the  sea, 
and  is  surrounded  by  an  irregular  wall,  with  bastions  toward  the  sea, 
and  a  castle  at  its  eastern  angle. 

The  monastery  on  Monte  San  Calogero,  elevated  1,270  feet  above 
the  sea,  lies  1^  miles  northeastward  of  the  town. 

The  appearance  of  the  town  from  a  distance,  notwithstanding  its 
large  churches,  convents,  and  magazines,  is  more  imposing  than  when 
in  close  proximity.  It  is  one  of  the  principal  ports  on  the  south  coast 
of  Sicily  for  the  exportation  of  corn,  and  the  rock  on  which  the  town 
stands  is,  in  numerous  places,  hollowed  out  into  com  cellars.  The 
long  esteemed  baths  of  Sciacca  are  supplied  from  two  springs  without 
the  town  to  the  eastward.  The  water  issues  from  a  white  saline  rock 
in  two  distinct  streams,  one  of  which  is  sulphurous  and  hot,  at  about 
126°  Fahrenheit;  the  other  cool,  at  about  60°  Fahrenheit,  impreg- 
nated with  the  saline  quality  of  the  rock,  and  highly  valued  for 
cutaneous  disorders.  But  the  steam  baths,  the  construction  of  which 
w^as  ascribed  in  antiquity,  to  Daedalus,  and  now  called  the  Stufe  di 
San  Calogero,  are  on  the  summit  of  the  hill  about  1^  miles  north- 
eastward of  the  town,  and  are  said  to  have  been  in  use  more  than 
3,000  years  ago.    The  population  is  about  24,640. 

Mole. — ^A  mole,  320  yards  in  length,  in  a  westerly  direction,  ex- 
tends parallel  to  the  shore  in  front  of  the  town,  and  incloses  a  space 
from  100  to  150  yards  in  width,  with  depth  of  about  4  feet. 


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518  THE   SICILY  AND   MALTA   CHANNELS. 

Light. — On  the  end  of  the  mole,  from  an  iron  standard,  19  feet 
high,  at  an  elevation  of  23  feet  aTbove  the  sea,  is  exhibited  an  occult- 
ing green  light  visible  5  miles.    (See  Light  List.) 

Mooring  buoy. — ^There  is  a  mooring  buoy  about  400  yards  south- 
ward of  the  lighthouse,  in  8  fathoms  water. 

Anchorage. — Vessels,  in  summer,  anchor  with  the  Mole  Light- 
house bearing  59°,  dijitant  about  ^  mile  in  8  fathoms  water,  over  sand, 
but  heirg  exposed  to  all  winds  from  southeast,  round  south  to  west, 
it  is  not  resorted  to  in  winter. 

Tunny  fishery. — Tunny  nets  are  laid  out  during  the  season, 
March  to  Jfovember,  from  the  shore,  about  1^  miles  westward  of  the 
molehead;  they  extend  in  a  southerly  direction  for  about  1^  miles. 
The  outer  e^^d  of  the  net  is  marked  by  two  small  white  balls  sur- 
moimted  by  branches,  by  day,  and  by  night  by  a  boat  showing  two 
vertical  lights,  upper  white,  lower  red.    (See  Caution,  p.  61.) 

Communication^ — Weekly  steamers  to  Palermo  and  Syracuse; 
the  nearest  railroad  station  is  at  Castelvetrano,  which  may  be  reached 
by  road  through  Menfi ;  a  railroad  is  being  constructed  up  this  coast 
from  Porto  Empedocle  to  Castelvetrano ;  telegraphic  communication 
with  all  lines.    The  telegraph  office  is  open  till  9  p.  m. 

Supplies  of  fresh  provisions  are  plentiful ;  water  of  medium  qual- 
ity may  be  obtained,  free  of  charge,  from  two  hydrants  near  the 
root  of  the  mole.    The  keys  are  kept  at  the  customhouse. 

Hospitals. — There  are  two  hospitals,  which  receive  seamen  for 
treatment. 

Trade. — There  is  not  much  commerce ;  the  exports  consist  princi- 
pally of  corn,  wine,  paste,  oil,  and  salt  fish. 

Coast. — About  5  miles  eastward  of  Sciacca  is  Torre  della  Verdura, 
which  is  sf^uare,  with  battlements,  and  elevated  300  feet  above  the 
sea ;  about  1  mile  farther,  and  more  to  the  southward,  is  a  consider- 
able stream,  F'iume  San  Carlo  della  Verdura,  with  an  outlet  on  the 
oast  side  of  Punta  Stingo.  The  soundings  are  irregular  for  about  1 
mile  off,  and  a  shallow  fronts  the  shore  upon  both  sides  of  Punta 
Stingo;  6^  miles  to  the  northward  is  the  remarkable  knob,  3,064 
feet  above  the  sea,  on  Monte  Caltabellotta. 

Capo  Bianco  is  a  white  promontory,  about  90  feet  high,  sloping 
from  an  elevatino  of  450  feet  above  the  sea,  with  shallow  water  ex- 
tending upon  either  side  for  more  than  ^  mile  from  the  beach.  Be- 
tween the  cape  and  Sciacca  the  country  presents  an  extensive  undu- 
lating and  well-cultivated  plain,  watered  by  several  rivers,  in  some 
of  which  is  good  fishing;  the  largest  are  Magazzolo  and  Platani, 
which  flow  upon  both  sides  of  Monl:e  Sara,  which  is  dark  and  ele- 
vated 1,421  feet  above  the  sea.  The  plain  is  backed  by  high  rugged 
land,  and  there  are  sulphur  mines  situated  about  2  miles  inland 
from  the  cape. 

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THE  SICILY  AND  MALTA  CHANNELS.  519 

Coast. — Between  Capos  Bianco  and  Hossello,  a  distance  of  10 
miles,  the  coast  is  broken  by  several  rocky  cliffs  and  headlands, 
elevated  from  300  to  500  feet  above  the  sea.  Three  miles  from  the 
former  cape  is  Torre  Salsa  on  a  point,  and  6  miles  beyond  Torre 
Monterosso  on  another  point;  between  these  is  Fimne  Canna. 

This  part  of  the  coast  is  foul,  as  shoals,  with  from  6  to  18  feet 
water  over  them,  extend  from  i  mile  to  1  mile  from  the  shore;  J 
mile  outside  Punta  Salsa  is  a  sunken  rocky  patch,  and  about  the 
same  distance  from  the  shore,  i  westward  of  Punta  Caribici,  are 
some  rocks  above  water,  and  about  ^  mile  southwestward  of  the  same 
point  is  a  rock  with  5  feet  over  it.  The  10-fathom  curve  runs  at  an 
average  distance  of  IJ  miles  from  the  shore,  and  that  of  20  fathoms 
at  about  2|  miles. 

About  3  miles  northeastward  of  Punta  Salsa  is  Monte  Sedita, 
1,400  feet  above  the  sea,  westward  of  and  below  which  is  the  village 
of  Montallegro.  Eastward  of  Fiimie  Canna,  at  about  1  mile  from 
the  coast,  is  the  town  of  Siculiana  (ancient  Cena) ;  it  is  pleasantly 
situated  upon  two  hills.  There  are  extensive  sulphur  mines  in  the 
neighborhood,  and  a  loading  place  on  the  west  bank  of  the  river. 
Siculiana  has  railroad  communication  with  Porto  Empedocle. 

Anchorage. — Temporary  anchorage  will  be  found  at  1^  miles 
from  the  shore  in  depths  of  from  9  to  11  fathoms,  over  mud,  with  the 
castle  at  Siculiana  bearing  42° 

Tunny  fishery. — A  tunny  fishery  has  been  established  about  J 
mile  eastward  of  Torre  Salsa,  extending  about  1.4  miles  from  the 
shore  in  a  south-southwestward  direction.  The  fishery  is  marked  in 
the  daytime  by  two  balls,  painted  white,  and  a  bundle  of  palms,  on 
the  eastern  side,  and  another  ball  and  palms  in  the  center  of  the 
fisher}^  and  at  night  a  boat  will  be  stationed  about  40  yards  from 
the  extremity  of  the  fishery  carrying  two  lights  vertically,  the  upper 
green  and  the  lower  white.    (See  Caution,  p.  61,  and  chart.) 

Capo  Brossello  is  a  conspicuous  head  composed  of  brown  earth 
cliffs,  325  feet  high,  with  a  white  lighthouse  and  keepers'  dwellings 
upon  it;  about  1  mile  to  the  northeastward  is  the  village  of  Real- 
monte.  The  cliffs  upon  the  eastern  side  of  the  cape  are  nearly  per- 
pendicular, and  off  the  points  1^  miles  from  either  side  of  it  are 
several  rocks  both  above  and  under  water,  extending  }  mile  out; 
Balata  Vecchia,  which  lies  J  mile  southeastward  of  the  cape,  is  13 
feet  above  the  sea. 

Light. — ^The  lighthouse  on  Capo  Eossello  is  a  white  circular 
tower,  28  feet  in  height,  with  dwelling  attached,  exhibiting,  at  an 
elevation  of  325  feet  above  the  sea,  a  group  flashing  light;  it  is 
visible  25  miles,  but  is  obscured  by  the  old  lighthouse  when  within  a 
distance  of  650  yards  from  the  shore. 


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520  THE  SIOILY  AND  MALTA  CHANNELS. 

Cioast. — From  Capo  Rossello  to  Punta  Bianca,  a  distance  of  12 
miles  in  a  southeasterly  direction,  the  cliffs  are  of  various  heights 
around  the  several  bays,  as  far  as  Porto  Empedocle,  which  is  4  miles 
to  the  eastward;  hence  to  Punta  Bianca  the  coast  is  divided  into 
three  equal  portions,  by  the  Fiume  Agregas  and  Fiume  Naro,  with 
sloping  banks  varying  in  height  from  150  to  180  feet  above  the  sea. 

Within,  the  land  rises  in  irregular  contours  to  an  elevation  of 
upward  of  1,700  feet,  at  a  distance  of  5  miles  from  the  coast,  having 
the  appearance  of  three  ranges  forming  a  semiamphitheater,  the 
slopes  being  broken  by  the  rivers  and  watercourses. 

Depths  offshore. — The  shore  generally,  to  the  distance  of  i  mile, 
is  bordered  by  ledges  having  on  them  from  6  to  18  feet  water.  Be- 
yond this,  the  soundings  are  irregular,  the  20-fathom  curve  rimning 
about  4  miles  from  the  beach,  but  including  some  detached  rocks. 

Porto  Empedocle^  the  port  of  Girgenti,  is  formed  by  two  break- 
waters inclosing  the  new  port  and  by  an  inner  mole,  inside  which  is 
the  old  port. 

The  Western  Breakwater  extends  from  the  shore  about  300  yards 
westward  of  the  old  mole,  for  a  distance  of  about  1,080  yards  in  a 
southerly  direction. 

The  Eastern  Breakwater,  commencing  at  about  the  same  distance 
eastward  of  the  old  mole  has  a  length  of  about  1,500  yards,  and  com- 
mencing in  a  south-southeasterly  direction  curves  roimd  to  south- 
westward  and  westward.  The  ♦mtrance  between  the  breakwater 
heads  is  240  yards  in  width. 

The  old  mole,  inside,  and  forming  the  old  port,  has  a  southeasterly 
direction  for  about  300  yards,  and  then  turns  to  the  eastward  for 
about  80  yards. 

Depths. — ^The  depth  in  the  new  port,  except  for  a  short  distance 
southward  of  the  old  mole,  where  it  is  shoaler,  is  from  18  to  23  feet. 
Vessels  drawing  21  feet  can  enter. 

liights. — About  20  yards  from  the  extremity  of  the  East  Break- 
water, an  iron  standard  on  a  small  red  masonry  house,  16  feet  in 
height,  exhibits,  at  an  elevation  of  27  feet  above  the  sea,  a  flashing 
green  light,  which  is  visible  4  miles,  but  only  faintly  visible  inside 
the  port.  A  flashing  red  light  is  shown  from  a  small  masonry  house 
erected  a  few  yards  from  the  head  of  the  West  Breakwater  is  visible 
4  miles. 

An  occulting  white  light  is  shown  at  an  elevation  of  56  feet  above 
the  sea,  from  a  small  white  truncated  cone  tower,  36  feet  in  height, 
on  the  head  of  the  old  mole,  and  is  visible  10  miles. 

Buoy. — A  mooring  buoy  lies  in  SJ  fathoms  near  the  center  of  the 
new  port. 

Pilots. — The  regulations  of  pilotage  are  the  same  as  at  Licata. 


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THE   SICILY  AND  MALTA  CHANNELS.  521 

Anchorage. — ^The  anchorage,  about  1,200  yards  152°  from  the 
Western  Breakwater  head,  is  in  6  or  7  fathoms  water,  over  sand,  or 
sand  and  mud ;  or  closer  in,  in  a  depth  of  ^  fathoms,  about  400  y ai-ds 
southward  of  the  Eastern  Breakwater;  vessels,  unable  to  go  inside  the 
mole,  load  in  fine  weather  with  moderate  expedition,  but  at  times 
it  is  tedious  and  dangerous.  These  anchorages  are  not  safe  in  the 
fall  of  the  year  when  southwest  gales  occur. 

Directions. — See  page  523. 

Tides. — ^It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  Porto  Empedocle, 
at  about  3  hours  50  minutes.  The  rise  is  from  3  to  9  inches,  but  the 
tide  is  irregular,  especially  at  neaps.  The  currents  along  shore  run 
according  to  the  direction  and  force  of  the  wind,  attaining  a  maxi- 
mum rate  of  about  1  mile  an  hour. 

Town. — ^La  Marina,  with  extensive  sulphur  stores,  extends  along 
the  shore,  and  the  railroad  station  is  at  the  eastern  end.  Rising 
above  some  cultivated  ground  1^  miles  to  the  northward  is  Monte 
Monserrato,  1,040  feet  above  the  sea,  below  which  is  the  cemetery. 
Sulphur  abounds  in  the  hills  in  the  eastern  vicinity.  The  population 
of  La  Marina  in  1912  was  11,174. 

Communication. — Steamers  every  week  to  Syracuse  and  Pa- 
lermo, call  at  intermediate  ports  on  the  south  coast;  also  steamers 
to  most  European  and  North  American  ports  monthly.  Railroad 
communication  with  Girgenti,  thence  to  Termini,  on  the  north  coast, 
joining  the  main  line  between  Palermo  and  Messina;  or  to  the  east- 
ward to  Catania  or  Licata  via  Caniculla  Junction;  there  is  a  line 
also  to  Siculiana,  and  it  is  to  be  continued  to  Castelvetrano :  tele- 
graphic communication  with  all  lines ;  the  telegraph  office  is  open  till 
midnight. 

Coal  and  supplies. — ^Porto  Empedocle  is  not  a  coaling  station, 
the  coal  being  imported  for  railroad  and  mining  purposes  only. 

Supplies  of  fresh  meat,  vegetable,  and  bread  may  be  procured,  but 
are  not  plentiful;  water,  but  only  fit  for  boilers  and  washing  pur- 
poses, may  be  obtained  near  the  root  of  the  West  Mole. 

Trade. — ^The  principal  trade  is  the  export  of  sulphur;  the  other 
exports  are  rock  salt,  almonds,  wheat,  and  beans.  The  imports  are 
coal  and  artificial  manure. 

Girgenti  (Gergent  of  the  Arabs),  with  a  population  of  26,814, 
stands  on  the  side  of  a  hill  about  1,000  feet  above  the  sea  and  about 
2^  miles  to  the  northeastward  of  the  port.  It  is  irregularly  built, 
most  of  the  streets  being  narrow,  with  numerous  churches  and  con- 
vents; a  cathedral  (a  large  heavy  structure)  crowns  the  whole,  giv- 
ing it  an  imposing  aspect  from  seaward. 

The  high  rocky  mount  (1,152  feet)  eastward  of  the  town  named 
Rupe  Atenea,  is  the  site  of  the  Temple  of  Minerva,  and  below  it, 
toward  the  sea,  is  that  of  the  ancient  Agrigentum,  renowned  for 

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522  THE  SICILY  AND   MALTA  CHANNELS. 

power  and  commercial  enterprise,  and  which  contained  a  population 
of  about  300,000. 

The  space  which  it  occupied  is  now  richly  cultivated  with  vine- 
yards and  olive  trees,  and  ruins  of  city  walls,  temples,  tombs,  and 
other  vestiges  are  scattered  over  the  entire  site.  Among  the  ruins  of 
this  once  famous  locality  is  a  very  perfect  specimen  of  early  Greek 
architecture,  named  the  Temple  of  Concord. 

Hospitals. — There  are  two  hospitals  at  Girgenti. 

Flume  Agraga43. — Punta  Girgenti  is  situated  2^  miles  southeast- 
ward of  the  port,  and  here  the  Fiume  Agragas  runs  into  the  sea ;  it 
winds  in  for  about  2  miles  northward,  then  divides,  one  branch  com- 
ing from  the  eastward  between  the  sites  of  Agrigentum  and  a  Roman 
camp,  the  other  from  the  northwestward,  through  the  valley  of  San 
Leonardo,  between  Girgenti  and  Monte  Monserrato.  A  short  distance 
within  the  shore,  on  right  bank  of  the  river,  is  Torre  San  Giuseppe, 
elevated  180  feet,  and  1  mile  eastward,  the  ruined  tower  of  Abbate, 
153  feet  above  the  sea. 

La  Secca  (Melville  Shoal),  irregular  and  rocky,  is  rather  more 
than  2  miles  in  length  in  a  northwestern  and  southeastern  direction 
inside  the  10- fathom  curve,  and  about  1,200  to  1,400  yards  in  breadth, 
with  depths  varying  from  3  to  8  fathoms.  It  lies  2f  miles  from  the 
shore,  and  from  the  depth  of  3  fathoms,  near  the  central  part  of  the 
shoal,  Porto  Empedocle  western  breakwater  lighthouse  bears  337°, 
distant  3.7  miles;  the  southern  patch  of  3  fathoms  lies  148°,  distant 
1,600  yards  from  the  preceding  similar  depth. 

Clearing  marks. — ^Torre  Monterosso,  open  southward  of  Capo 
Rossello,  bearing  315°,  leads  southward  of  the  shoal.  Torre  Mon- 
techiaro  (over  the  coast  2  miles  eastward  of  Punta  Bianca)  in  range 
with  the  hill  over  Pimta  Bianca,  bearing  113°,  leads  ^  mile  to  the 
northward  of  the  shoal. 

Monte  Montserrato  in  range  with  Porto  Empedocle  eastern  break- 
water lighthouse,  beariug  5^,  leads  to  the  westward. 

Flume  Naro. — The  mouth  of  the  Fiume  Naro  is  3  miles  beyond 
that  of  Agragas;  it  trends  in  a  northeasterly  direction  for  1  mile, 
there  uniting  with  the  Boraidote,  which  flows  to  the  southward,  and 
the  former  to  the  northward  of  a  ridge  (9  miles  from  the  sea),  on 
which  is  the  town  of  Naro,  1,950  feet  above  the  sea. 

Scoglio  Bottazza  (Peril  Eock)  is  a  small  pinnacle,  with  one 
fathom  water  over  it,  and  depths  of  from  5  to  7  fathoms  close  around 
it.    It  lies  1,400  yards  southwestward  of  the  entrance  to  Fiume  Naro. 

Punta  Bianca  is  remarkable  on  account  of  its  color;  the  beach 
northwestward  of  it  is  backed  by  earth  cliffs  of  considerable  height, 
which  diminish  toward  the  mouth  of  the  Naro,  distant  3  miles.  A 
mile  to  the  eastward  of  the  point  is  Monte  Grande,  870  feet  above 
the  sea,  and  at  3  miles  in  the  same  direction  is  a  conspicuous  tree 
on  the  fall  of  Monte  Narbona. 

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THE  SICILY  AND  MALTA  CHANNELS.  523 

A  conspicuous  square  two-storied  house,  painted  white,  stands 
near  the  extremity  of  Punta  Bianca  and  forms  a  good  mark  for 
distinguishing  the  point. 

Scoglio  Patella. — A  few  rocks  lie  off  Punta  Bianca,  and  800 
yards  southwestward  of  its  extremity  is  Scoglio  Patella,  8  feet  high. 
The  rock  is  steep-to  on  its  southern  and  eastern  sides,  but  its  north- 
western side  should  have  a  berth  of  at  least  200  yards.  The  passage 
between  it  and  Punta  Bianca  is  not  recommended,  but  the  deepest 
water  is  nearer  the  rock. 

Offshore  soundings. — The  100-fathom  curve  extends  from  8  to 
10  miles  off  this  coast,  but  there  are  several  banks  beyond  this  limit, 
with  as  little  as  30  fathoms  over  them. 

Directions. — Approaching  Porto  Empedocle  from  the  eastward, 
give  Scoglio  Patella  a  berth  of  J  mile,  steering  316°,  which  will  lead 
in  not  less  than  8  fathoms  water  nearly  the  same  distance  outside 
Scoglio  Bottazza  (Peril  Rock),  and  nearly  midway  between  La 
Secca  and  the  shore,  observing  the  clearing  mark  for  that  shoal. 

From  the  southward,  bring  Monte  Montserrato  between  the  break- 
water lighthouses,  bearing  5°,  and  steer  for  it,  westward  of  La 
Secca.  From  the  westward,  give  the  shore  between  Capo  Rossello 
and  Porto  Empedocle  a  berth  of  1  mile,  and  anchor  off  the  mole  as 
before  directed. 

At  nighty  when  Scoglio  Patella  can  not  be  seen,  bring  Porto 
Empedocle  Old  Mole  occulating  white  light  to  bear  323°,  and  steer 
for  it,  which  will  lead  nearly  midway  between  La  Secca  and  Scoglio 
Bottazza. 

Coast. — About  2  miles  to  the  southeastward  of  Punta  Bianca  is 
Punta  Montechiaro,  over  which  on  the  summit  of  a  hill,  440  feet 
above  the  sea,  is  a  square  castle,  Torre  di  Montechiaro ;  the  shore  is 
rocky,  and  the  sea  in  bad  weather  breaks  some  distance  off.  Two 
miles  beyond  this  the  Fiume  Palma,  flowing  with  several  branches 
from  the  highland  above,  enters  the  sea. 

Eastward  of  the  entrance  is  Torre  San  Carlo,  and  in  the  bay  to 
the  westward  La  Marina  di  Palma,  with  some  small  houses. 

Castellazzo  di  Palma,  about  3  miles  eastward  of  Fiume  Palma,  is 
a  small  tower  in  ruins,  920  feet  above  the  sea,  but  it  is  not  conspicu- 
ous, as  it  is  the  same  color  as  the  land. 

Palma. — The  town  of  Palma  is  situated  at  the  head  of  a  lovely 
valley,  about  2  miles  northeastward  of  La  Marina,  the  Gallia  Hills 
rising  close  over  it  to  the  height  of  1,400  feet.  It  has  a  trade  in 
almonds,  wine,  dried  fruits,  and  sulphur. 

Anchorage. — Off  Marina  di  Palma  there  is  temporary  anchorage 
in  depths  of  from  5  to  8  fathoms,  over  good  holding  ground,  but 
much  exposed. 


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524  THE   SICILY  AND   MALTA   CHANNELS. 

Socca  San  Nicola  is  a  conspicuous  islet,  close  to  the  coast,  about 
11  miles  southeastward  of  Punta  Bianca;  Torre  San  Nicola  lies  about 
i  mile  eastward  of  the  islet,  and  Torre  QsfR  2  miles  westward.  About 
midway  between  Eocca  San  Nicola  and  Torre  Gaffi  is  Pisciotta 
Spring,  where  a  conspicuous  windmill  pumps  the  water  to  Licata 
Eailroad  Station;  300  or  400  yards  eastward  of  the  spring  is  some 
more  water  of  very  inferior  quality;  this  is  the  so-called  water  of 
Pisciotta,  which  is  obtainable  from  boats  at  Licata. 

Socca  Mudda  Fedda,  about  1  mile  eastward  of  Bocca  San  Nicola, 
is  an  enormous  rock  joined  to  the  mainland  by  a  sandy  isthmus. 
To  the  eastward  of  the  rock  is  a  small  inlet  suitable  for  sheltering 
fishing  boats.  The  coast  hence  to  Licata,  3  miles  east-southeastward, 
is  rocky  and  backed  by  a  ridge  of  hills  500  feet  above  the  sea. 

Licata. — About  15  miles  to  the  southeastward  of  Punta  Bianca, 
on  the  western  side  of  the  mouth  of  the  Fiume  Salso,  is  the  town  of 
Licata  (ancient  Phintia),  standing  on  the  beach  and  slope  of  the 
hills;  it  is  defended  by  Castel  San  Angelo,  painted  in  black  and 
white  checkers,  upon  an  elevation  westward  of  the  town,  479  feet 
above  the  sea ;  Castel  San  Giacomo  in  ruins  lies  on  a  rocky  projection 
over  the  town.  The  town  contains  several  churches  and  convents 
and  has  a  population  of  about  23,000. 

Port. — ^The  shore  fronting  the  town  is  rocky,  the  depths  gradually 
deepening  to  5  fathoms  at  i  mile  off.  The  West  Mole  extends  in  a 
southerly  direction  from  the  western  part  of  the  town  for  a  distance 
of  about  350  yards,  and  about  50  yards  from  its  commencement  a 
spur  about  120  yards  long  extends  to  the  eastward. 

The  East  Mole  projects,  from  the  shore  under  Castel  San  Giacomo, 
in  a  southerly  direction  for  about  430  yards,  with  a  western  bend  of 
400  yards,  leaving  between  its  extremity  and  that  of  the  West  Mole, 
an  entrance  about  350  yards  in  width. 

Seaward  of  the  two  moles  a  detached  breakwater,  800  yards  long 
and  having  a  curved  shape,  has  been  constructed.  This  breakwater 
has  a  passage  about  300  yards  wide  between  its  eastern  extremity 
and  that  of  the  East  Mole,  and  about  200  yards  between  the  western 
extremity  and  West  Molehead. 

The  lights  on  the  heads  of  the  moles  are  obscured  over  the  detached 
breakwater. 

Depths. — There  are  depths  of  14  to  18  feet  alongside  the  eastern 
mole ;  and  12  to  15  feet  alongside  the  western  mole,  and  between  the 
breakwater  and  the  entrance  of  the  harbor  the  depths  vary  from  2^ 
to  5^  fathoms,  but  from  30  to  40  yards  from  the  breakwater  the  water 
shoals  rapidly  to  2  or  3  feet.  The  harbor  is  much  subject  to  silt  from 
the  Fiume  Salso  during  the  floods  of  spring.  A  space  about  200  yards 
square  immediately  inside  the  East  Molehead  has  been  dredged  to  a 
depth  of  18  feet.    Dredgers  are  at  work  in  the  port. 


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THE   SICILY  AND  MALTA  CHANNELS.  525 

Lights. — On  the  inner  end  of  the  breakwater,  near  Castel  San 
Giacomo,  a  white  conical  tower,  115  feet  in  height,  on  a  dark  square 
building,  exhibits,  at  an  elevation  of  131  feet  above  the  sea,  a  flashing 
white  light,  visible  18  miles.    (For  arc  of  visibility  see  Light  Listi) 

An  occulting  green  light  is  exhibited,  at  an  elevation  of  28  feet 
above  the  sea,  from  an  iron  standard  on  the  East  Molehead,  and  is 
visible  4  miles.    (For  arc  of  visibility  see  Light  List  and  chart.) 

A  similar  standard  to  the  preceding,  and  situated  on  the  West 
Molehead,  exhibits  a  flashing  red  light,  which  is  visible  5  miles.  (For 
arc  of  visibility  see  Light  List  and  chart) 

Signal  station — Semaphore. — On  Castel  San  Angelo  there  is  a 
semaphore,  with  which  vessels  can  communicate. 

Beacons. — A  black  masonry  beacon,  in  the  form  of  a  tnmcated 
pyramid,  34  feet  in  hei^t  and  surmounted  by  a  black  sphere,  stands 
inside  the  extremities  of  each  mole.  The  position  of  the  western  mole 
beacon  is  doubtful,  and  the  western  entrance  is  dangerous  (1912). 

A  rock  on  the  northern  side  of  the  harbor  is  marked  by  a  masonry 
beacon,  8  feet  in  height,  in  the  form  of  a  truncated  cone,  and  sur- 
mounted by  a  black  staff  and  ball. 

Caution. — The  detached  breakwater  has  been  completed,  and  ves- 
sels should  not  enter  the  port  after  dusk  without  the  aid  of  a  pilot. 

Pilots  will  board  vessels  about  2  miles  eastward  or  westward  of 
the  entrances. 

Commiinication. — Weekly  steamers  to  Syracuse  and  Palermo, 
and  frequently  to  Malta;  railroad  communication  with  Syracuse, 
Girgenti,  and  Palermo;  telegraphic  communication  with  all  lines. 
Telegraph  office  is  open  till  midnight. 

Coal  and  supplies. — About  5,000  tons  of  coal  are  kept  in  stock, 
and  2,000  tons  could  be  put  on  board  in  24  hours  by  all  firms;  the 
coal  is  shipped  in  baskets  and  put  into  native  craft,  of  which  there 
are  30,  holding  about  4  to  5  tons  each.  Sirocco  winds  may  prevent 
or  impede  coaling. 

Supplies  of  fresh  provisions  are  plentiful,  water  is  good  and 
brought  off  in  wooden  casks  in  lighters  on  application  to  harbor 
master.     (See  p.  524  for  caution  as  to  Pisciotta  spring  water.) 

Trade. — Sulphur  is  the  principal  export;  the  other  exports  are 
asphalt,  beans,  and  almonds;  the  imports  are  coal,  timber,  phos- 
phates, petroleum,  and  grain. 

Anchorage. — There  is  temporary  anchorage  about  1^  miles  south 
westward  of  the  town  in  10  fathoms  of  water  over  sand,  but  it  is 
much  exposed. 

Fiume  Salso^  separating  the  Provinces  of  Girgenti  and  Caltani- 
setta  winds  through  the  extensive  plain  of  Licata,  which  is  inclosed 
by  a  ridge  4  miles  from  the  coast,  elevated  from  1,000  to  1,500  feet 
above  the  sea.    The  entrance,  about  i  mile  northward  of  Castel  San 

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526  THE   SICILY  AND   MALTA   CUANNELS. 

Giacomo,  is  over  a  shallow  bar  about  ^  mile  in  extent,  on  which  the 
surf  beats  heavily  with  southerly  winds,  and  several  rocks  fringe 
the  western  shore ;  boats  can  enter  the  river,  but  the  passage  is  nar- 
row and  intricate. 

Coast. — ^Between  Licata  and  Capo  Scalambri,  a  distance  of  33 
miles,  the  coast  forms  a  bay,  the  coast  being  in  general  low,  with 
Jong  sandy  beaches.  There  are  some  isolated  ridges  of  from  150 
to  400  feet  above  the  sea  near  the  coast,  beyond  which  are  extensive 
plains  backed  by  hills  of  from  2,000  to  3,000  feet  above  the  sea  at  a 
distance  of  15  miles  inland.  There  are  several  streams  running 
into  the  bay,  the  two  principal  of  which  are  the  Maroglio,  near  the 
center,  and  the  Durillo,  eastward  of  it. 

Patches  of  rocks  lie  off  the  shore  in  several  places  and  together 
with  the  shallow  frontage  of  6  and  18  feet  do  not,  however,  extend 
more  than  i  mile.  On  the  western  side  of  the  bay  banks  of  5  fathoms 
extend  for  a  distance  of  IJ  miles,  and  a  depth  of  20  fathoms  is  ob- 
tained at  about  5  miles  off,  the  bottom  being  chiefly  of  mud  and 
sand. 

Two  Rocks  Point,  Punta  due  Rocche,  lies  4^  miles  eastward  of 
Licata,  and  1  mile  farther  is  Punta  Falconara,  upon  which  is  a  tower. 
These  points  are  fronted  by  rocks  and  shallows  for  a  distance  of  600 
yards;  Monte  Desusino,  1,407  feet  above  the  sea,  rises  2^  miles  from 
the  coast.  The  coast,  partly  of  low  cliffs,  continues  to  the  eastward 
for  4  miles  to  Torre  di  Manfria,  a  square  gray  tower  on  a  rocky  head- 
land, the  hills  close  over  it  being  407  feet  above  the  sea. 

Shoals  with  a  depth  of  5  fathoms  lie  off  this  part  of  the  coast  for  a 
distance  of  l^  miles,  and  there  are  several  patches  of  rock  along  the 
shore  to  tlie  eastward.  Capo  Soprano,  4  miles  east-southeastward  of 
Torre  di  Manfria,  is  the  next  conspicuous  head,  and  on  its  elevated 
ground  to  the  eastward  is  the  town  of  Terranova. 

Terranova. — The  town  of  Terranova  (ancient  Gela)  stands  on  a 
hill;  it  has  a  fine  palace  and  a  good  hospital,  but  the  streets  are  irreg- 
ular and  dirty ;  its  castle,  churches,  and  convents  appear  to  be  neg- 
lected, and  the  whole  town  suffers  much  from  a  scarcity  of  water. 
The  population  is  about  22,000;  there  is  a  trade  in  sulphur,  com, 
wine,  and  a  coarse  cloth  which  is  manufactured  in  the  town. 

The  Fiume  Maroglio  is  joined  by  the  Dissueri  at  2  miles  from  the 
cx)ast,  and  flows  through  richly  cultivated  plains  from  the  high  land 
northeastward,  entering  the  sea  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  town. 

Landing  mole. — ^A  landing  mole  is  being  constructed  at  Terra- 
nova of  reinforced  concrete,  and  was  nearly  completed  in  August, 
1915 ;  it  extends  about  200  yards  from  the  land. 

Light. — A  small  white  square  building,  situated  on  the  beach, 
near  the  landing  places,  exhibits,  at  an  elevation  of  16  feet  above  tl)e 


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THE   SICILY  AND  MALTA  CHANNELS.  527 

sea,  an  occulting  white  light;  it  is  visible  9  miles.  (For  arc  of  visi- 
bility see  Light  List.) 

Anchorage. — ^The  anchorage,  about  1^  miles  from  the  shore,  in  6 
fathoms  water,  over  sand  and  mud,  is  much  exposed ;  southwest  winds 
sends  in  a  heavy  sea,  and  vessels  should  be  ready  to  leave  at  any 
moment.  Small  vessels  lie  at  the  western  end  of  the  Caricatore 
(shipping  place),  under  the  Torre  delP  Insegna,  which  stands  on  the 
high  land  over  Capo  Soprano,  off  which,  however,  are  some  rocks. 

Commtuiieation. — ^Weekly  communication  by  steamer  with  Pa- 
lermo and  Syracuse  and  intermediate  ports,  and  frequently  with 
Malta.  By  railroad  with  Licata  and  Syracuse,  and  telegraphic  com- 
munication with  all  lines.    The  telegraph  office  is  open  till  9  p.  m. 

Coal  and  supplies. — ^There  is  no  coal.  Supplies  of  fresh  provi- 
sions are  not  plentiful,  and  water  is  scarce  and  not  good. 

Hospital. — There  is  only  one  hospital,  for  civil  and  military. 

Caltagirone. — ^About  17  miles  northeastward  from  Terranova  is 
Caltagirone  (Hibla  Minor),  considered  the  best  mountain  town  of  the 
island;  it  has  manufactories  of  pottery  and  calico  and  carries  on  an 
active  trade  in  wines,  oil,  etc. 

Coast. — About  7  miles  to  the  southeastward  of  Capo  Soprano  the 
Fiume  Durillo  (the  ancient  Achates)  enters  the  sea,  and  a  white 
house  stands  within  the  sandy  beach  a  little  to  the  westward  of  its 
entrance;  at  the  foot  of  the  hills,  1  mile  to  the  northward,  is  Lag<» 
Biveri  or  Lentini.  Punta  Safaglione,  situated  6  miles  in  a  south- 
southeasterly  direction,  is  rocky  and  fronted  by  rocks  extending 
about  i  mile  from  the  shore. 

Scoglittiy  a  village  with  a  population  of  about  1,400,  and  situated 
2  miles  southward  of  Punta  Safaglione,  has  a  considerable  trade  in 
wine,  and  may  be  known  by  various  stcpehouses  or  magazines  stand- 
ing on  the  side  of  a  small  rocky  bay  which  opens  to  the  westward ; 
the  strong  winds  prevalent  from  this  quarter  in  winter  cause  much 
damage. 

Light. — From  a  circular  white  house,  33  feet  in  height,  at  Scog- 
litti,  is  exhibited,  at  an  elevation  of  46  feet  above  the  sea,  a  flashing 
white  light,  which  is  visible  8  miles.  (For  arc  of  visibility  see  Light 
List.) 

Buoy. — ^There  is  a  small  cylindrical  iron  buoy  in  the  roadstead, 
off  Scoglitti,  for  the  use  of  mail  stamers. 

Life-saving   station. — ^A   rocket  apparatus  is  maintained   at 

Scoglitti. 
Commnnication. — Steamers  between  Palermo  and  Syracuse  call 

weekly,  and  there  is  a  railroad  station  at  Vittoria,  distant  8  miles,  on 
the  line  to  Syracuse ;  telegraphic  commimication  with  all  parts. 


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528  THE   SICILY  AND  MALTA  CHANNELS. 

Supplies. — Fresh  provisions  are  scarce,  but  there  is  an  abundant 
supply  of  water  from  a  public  fountain. 

Coast. — To  the  southward  of  Scoglitti  is  another  small  bay  on 
the  southern  side  of  which  is  Punta  Camerina  and  the  site  of  ancient 
Canciarina.  At  the  head  of  the  bay  Fiume  Ipari  (the  ancient  Hip- 
paris)  flows  into  the  sea  through  a  marsh;  it  passes  to  the  eastward 
of  the  town  of  Vittoria,  situated  6^  miles  to  the  northeastward,  and 
elevated  548  feet  above  the  sea,  which  town  has  a  peculation  of  about 
32,000  and  a  trade  in  honey  and  silk. 

Punta  Bracetto  and  tower  is  3 J  miles  farther  to  the  southward, 
and  at  a  distance  of  2J  miles  south-southeastward  is  Capo  Scalambri, 
with  Punta  Pietro  and  a  low,  ruined  tower  about  midway.  The  shore 
between  Scoglitti  and  the  cape  is  bordered  by  shallow  water,  and  1^ 
miles  southward  of  Punta  Camerina,  rocks  awash  extend  i  mile 
from  the  shore ;  vessels  should  give  it  a  wide  berth  in  passing,  keeping 
the  lead  going. 

Capo  Scalambri  (Scaramia),  ancient  Bucra  Prom.,  is  a  low 
rocky  point,  and  oflF  it  are  some  islets  or  rocks ;  a  reef  projects  from 
the  shore  both  east  and  west,  so  that  caution  is  necessary  when 
nearing  it.  During  bad  weather  and  westerly  winds  allowance  should 
be  made  for  the  current,  and  the  cape  should  not  be  approached  too 
closely. 

On  the  eastern  side  of  the  cape  is  the  little  port  of  Secca  (ancient 
Caucana),  protected  by  a  natural  breakwater  of  rocks,  and  on  the 
slope  of  the  hill  3  miles  northeastward  Santa  Croce  Camerina  vil- 
lage is  situated,  328  feet  above  the  sea.  There  is  a  coral  fishery  off 
the  cape. 

Light. — On  Punta  Secca,  the  southeastern  extremity  of  Capo  Sca- 
lambri, a  fixed  white  light  is  exhibited,  at  an  elevation  of  124  feet 
above  the  sea,  from  a  white  circular  tower,  113  feet  in  height,  and 
surmounting  a  dwelling,  and  is  visible  17  miles. 

Mazzarelle. — Three  miles  eastward  of  Capo  Scalambri  is  II  Cari- 
catore  di  Mazzarelle,  with  a  large  tower  and  several  storehouses. 
There  is  a  considerable  trade  between  here  and  Malta. 

Light. — From  an  iron  candelabrum  on  the  coast  at  Mazzarelle  is 
exhibited  a  fixed  red  light,  visible  3  miles. 

Coast. — About  8  miles  southeastward  of  Mazzarelle  a  broad  and 
elevated  headland  terminates  in  Punta  Corvo,  which  is  rocky,  and 
several  streams  run  into  the  intervening  bay,  which  is  partly  of  sand; 
some  houses  known  as  Donna  Lucata  lie  on  the  coast,  4  miles  from 
Mazzarelle. 

The  town  of  Scicli  (ancient  Casmena*).  4}  miles  northward  of 
Punta  Corvo,  has  several  churches,  and  a  ]>opulation  of  16,200;  it  is 
692  feet  above  the  sea,  with  a  stream  flowing  past  its  western  slope. 


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THE   SICILY   AND  MALTA   CHANNELS.  529 

Moclica  (ancient  Motyca),  5  miles  farther,  in  the  same  direction,  but 
on  the  opposite  side  of  the  stream,  is  a  town  with  an  export  trade  of 
grain,  oil,  wine,  etc.  Near  to  it  is  the  Valley  of  Ipsica,  famed  for  its 
dwellings  excavated  in  the  rock.  The  railroad  between  Terranova 
and  Syracuse  passes  near  Sicicli  and  Modica. 

Punta  Religione  (Regiglione),  sandy,  and  showing  bright  yellow 
on  the  eastern  side,  is  3f  miles  east-southeastward  from  Punta  Corvo, 
with  several  small  sandy  bays  lying  between,  fronting  some  lagoons; 
upon  a  central  slope  is  a  tower,  and  on  a  point  a  little  to  the  westward 
is  the  village  and  cove  of  Sampieri,  or  San  Pieri. 

Fozzallo. — Between  Punta  Eeligione  and  Pimta  Grotta,  8i  miles 
to  the  eastward,  is  a  bay  2^  miles  deep,  on  the  western  side  of  which, 
3^  miles  from  Punta  Religione,  is  the  town  of  Pozzallo,  the  principal 
Caricatori  of  Modica.  It  has  a  palace,  churches,  several  magazines, 
and  a  population  of  about  6,590. 

Light. — From  a  gray  iron  framework  support,  in  front  of  a  small 
white  masonry  house,  erected  on  the  landing  place  at  Pozzallo,  is 
exhibited,  at  an  elevation  of  33  feet  above  the  sea,  an  occulting  white 
light.  It  is  visible  11  miles.  (For  arc  of  visibility  see  Light  List 
and  chart.) 

Anchorage. — Summer  anchorage  in  depths  of  from  7  to  12  fath- 
oms, over  sandy  bottom,  may  be  obtained  900  yards  off  a  small  pier. 

CommtLnication. — Steamers  every  week  to  Palermo  and  Syra- 
cuse, calling  at  the  intermediate  ports,  also  frequently  to  Malta;  rail- 
road communication  with  Terranova  and  Syracuse,  and  telegraphic 
communication  with  all  lines.     The  telegraph  office  is  open  till  9  p.  m. 

Supplies. — ^Moderate  supplies  of  fresh  provisions  may  be  pro- 
cured; the  water  is  not  very  good. 

SpaccafomOy  a  walled  town  on  a  hill  5  miles  northeastward  of 
Pozzallo,  has  numei-ous  churches,  convents,  and  public  buildings. 

Coast. — La  Favara,  which  flows  from  the  northward  past  the 
town  of  Spaccafomo,  enters  the  sea  by  two  mouths  2^  miles  east- 
ward of  Pozzallo,  and  from  this  a  beach  curves  for  3^  miles  in  a 
southeastern  direction  toward  Punta  Grotta,  the  country  within  be-' 
ing  low  and  marshy ;  there  are  some  ancient  and  other  ruins  along 
the  shores  of  the  bay.. 

Punta  Qrotta  (Marza)  has  reefs  extending  in  two  points  to  the 
southward;  Scoglio  Jannuzzo,  a  small  rock  above  water,  800  yards 
from  the  coast,  marks  the  eastern  extremity,  and  Secchi  Circia,  with 
depths  of  2  fathoms  and  4|  fathoms,  lying  respectively,  J  mile  west- 
ward and  i  mile  south  westward  of  Jannuzzo,  lies  on  the  western 
extremity. 

Scogli  Porri,  a  group  of  flat  rocks,  17  feet  above  the  sea,  lies 
about  li  miles  westward  of  Punta  Grotta,  with  from  8  to  10  fathoms 

68850—17 34 

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530  THE   SICILY  AND  MALTA   CHANNELS. 

water  between  them  and  Secchi  Circia;  various  birds  frequent  the 
rocks  for  a  species  of  wild  leek  growing  on  them. 

Light. — On  the  highest  rock  of  Scogli  Porri,  from  a  masonry- 
tower,  is  exhibited,  at  an  elevation  of  34  feet  above  the  sea,  an  un- 
watched  occulting  red  light;  it  is  visiblle  8  miles. 

Outlying  shoals. — A  rocky  shoal,  with  4  fathoms  water  on  it, 
lies  1,400  yards  southwestward  of  Porri  Lighthouse;  another  with 
5f  fathoms  lies  1,400  yards  southward  of  the  lighthouse;  another  with 
9  fathoms,  1.7  miles  in  the  same  direction;  and  nearly  midway  be- 
tween these  two  latter  is  one  with  7  fathoms  over  it. 

Baia  della  Marza  (Porto  Ulisse),  between  Punta  Grotta  and 
Isola  della  Correnti,  6^  miles  southeastward,  is  2  miles  deep,  with 
shores  broken  by  rocky  points  and  sandy  beaches.  The  depths  are 
irregular,  but  a  depth  of  10  fathoms  will  be  found  in  the  center  of 
the  bay  over  a  sandy  bottom.  There  is  a  castle  on  a  point  If  miles 
from  Punta  Grotta,  and  eastward  of  the  castle,  charcoal  and  wood 
are  embarked;  the  village  of  Marza  stands  about  i  mile  northward 
of  the  castle,  and  near  the  center  of  the  bay  a  spring  of  fresh  water 
rises  near  the  beach.    At  the  back  of  the  beach  is  a  salt  marsh. 

Punta  delle  Formiche  is  a  low  white  cliff  about  1^  miles  to  the 
northwestward  of  Correnti,  the  shore  between  forming  a  bight  with 
a  beach  broken  by  rocky  points.  Off  t^unta  Formiche  there  are  five 
black  rocks  appearing  just  above  the  water,  and  southward  of  it  a 
reef  extends  for  a  distance  of  700  yards. 

Within  the  bight,  between  Punta  Formiche  and  Isola  Correnti  is  a 
small  cove  formed  by  picturesque  white  cliffs,  where  are  the  remains 
of  some  ancient  sepulchers,  in  a  kind  of  nibblework.  The  neighbor- 
hood is  low,  marshy,  with  several  lagoons,  and  overrun  in  many  parts 
with  a  luxuriant  profusion  of  heaths,  myrtles,  fan-palms,  capers,  and 
junipers,  in  which  numbers  of  singular  reptiles  and  insects  abound. 

Beef. — A  detached  patch,  with  12  feet  water  over  it,  lies  nearly  1 
mile  to  the  southward  of  Punta  Formiche. 

Isola  delle  Correnti,  a  small  sandstone  island  joined  to  the  south- 
ern extremity  of  Sicily  by  a  causeway,  has  on  its  northeastern  side  a 
natural  mole,  where  the  Maltese  trading  boats  at  times  seek  shelter. 

liight. — On  the  southern  point  of  the  island  is  a  square  flat-roofed 
yellow  house,  surmounted  by  a  polygonal  tower  painted  in  black  and 
white  horizontal  bands,  30  feet  in  height,  the  lantern  of  which  is  a 
little  higher  than  the  top  of  the  house.  The  tower  exhibits,  at  an 
elevation  of  55  feet  above  sea,  a  fixed  white  light,  which  is  visible  9 
miles.     (For  arc  of  visibility,  see  Light  List.) 

Shoals. — Shallow  water  extends  some  distance  southward  of  the 
islet,  and  a  bank  with  16  feet  water  over  it,  lies  ^  mile  to  the  south- 


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THE   SICILY  AND   MALTA   CHANNELS.  531 

ward  of  the  lighthouse,  from  which  also  two  patches,  with  depths  of 
9  and  10  fathoms  over  them,  lie  130°  and  90°  respectively,  distant  1 
mile, 

A  rocky  knoll,  with  9  fathoms  water  over  it,  lies  with  Correnti 
Lighthouse  bearing  64°,  distant  3 J  miles,  and  a  similar  patch  is  situ- 
ated f  mile  northwestward  of  the  preceding. 

In  1905  an  Italian  steamer  reported  striking  a  bank  4  miles  south- 
ward of  Correnti  Lighthouse,  but  its  existence  is  doubtful  and  is 
shown  as  an  obstruction  only  on  the  chart. 

Coast. — From  Isola  Correnti  the  coast  of  Sicily  trends  about  in 
a  northeasterly  direction  for  3  miles  to  a  small  bay  named  Porto 
Palo,  where  there  is  anchorage  for  vessels  of  light  draft  in  all 
winds  but  those  from  the  southward.  Eoimd  the  shores  of  the  bay, 
which  are  low  and  marshy,  there  are  some  rocks,  and  in  the  center 
of  the  entrance  is  a  shoal  with  a  depth  of  12  feet  over  it,  7  fathoms 
outdde  and  4  fathoms  in  the  passage  on  each  side;  within  the  bay 
there  are  from  2  to  3J  fathoms  water,  over  sand  and  mud.  The 
eastern  point  is  low  and  rocky  and  trends  in  a  northeasterly  direc- 
tion for  2  miles  to  Capo  Passaro,  the  ancient  Pachynus. 

Capo  Passaro  (Fassero). — ^Isola  di  Capo  Passaro  is  about  I4 
miles  in  extent,  with  a  tower  redoubt  on  the  cape  or  eastern  point. 
The  islet  is  arid,  being  composed  of  a  singular  accumulation  of 
marble,  lava,  tufa,  cinders,  and  oceanic  deposits  and  is  high  on  all 
sides  except  the  westward,  where  it  is  connected  to  the  mainland 
by  a  sandy  neck  with  2  feet  water  over  it. 

On  the  point  westward  of  the  islet  is  the  village  of  Porto  Palo 
and  over  it  a  conical  hill  named  Cozzo  Spadaro.  The  southeastern 
projection  of  Sicily,  for  a  distance  of  10  miles  inland,  is  composed 
of  small  hummocks,  with  a  great  deal  of  marsh  land  and  numerous 
lagoons  near  the  shore.    The  population  is  sparse. 

Lights. — A  white  circular  tower,  17  feet  in  height,  above  the 
northeastern  corner  of  a  yellow  fort  and  63  feet  from  the  ground 
on  Isola  di  Capo  Passaro,  exhibits,  at  an  elevation  of  127  feet  above 
the  sea,  a  group  flashing  white  light,  visible  14  miles.  (For  arc  of 
visibility,  see  Light  List.) 

On  the  summit  of  Colle  Cozzo  Spadaro  and  nearly  1  mile  west- 
ward of  the  fort  on  Isola  di  Capo  Passaro  is  a  white  octagonal  tower, 
120  feet  in  height  and  having  a  square  base,  which  exhibits,  at  an 
elevation  of  270  feet  above  the  sea,  a  fixed  and  flashing  white  light, 
visible  24  miles.     (For  arc  of  visibility  see  Light  List  and  chart.) 

Signal  station— Storm  signals. — At  Cozzo  Spadaro  Lighthouse 
there  is  a  semaphore  and  telegraph  station.  Storm  signals  are  shown 
here. 


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532  THE  SICILY  AND  MALTA  CHANNELS. 

Tunny  fishery. — Tunny  nets  are  laid  out  during  the  season* 
March  to  November,  from  the  shore  on  the  northern  side  of  Isola  di 
Capo  Passaro;  they  extend  in  an  easterly  direction  for  about  1  mile 
and  in  a  northeasterly  direction  for  about  J  mile.  The  outer  ends 
are  marked  with  a  floating  beacon  surmounted  by  a  white  pole  by 
day  and  a  white  light  at  night.    (See  Caution,  p.  61.) 

Tides. — At  Capo  Passaro  and  Isola  Correnti  it  is  high  water  at 
full  and  change,  at  about  3h.  Om.;  the  greatest  rise  is  11  inches, 
but  the  tides  are  irregular,  being  influenced  by  the  direction  and 
force  of  the  winds. 


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CHAPTER  VIII. 


THE  EAST  COAST  OF  SICILY,  THE  LIPABI  OB  ^OLIAN  ISLANDS, 
AND  THE  NOBTH  COAST  OF  SICILY. 

EAST  COAST  OF  SICILY. 

Coast. — Between  Capo  Passaro  and  Capo  Murro  di  Porco,  a  dis- 
tance of  21  miles,  the  coast  recedes,  forming  a  large  bay  about  6  miles 
deep ;  the  shores  are  in  general  very  irregular  and  rocky,  bordered  by 
islets  and  shoal  patches,  all,  however,  lying  within  1  mile  of  the  shore ; 
the  northern  part  of  the  indentation  is  the  deepest. 

There  are  several  streams  and  watercourses,  and  at  about  the  center 
of  the  above  bay  are  the  towns  of  Avola  and  Noto,  behind  which  the 
mountain  ridges  slope  from  elevations  of  2,000  feet  above  the  sea  at 
a  distance  of  10  miles  from  the  coast. 

Capo  Marzamemi,  3^  miles  northward  of  (3apo  Passaro,  is  a 
broad  projecting  point  on  which  is  the  village  of  the  same  name.  On 
a  hill  to  the  southwestward  of  the  village  is  the  town  of  Pachino, 
207  feet  above  the  sea,  the  church  of  which,  with  the  windmill  near 
it,  are  conspicuous  from  seaward.  The  embayed  coast  from  Passaro 
to  Marzamemi  is  barren  and  desolate;  the  latter  part  is  fronted  by 
two  small  islets  skirted  with  rocks  and  shallow  water,  and  midway 
is  an  extensive  salt  lake. 

Breakwater. — ^A  breakwater  has  been  constructed;  it  commences 
on  the  mainland,  to  the  southward  of  Isola  Grande,  and  extends  in 
a  39°  direction  toward  that  island. 

Light. — ^An  occulting  red  light  is  shown,  30  feet  above  the  sea, 
from  an  iron  framework  column  on  the  head  of  the  breakwater, 
visible  4  miles. 

Cominunication. — Steamers  between  Palermo  and  Syracuse  call 
weekly,  and  there  is  telegraphic  communication  during  limited  hours. 
The  nearest  railroad  station  is  at  Kosolini,  9  miles  distant. 

Tunny  fishery. — ^Tunny  nets  are  laid  out  during  the  season, 
March  to  November,  from  the  shore  near  Marzamemi;  they  extend 
nearly  1  mile  in  an  easterly  direction,  and  the  outer  end  is  marked 
with  a  floating  beacon,  surmounted  by  a  white  pole  by  day  and  with 
a  white  light  by  night.    (See  Caution,  p.  61.) 

^533      T 

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534  THE   NOBTH   AND  EAST  COAST  OF   SICILY. 

Anchorage. — ^There  is  good  anchorage  with  westerly  winds  in 
the  bay  between  Capo  Passaro  and  Marzamemi,  in  from  9  to  10 
fathoms  water,  about  1|  miles  northward  of  the  cape. 

Depths  offshore. — Off  the  coast  between  Correnti  and  Marza- 
memi  10  fathoms  will  be  found  within  1  mile  of  the  shore,  the  bot- 
tom being  generally  mud.  About  30  miles  eastward  of  Capo  Passaro 
there  are  some  coral  patches  of  40  fathoms,  but  depths  of  from 
1,000  to  2,000  fathoms  have  been  obtained  in  their  vicinity. 

Isolotto  Vendicari,  3  miles  northward  of  Marzamemi,  is  low, 
small,  rocky,  and  nearly  connected  to  the  main  island  by  a  sandy 
spit;  the  coast  between  is  broken  into  small  sandy  bays,  and  opposite 
the  islet  are  two  salt  lagoons;  a  tower  stands  on  a  rise  beyond  the 
southern  lagoon,  and  another  on  the  shore  i  mile  northward  of  the 
islet.  A  sunken  rock  lies  about  400  yards  to  the  southeastward  of 
Vendicari. 

Depths  offshore. — Between  Marzamemi  and  Isolotto  Vendicari 
the  bottom  is  very  irregular,  there  being  depths  of  3  and  5  fathoms 
at  1  mile  off.  Shoal  water  extends  J  mile  northward  of  Capo  Mar- 
zamemi; the  outer  edge,  with  a  depth  of  2  fathoms,  is  J  mile  fi-om 
the  adjacent  shore. 

Tunny  fishery. — A  tunny  fishery  has  been  established  on  the 
shore  about  IJ  miles  northward  of  Isolotto  Vendicari.  The  nets 
extend  in  a  direction  varying  from  northeast  to  east-southeastward 
for  a  distance  of  about  IJ  miles:  the  outer  end  will  be  marked  by 
a  floating  mast  with  a  red  flag  by  day  and  a  white  light  at  night. 

Punta  Bemarda,  nearly  5  miles  northward  of  Isolotto  Vendicari, 
is  a  projection  of  the  coast,  which  is  skirted  by  rocks;  upon  it  are 
several  houses  named  La  Ballata,  or  Marina  di  Noto,  connected  with 
the  town  of  Noto  by  a  broad  road  3J  miles  long.  Halfway  between 
Vendicari  and  La  Ballata  is  the  Fiume  Tellaro  di  Noto;  there  are 
also  other  sti*eams  and  a  salt  lake.  Two  miles  to  the  northward  of 
Ballata  are  a  beach,  jetty,  and  La  Marina  di  Avola,  consisting  of 
several  houses,  distant  ^  mile  by  road  from  Avola. 

Noto,  near  the  site  of  the  ancient  Neetum,  containing  a  popula- 
tion of  about  22,200,  is  conspicuous  from  seaward,  stands  on  a  hill 
521  feet  above  the  sea,  3^  miles  west-northwestward  of  Punta  Ber- 
narda,  and  has  a  good  road  leading  to  the  town  of  Avola,  with  which 
it  is  also  connected  by  the  railroad  to  Syracuse.  Noto  has  large 
squares,  regular  streets,  a  cathedral,  several  churches,  and  convents, 
and  is  one  of  the  best-built  and  most  agreeable  towns  of  Sicily.  Its 
trade  is  wine,  oil,  and  sulphur. 

The  ruins  of  an  amphitheater  and  of  a  gymnasium  are  the  prin- 
cipal remains  of  the  ancient  city,  which  stood  about  4  miles  north- 
westward of  the  modern  town  and  was  destroyed  by  an  earthquake 

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THE    NORTH   AND  EAST   COAST  OF   SICILY.  .    535 

in  1693.  The  Fiume  Noto  winds  through  the  plain  below  and  disem- 
bogues northward  of  Punta  Bemarda. 

Avola,  a  town  about  2|  miles  northward  of  Pimta  Bemarda,  is 
prettily  and  salubriously  situated  on  a  wooded  eminence.  It  has 
several  respectable  edifices,  tolerable  streets,  and  a  good  market 
place,  with  an  air  of  cleanliness  and  regularity.  The  population  is 
about  11,000,  and  there  is  a  traffic  in  wine,  corn,  cheese,  almonds,  oil, 
honey,  and  fruit.  The  adjacent  country  abounds  in  game  and  sup- 
plies pasturage  to  a  number  of  cattle,  many  of  which  are  exported  to 
Malta. 

Tunny  fishery. — ^Tunny  nets  are  laid  out  during  the  season, 
March  to  November,  from  the  shore  near  the  mouth  of  the  Fiume 
Noto  and  extends  IJ  miles  in  an  easterly  direction. 

The  outer  end  is  marked  with  a  floating  beacon  surmounted  by  a 
white  pole  by  day  and  a  white  light  by  night.     (See  Caution,  p.  61.) 

Fiume  Casslbile  (ancient  Cacyparis)  runs  into  the  sea  5  miles 
northward  of  Punta  Bemarda ;  1  mile  farther  on  is  Punta  del  Cane 
and  1^  miles  back  is  Capo  Negro.  The  coast  l)etween  Punta  Ber- 
narda  and  Punta  del  Cane  is  low  with  several  sandy  coves  and  a  few 
rocks;  a  patch  lies  about  400  yards  offshore,  a  little  northward  of  the 
mouth  of  Fiume  Cassibile.  Fresh  water  may  be  obtained  from  the 
Cassibile  and  the  river  abounds  in  trout. 

Tunny  fishery. — Tunny  nets  are  laid  out  during  the  season, 
March  to  November,  from  the  shore  near  Punta  del  Cane,  and  extend 
about  1,400  yards  in  an  easterly  direction.  The  outer  end  is  marked 
with  a  floating  beacon  surmounted  by  a  white  pole  by  dar  and  a 
white  light  by  night.     (See  Caution,  p.  61.) 

Anchorage. — All  along  the  coast,  northward  of  Capo  Passaro,  a 
vessel  may  anchor  in  case  of  necessity,  with  westerly  winds,  choosing 
a  berth  by  the  lead.  The  bottom  inshore  is  sandy,  but  farther  off  is 
stiff  clay. 

Capo  Iiog^nina  is  sitnated  nearly  4  mile^  east-northeastward  of 
Capo  Negro,  and  here  is  Baia  di  Lognina,  a  small  bay,  formed  by  a 
large  rock  joined  to  the  coast  by  a  reef,  on  the  northern  side  of  the 
cape,  which  latter  is  bold,  with  a  round  tower  on  it. 

A  shallow  bank  projects  about  i  mile  from  the  southern  shore. 
Between  this  cape  and  Murro  di  Porco  is  a  fine  bay  with  sandy  coves, 
where  vessels  may  find  shelter  from  northerly  winds  in  about  13 
fathoms  water  over  a  bottom  of  sand  and  mud. 

Capo  Mnrro  di  Porco  (ancient  Ijongnum  Prom.),  the  southeast- 
em  extremity  of  Penisola  della  Maddalena  (the  ancient  Plemmyrium 
Prom.),  9  miles  east-northeastward  of  Capo  Negro,  is  formed  of 
rocky  cliffs  nearly  perpendicular,  about  50  feet  above  the  sea,  from 
the  top  of  which  the  land  rises  gradually  to  the  northwest.     The 


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536    .  THE   NORTH   AND  EAST  COAST  OF   SICILY. 

cape  is  clear  of  danger,  and  about  200  yards  from  it  there  are  from 
15  to  20  fathoms  water. 

Light* — Near  the  extremity  of  Capo  Murro  di  Porco  is  a  white 
tower,  59  feet  in  height,  which  exhibits,  at  an  elevation  of  110  feet 
above  the  sea,  a  flashing  white  light,  visible  16  miles.  (For  arc  of 
visibility  see  Light  List.) 

Capo  Panagia  (Santa  Panagia),  6^  miles  northward  of  Capo 
Murro  di  Porco,  is  a  bold  headland,  217  feet  above  the  sea,  fronted 
by  cliffs  45  feet  high,  on  which  is  the  ruin  of  a  house.  The  cape  may 
be  approached  to  a  distance  of  I  mile,  as  no  danger  exists  off  it. 

Coast. — Between  the  two  capes  the  coast  is  generally  cliffy,  and 
viewed  from  sea,  has  a  barren,  rocky  appearance,  caused  by  the  ab- 
sence of  trees,  but  it  is  in  reality  well  cultivated;  nearly  midway 
between  are  the  town  and  harbor  of  Syracuse.  From  Capo  Murro  di 
Porco  to  Syracuse  the  coast  is  steep,  and  may  be  approached  to  i 
mile ;  thence  to  Capo  Panagia  it  is  less  bold  than  to  the  southward, 
with  some  rocks  close  to  the  shore. 

Depths  offshore. — Within  1  mile  of  the  southern,  and  1^  miles 
of  the  northern  cape,  there  is  100  fathoms,  from  whence  the  depths 
rapidly  increase. 

Syracuse  Harbor. — The  harbor  is  a  semicircular  indentation  in 
the  coast  about  2  miles  in  length  north  and  south  and  1  mile  east  and 
west,  the  northern  part  being  protected  by  Isola  Ortigia  from  the 
heavy  sea  caused  by  easterly  winds.  The  entrance  is  between  Castello 
Maniad  and  Punta  Castelluccio,  which  is  cliffy,  and  situated  1,300 
yards  to  the  southward ;  off  the  latter  are  some  rocks  and  the  shoals 
of  Plemmyrium,  which  narrow  the  entrance  for  large  vessels. 

The  shores  of  the  harbor  on  the  southern  side  are  generally  of 
slight  elevation,  being  from  20  to  40  feet  above  the  sea,  with  a  salt 
lake  south  of  Fiume  Anapo;  but  on  the  northern  side  they  are  quite 
flat  and  bordered  with  a  sandy  beach,  and  rise  gradually  to  an  eleva- 
tion of  about  200  feet  above  the  sea,  to  the  site  of  the  ancient  Neapo- 
lis,  with  its  aqueduct,  temples,  and  amphitheater.  Two  broken  col- 
umns, the  only  remains  of  ^e  temple  of  Jupiter  Olympus,  are  seen 
on  entering  the  harbor,  and  were  formerly  used  as  a  leading  mark. 

From  a  depth  of  8  or  9  fathoms  the  water  shoals  gradually  to  the 
shore,  the  depth  of  5  fathoms  averaging  a  distance  of  600  yards  from 
the  southern  and  western  sides  of  the  harbor  and  twice  that  distance 
from  the  northern  part. 

Fiume  Anapo  flows  into  the  sea  on  the  western  side  of  the  harbor, 
through  the  alluvial  plain,  from  whose  marshes  Syracuse  derived  its 
name,  the  miasma  from  which  so  often  caused  the  destruction  of  its 
besiegers  in  former  days.  The  marsh  is  now  only  partially  drained 
and  in  summer  malarial  fever  is  prevalent  on  the  western  side  of  the 
harbor,  but  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  are  not  much  affected  by  it. 

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THE   NOETH  AND  EAST   COAST  OF   SICILY.  537 

About  1  mile  from  its  mouth  Fiume  Anapo  is  joined  by  Fiume 
Ciant,  and  at  about  2  miles  is  the  celebrated  fountain  or  spring  of 
Cyane,  now  named  El  Pisma,  a  circular  basin  of  the  purest  water, 
though  from  its  muddy  bottom  it  has  a  black  appearance ;  it  is  about 
60  or  70  feet  in  diameter  and  26  feet  deep,  and  well  stocked  with  fine 
fish;  the  banks  are  covered  with  a  profusion  of  aquatic  plants. 
Thence  it  flows  in  a  narrow,  limpid,  and  quiet  but  deep  stream,  join- 
ing the  Anapo  at  about  f  mile  from  the  sea.  In  the  valley  and 
between  the  two  rivers,  6  miles  northwestward  of  the  shore,  is  the 
town  if  Floridia. 

La  Darsena  is  formed  by  the  channel  northwestward  of  the  town, 
and  is  divided  by  a  stone  bridge  with  low  arches,  which  connects 
the  town  with  the  mainland.  The  northern  side  of  the  bridge  is  only 
used  by  small  boats  in  fine  weather.  On  the  southern  side  of  the 
bridge  there  are  depths  of  2f  fathoms,  decreasing  to  2^  fathoms. 

Caution. — ^With  winds  from  east-northeast,  east,  and  sometimes 
from  southeast,  in  winter,  a  very  violent  current  runs  through  La 
Darsena.  Vessels,  therefore,  are  very  strongly  recommended  when 
these  winds  blow  fresh,  especially  from  east-northeast,  to  leave  the 
basin  and  anchor  outside. 

Lights. — On  the  highest  part  of  Castello  Maniaci,  on  the  northern 
side  of  the  entrance  to  the  harbor  a  circular  tower,  painted  in  black 
and  white  horizontal  bands,  22  feet  in  height,  exhibits  at  an  elevation 
of  90  feet  above  the  sea  an  occulting  green  light ;  it  is  visible  6  miles. 
(For  arc  of  visibility  see  Light  List.) 

At  Punta  Castelluccio,  on  the  southern  side  of  the  entrance,  an 
occulting  red  light  is  shown,  at  an  elevation  of  69  feet  above  the  sea, 
from  a  small  turret  on  a  building,  the  whole^painted  in  red  and  white 
horizontal  bands;  it  is  visible  7  miles.  (For  arc  of  visibility  see 
Light  List.) 

Two  range  lights  are  exhibited  from  red  and  white  checkered 
beacon  towers.  The  front  light,  named  Caderini,  is  distant  about 
550  yards  northwestward  from  Punta  Callarine  and  exhibits,  at  an 
elevation  of  40  feet  above  the  sea,  an  occulting  white  light ;  in  clear 
weather  it  is  visible  10  miles.    (For  arc  of  visibility  see  Light  List.) 

The  rear  light,  named  Carrozzieri,  situated  268°,  distant  1,060 
yards  from  the  front  light,  is  fixed  white  and  shown  at  an  elevation 
of  83  feet  above  the  sea;  it  is  visible  from  a  distance  of  12  miles. 
(For  arc  of  visibility  see  Light  List.) 

These  lights  in  range,  bearing  268°,  lead  in  the  deepest  water 
through  the  entrance  channel  to  the  harbor. 

Two  ordinary  electric  lamps  are  established  on  the  northwestern 
side  of  the  pier  near  the  harbor  office,  one  on  each  side  of  the  landing 
steps.  Lights  are  shown  from  the  landing  place  at  the  Piazza 
Mazzini. 


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538  THE   NOBTH  AND  EAST  COAST  OF  SICILY. 

Dangers  at  the  entrance. — Scoglio  Castelluccio,  lying  nearly 
200  yards  northward  of  Piinta  Castelluccio,  are  readily  distin- 
guished; they  are  low  and  flat,  excepting  at  the  northeastern  end, 
where  there  is  a  remarkable  square  liunp.  They  are  steep-to  sea- 
ward, but  there  is  no  passage  between  them  and  the  shore. 

Scoglio  Galera,  or  Egg  Rock,  800  yards  westward  of  Punta  Castel- 
luccio, is  small  and  flat  and  lies  200  yards  from  the  shore. 

Plemmyrium  Shoals  lie  on  the  northwestern  side  of  Punta 
Castelluccio  and  narrow  considerably  the  entrance  of  the  harbor  for 
large  vessels.  They  consist  of  two  rocky  patches,  with  general  depths 
of  from  3i  to  4^  fathoms  over  them,  the  shoalest  water,  Secca  Galera, 
being  3 J  fathoms,  from  which  Castelhiccio  Lighthouse  bears  117°, 
distant  800  yards. 

Dog  Bock  (Scoglio  del  Cane),  lying  about  400  yards  eastward 
of  the  town,  is  awash,  and  marked,  except  in  fine  weather,  by  heavy 
breakers;  it  is  steep-to  seaward  but  connected  to  the  shore  by  rocky 
patches. 

From  Castello  Maniaci,  at  the  southern  end  of  the  town,  a  rocky 
bank  stretches  eastward,  with  irregular  soundings,  which  should  be 
avoided  by  vessels  of  heavy  draft.  The  outer  edge  of  this  bank,  with 
4f  fathoms  water,  is  650  yards  eastward,  from  Maniaci  lighthouse. 
The  southern  and  western  sides  of  the  point  are  fringed  by  shoal 
ground,  which  extends  200  yards  from  the  shore. 

To  avoid  the  bank  and  Scoglio  del  Cane  (Dog  Rock),  when  bound 
into  Syracuse,  coming  from  the  northward,  Castelluccio  Lighthouse 
should  not  be  brought  to  bear  less  than  195°  until  the  mark  for  the 
harbor  is  in  range. 

Anchorage. — Vessels,  may  anchor  where  convenient,  in  6  to  8 
fathoms  of  water,  over  stiff,  muddy  bottom.  Vessels  drawing  20 
feet  can  go  alongside  the  customhouse  wharf,  and  those  drawing  17 
feet  alongside  the  landing  wharf. 

Mooring  buoys. — A  mooring  buoy  for  torpedo  boats  has  been 
established  near  the  harbor  office  pier ;  and  a  red  cylindrical  mooring 
buoy  has  been  established  in  the  northern  part  of  the  harbor  off  La 
Darsena  for  the  use  of  vessels  going  alongside. 

Directions. — In  entering  the  harbor  of  Syracuse,  Castelluccio 
Lighthouse  should  not  be  brought  to  bear  less  than  195°  until  the 
two  range  light  towers  on  the  western  side  of  the  bay  are  in  range 
bearing  268^,  or  St.  Josephs  Bridge,  which  is  constructed  with  an 
iron  span,  the  ends  of  which  rest  on  conspicuous  stone  supports  built 
out  from  either  bank  of  Fiume  Anapo,  is  in  range  with  Monte  Grosso, 
bearing  281°. 

The  towers  in  range  lead  into  the  harbor,  in  the  deepest  water, 
between  Castello  Maniaci  and  Plemmyrium  Shoals,  and  when  Scoglio 


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THE   NORTH   AND  EAST   COAST  OF   SICILY.  539 

Galera  bears  167°  the  vessel  will  be  inside  the  shoals,  and  may  steer 
for  the  anchorage. 

By  night,  the  range  lights  exhibited  from  the  beacon  towers  in 
range,  bearing  268°,  lead  in  the  deepest  water  of  the  entrance  chan- 
nel, until  Maniaci  Light  bears  28°,  when  the  anchorage  may  be 
steered  for. 

Caution. — ^Mariners  are  warned  that  great  care  should  be  taken 
not  to  open  the  rear  range  light  (or  beacon)  to  the  southward  of  the 
front  light  (or  beacon),  as  the  range  line  just  touches  the  10-fathom 
curve  northward  of  Plemmyrium  Shoals. 

Town. — Syracuse  (Siracusa,  ancient  Syracuse)  was  founded  by  a 
a  colony  from  Corinth  about  734  B.  C,  and  gradually  increased  in 
prosperity  until  the  circuit  of  its  walls  was  about  22  English  miles 
and  the  population  is  supposed  to  have  numbered  500,000.  The 
ancient  city  was  of  a  triangular  form  and  consisted  of  five  towns : 
Ortigia,  or  the  islet  called  Nasos,  which  was  all  the  Greeks  first  occu- 
pied, after  having  expelled  the  Sicilians ;  Achradina,  the  handsomest, 
facing  the  sea,  and  northward  of  Ortigia;  Tyche,  named  after  the 
temple  of  Tyche,  or  fortune,  and  lying  northwestward  of  Achradina ; 
Neapolis,  southward  of  Tyche;  and  Epipolae,  the  town  above  the 
three  latter,  strongly  fortified. 

The  modern  town  is  wholly  confined  to  that  small  portion  of  the 
site  of  the  ancient  city  included  in  the  island  of  Ortigia,  separated 
from  the  main  by  a  fosse,  and  projecting  southward  in  the  shape  of 
a  narrow  peninsula,  forming  the  eastern  side  of  the  harbor.  It  has 
little  except  its  ancient  renown,  its  fine  harbor,  and  the  extreme 
beauty  of  its  situation  to  recommend  it. 

It  has  a  cathedral  which  was  formerly  the  temple  of  Minerva,  sev- 
eral churches,  with  numerous  convents,  a  college  for  general  studies, 
a  seminary  for  the  clergy,  a  hospital,  a  lazaretto,  extensive  barracks, 
a  museum,  and  a  public  library.  The  streets  are  narrow  and  dirty. 
The  island  is  surrounded  by  a  wall  with  bastions,  and  is  strongly 
fortified  at  its  northern  end  by  a  series  of  forts,  and  on  its  southern 
extremity  by  the  Castello  Maniaci.  The  population  in  the  year  1911 
was  40,587. 

Communication. — There  is  daily  communication  by  steamer 
with  Malta  (9  hours),  and  weekly  with  Genoa,  Tripoli,  Tunis,  and 
Palermo,  calling  at  intermediate  ports;  and  by  rail  with  Licata,  and 
Palermo  and  Messina  via  Catania ;  the  railroad  station  is  at  the  north- 
ern head  of  the  bay.  Telegraphic  communication  with  all  lines. 
The  telegraph  office  is  open  till  midnight. 

Submarine  telegraph  cable. — Two  submarine  cables  connect 
Syracuse  with  the  Tripoli  coast,  one  to  Tripoli,  the  ether  to  Bengasi. 

Coal. — About  3,000  tons  of  coal  is  usually  kept  in  stock ;  300  tons 
can  be  put  on  board  in  24  hours.    There  are  12  lighters  available,  each 

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540  THE   NOETH  AND  EAST  COAST  OF   SICILY. 

holding  10  tons.  There  is  a  coal  whai^f,  600  feet  long,  with  a  depth 
of  25  feet  alongside. 

Supplies  of  fresh  provisions,  vegetables,  and  fruit  may  be  pro- 
cured ;  turkeys  are  cheap  and  plentiful ;  good  water  may  be  obtained 
from  five  nozzles  on  the  Foro  Vittorio  Emanuele  quay  near  the  har- 
bor master's  office;  from  14  to  17  tons  can  be  obtained  per  hour. 
Application  should  be  made  to  municipal  engineering  office  for  the 
use  of  materials  and  as  to  payment.  There  are  also  three  small  water 
tank  vessels,  which  supply  water  alongside.  The  water  in  the  Fiume 
Anapo  is  not  good. 

Hospitals.— There  is  an  infirmary  with  100,  and  a  civil  hospital 
with  60  beds ;  the  latter  receive  strangers  at  a  fixed  rate. 

Trade. — ^The  principal  exports  consist  of  lemons  and  oranges, 
asphalte  rock,  olive  oil,  tomato  sauce,  carobs,  almonds,  and  cereals; 
and  the  imports  of  petroleum,  timber,  wheat,  wine,  and  coal. 

Porto  Piccolo  (ancient  Marmoreus)  is  a  shallow  bay  separating 
the  island,  on  which  is  the  town,  from  the  mainland.  It  is  suitable 
only  for  boats  in  fine  weather,  as  the  sea  breaks  right  across  it  at 
other  times,  particularly  in  easterly  gales. 

Punta  Spuntone,  the  northern  extremity  of  the  Syracuse  Bay, 
is  formed  of  yellowish  cliffs,  of  no  great  height,  and  having  several 
winding  coves. 

Scoglio  di. Grotto  Santa,  or  perforated  rock,  is  small,  37  feet 
above  the  sea,  and  lies  nearly  midway  between  Capo  Panagia  and 
the  northern  end  of  Syracuse.  It  is  150  yards  from  the  shore  and 
has  a  hole  through  its  base;  on  it  is  a  small  black  cross,  which  can 
only  be  seen  a  short  distance. 

Monte  Fiopriolo. — About  5  miles  inland  of  Capo  Panagia  a  re- 
markable mountain  range,  from  1,100  to  1,500  feet  above  the  sea, 
named  Fiopriolo,  will  be  seen  rising  from  the  plains  of  Syracuse 
and  stretching  in  a  northwest  direction.  Between  the  Penisola  Mag- 
nisi  and  Augusta  this  range  is  about  2^  miles  from  the  coast  and 
parallel  to  it,  descending  precipitously  to  about  400  feet  high,  and 
thence  gradually  to  the  sea ;  on  the  fall  to  the  northward  is  the  town 
of  Melleli,  with  its  churches,  elevated  1,200  feet  above  the  sea. 

Tunny  fishery. — ^Timny  nets  are  laid  out  during  the  season, 
March  to  November,  from  the  shore  1  mile  westv.ard  of  Capo  Pa- 
nagia; they  extend  northeastward  about  800  yards,  and  the  outer 
end  is  marked  with  a  floating  beacon  surmounted  by  a  white  pole  by 
day  and  a  white  light  by  night.     (See  Caution,  p.  61.) 

Coast. — Capo  Santa  Croce  is  about  8^  miles  northward  of  Capo 
Panagia,  the  coast  between  forming  two  bays,  which  are  separated 
by  the  Peniola  Magnisi ;  the  southern  bay  is  named  Panagia,  and  at 
the  northern  end  of  the  northern  is  the  town  and  port  of  Augusta. 


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THE   NORTH   AND  EAST   COAST  OF   SICILY.  541 

Magnisi,  the  ancient  peninsula  of  Thapsus,  is  about  3^  miles 
northwestward  of  Capo  Panagia,  from  the  cliffs  of  which  it  curves 
northward  and  westward.  It  is  a  little  over  1  mile  in  length  north- 
northwestward  and  south-southeastward,  less  than  i  mile  in  breadth, 
90  feet  above  the  sea,  and  connected  to  the  main  island  by  an  isthmus 
or  narrow  neck  of  sand. 

JAght. — On  the  northeastern  point  of  Penisola  Magnisi  an  occult- 
ing white  light  is  exhibited,  at  an  elevation  of  48  feet  above  the  sea, 
from  a  circular  tower  31  feet  in  height,  painted  in  red  and  white 
horizontal  bands,  and  with  dwelling  attached.  It  is  visible  12  miles. 
(For  arc  of  visibility  see  Light  List.) 

Secca  Magnisi,  having  depths  of  from  3^  to  5  fathoms  over  it, 
extends  ^  mile  northeastward  of  the  lighthouse.  The  southern  end 
of  Monte  Fiopriolo,  in  range  with  Punta  Tuano,  the  northwestern 
end  of  Penisola  Magnisi,  bearing  224°,  leads  westward  of  the  spit. 

Priolo. — The  village  of  Priolo  is  situated  about  ^  mile  from  the 
shore  of  the  bay  westward  of  Penisola  Magnisi,  and  southward  of 
Fiumara  del  Fico,  and  on  the  southern  side  of  the  bay  are  large 
salt  works,  nearly  i  mile  southward  of  which  is  a  monument,  named 
Aguglia,  erected  by  Marcellus,  consisting  of  a  square  pedestal  sur- 
mounted by  a  round  column,  which  has  been  thrown  down.  The 
remains  are  about  30  feet  high. 

Dangers. — The  shores  of  the  bay  on  the  western  side  of  Penisola 
Magnisi  are  fringed  by  a  shallow  bank  which  in  some  parts  extends 
nearly  i  mile  seaward.  Secca  Salina,  with  16  feet  water  over  it,  lies 
900  yards  westward  from  Punta  Tuano  and  nearly  the  same  distance 
from  the  shore. 

Secca  Vognoli,  of  small  extent,  with  a  depth  of  16  feet  over  it, 
lies  800  yards  southeastward  of  Punta  Vognoli. 

Communication. — There  is  a  railroad  station  on  the  line  between 
Syracuse  and  Messina  at  Priolo,  and  telegraphic  communication  at 
limited  hours. 

Capo  Santa  Croce,  5  miles  north-northeastward  of  Magnisi,  is 
low,  and  close  off  it  is  a  little  islet  or  rock,  named  Stoneddo,  2  feet 
high.  The  cape  is  bordered  with  shallow  water,  which  extends  300 
vards  off,  and  it  should  not  be  approached  nearer  than  700  yards. 

Light. — From  a  white  circular  tower,  89  feet  high,  with  a  dwell- 
ing attached  on  Capo  Santa  Croce,  is  exhibited,  at  an  elevation  of 
96  feet  above  the  sea,  an  occulting  white  light  visible  15  miles.  (For 
arc  of  visibility  see  Light  List  and  chart.) 

Coast. — Punta  Sant'  Elia,  1,200  yards  south-sou thwestward  of 
Capo  Santa  Croce,  is  103  feet  above  the  sea^  and  from  this  the  coast 
turns  to  the  westward  for  800  yards  to  Punta  Izzo. 

From  Punta  Izzo  the  coast  takes  a  sharp  turn  to  the  northwest- 
ward, forming  the  southwestern  side  of  a  promontory  of  which  Capo 

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542  THE    NORTH   AKD  EAST  COAST  OF   SICILY. 

Santa  Croce  is  the  eastern  extremity.  Between  the  promontory  and 
Augusta  is  a  shallow  rocky  bay,  named  Porto  Xifonica,  which  ter- 
minates at  its  head  in  extensive  salterns. 

Porto  di  Au^sta. — The  port  of  Augusta,  which  is  formed  west- 
ward of  Isolotto  Avolos,  is  secure  and  spacious,  capable  of  receiv- 
ing a  large  number  of  vessels,  in  8  to  11  fathoms  water.  In  its  north- 
western part  are  two  old  forts,  close  together,  on  an  islet,  the  western 
and  larger  one  named  Garzia,  and  the  smaller  Vittoria.  At  the 
northern  end  is  Mulino  Garilli,  a  conspicuous  mill  painted  with  two 
horizontal  black  bands  on  a  white  ground,  and  a  small  vertical  white 
band.  The  western  side  of  the  harbor  is  watered  by  several  streams, 
in  which  eels,  mullet,  and  barbel  are  caught,  and  the  country  is  more 
or  less  covered  with  olive  trees  and  cultivation. 

Isolotto  Avolos,  about  1^  miles  in  length,  is  narrow,  lying  north- 
ward and  southward ;  its  citadel  is  connected  to  the  low  shore  on  the 
northward  by  a  bridge,  under  which  is  a  passage  for  boats.  The 
western  side  of  the  island  is  fringed  by  a  chain  of  rocks,  just  cov- 
ered at  low  water. 

Gala  del  Molo  is  a  small  basin  on  the  northwestern  side  of  Isolotto 
Avolos.  It  has  been  dredged  in  most  parts  to  a  depth  of  12  feet,  and 
affords  excellent  protection  for  small  vessels  except  with  strong 
northerly  winds.  The  pratique  and  harbor  master's  office  is  at  its 
northern  end. 

Compass  adjustment  moorings. — Moorings  for  swinging  tor- 
pedo boats  have  been  established  near  Pila  Point,  consisting  of  five 
concrete  piles,  one  in  the  center  and  one  at  each  of  the  cardinal 
points  from  it. 

Gala  del  Molo — Mooring  buoy. — A  mooring  buoy,  for  the  use 
of  torpedo  craft,  has  been  established  near  the  entrance  to  Gala  del 
Molo,  about  80  yards  west-northwestward  of  the  end  of  the  northern 
mole. 

Torre  Avolos. — Torre  Avolos,  an  insulated  fort,  stands  about  600 
yards  southward  of  the  southern  end  of  the  island;  the  water  be- 
tween being  from  1  to  2  feet  deep, 

Punta  Cantara  is  nearly  2  miles  westward  of  Torre  Avolos,  and 
about  that  distance  north-northeastward  of  Punta  Vognoli,  the  coast 
being  formed  of  hillocks,  with  some  small  streams  running  into  the 
sea.  The  mouth  of  the  Fiume  Cantara  is  about  400  yards  north- 
westward of  that  point. 

Un  Dromo. — At  1.6  miles  westward  of  Punta  Cantara  is  a  beacon, 
constructed  of  masonry,  24  feet  wide,  39  feet  high,  and  painted  red 
and  w^hite  in  squares;  the  beacon,  kept  in  range  with  Cantara  Light- 
house, bearing  282°,  is  the  leading  range  mark  for  entering  the  port, 
between  the  shoals,  by  day. 


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THE   NORTH   AND  EAST   COAST  OF   SICILY.  543 

Lights — ^Torre  Avolos. — At  the  northeastern  part  of  Torre  Avo- 
los  is  a  white  circular  tower  58  feet  in  height,  which  exhibits,  at  an 
elevation  of  90  feet  above  the  sea,  an  occulting  white  light,  visible 
12  miles.    (For  arc  of  visibility  see  light  List.) 

Punta  Cantara. — On  Punta  Cantara  a  turret,  7  feet  in  height, 
with  red  and  white  squares,  exhibits,  at  an  elevation  of  42  feet  above 
the  sea,  a  fixed  white  light,  which  is  visible  11  miles  over  an  arc  of 
9°,  which  comprises  the  clear  passage  between  Torre  Avolos  and 
Hybla  Shoals. 

Dromo. — In  front  of  Un  Dromo  is  exhibited,  at  an  elevation  of 
158  feet  above  the  sea,  a  fixed  and  occulting  red  and  white  light;  it 
is  visible  14  miles.  This  light,  in  range  with  Cantara  Light,  bearing 
282°,  leads  midway  between  Torre  Avolos  and  Hybla  Shoals.  (For 
sectors  and  arc  of  visibility  see  Light  List  and  chart.) 

Cala  del  Mole. — From  an  iron  lamp-post,  erected  on  the  northern 
mole  of  the  basin,  is  exhibited  an  occulting  red  light. 

From  an  iron  lamppost,  erected  on  the  southern  mole  of  the  basin, 
is  exhibited  an  occulting  green  light. 

These  lights  are  elevated  16  feet  abo\e  the  sea  and  visible  5  miles. 
(For  arc  of  visibility  see  Light  List  and  chart.) 

Pier. — ^About  600  yards  southward  of  the  entrance  to  Cala  del 
Molo  is  a  pier  about  150  feet  long  with  a  depth  of  18  feet  at  its  ex- 
tremity. 

Dangers  at  the  entrance. — Secche  di  Torre  Avolos  are  rocky, 
with  from  1  fathom  to  3f  fathoms  water  over  them,  and  to  the 
5-fathom  curve  extend  1,300  yards  south-southeastward  from  Torre 
Avolos.    The  sea  breaks  heavily  on  these  shoals  in  bad  weather. 

Lightbuoy. — A  black  lightbuoy,  exhibiting  a  flashing  green  light, 
marks  the  southern  extremity  of  shoals.  The  lightbuoy  is  located  on 
the  following  bearings : 

Fort  Avolos  Light SSO** 

Cantara  Point  Light 276* 

Hybla  Shoal  (Secca  di  Mezzo  or  dTbla),  with  from  32  to  5  fath- 
oms water  over  it,  is  800  yards  in  length  eastward  and  westward  and 
400  yards  in  breadth.  The  sea  breaks  heavily  on  it  in  bad  weather. 
The  shoal  lies  nearly  in  range  and  in  the  middle  of  the  channel,  be- 
tween Torre  Avolos  and  Magnisi  Lighthouses,  but  rather  nearer  the 
former. 

Secca  di  Coruzzoney  nearly  midway  between  Hybla  Shoal  and 
Punta  Vognoli,  has  depths  of  from  4^  to  4f  fathoms,  over  rocky  bot- 
tom, and  on  which  the  sea  also  breaks  in  bad  weather.  Within  the 
depth  of  5  fathoms  this  shoal  is  about  700  yards  in  length  in  a  north- 
easterly and  southwesterly  direction  and  400  yards  in  breadth. 


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544  THE   NOBTH  AND  EAST  COAST  OF   SICILY. 

Secca  PanarOy  having  a  depth  of  4  fathoms,  over  rocky  bottom, 
is  about  100  yards  in  extent  and  lies  about  700  yards  eastward  of 
Punta  Genarena. 

Secca  Dreara  or  Inflexible  Shoal,  on  which  the  British  naval 
vessel  Inflexible  touched  in  the  year  1883,  is  situated  in  the  western 
part  of  Porto  di  Augusta,  and  has  a  depth  of  4  fathoms.  It  is  about 
133  yards  in  diameter,  is  of  hard  bottom,  covered  with  a  layer  of  mud, 
and  has  a  depth  of  5  fathoms  close  around.  From  the  shoal  Torre 
Avolos  Lighthouse  bears  103°,  distant  1.2  miles. 

Macchia  di  San  Guiseppe,  a  shoal  of  4  fathoms,  about  150  yards 
in  extent,  is  situated  about  400  yards  west-northwestward  of  the  cita- 
del at  the  northern  end  of  the  town. 

Directions. — A  vessel  from  the  southward,  boimd  to  Porto  di 
Augusta,  should  give  Penisola  Magnisi  a  berth  of  over  \  mile,  taking 
care  to  keep  the  lighthouse  on  Capo  Santa  Croce  well  open  eastward 
of  Punta  Sant'  Elia,  bearing  0°.  When  north ^vard  of  Secca  Mag- 
nisi the  lighthouse  may  be  kept  just  in  range,  Punta  Sant'  Elia 
bearing  10°,  until  Punta  Cantara  Lighthouse  and  Dromo  Beacon 
Light  (before  mentioned)  are  in  range  bearing  -282°  ;  keeping  on  this 
lange  mark  will  lead  equidistant  from  Avolos  and  Hybla  Shoals, 
and  when  the  southwestern  bastion  at  the  town  is  seen  in  direction 
of  coast  line,  bearing  0°,  steer  northward  for  the  ancliorage,  in  depths 
of  9  or  10  fathoms,  abreast  tlie  town.  On  Punta  Pila  is  a  con- 
spicuous yellow  house  close  to  the  railroad ;  tliis  house,  seen  between 
Forti  Vittoria  and  Garzia,  bearing  345°,  leads  up  the  center  of  the 
harbor. 

From  the  northward,  after  passing  Punta  Sant'  Elia,  keep  Santa 
Croce  Lighthouse  in  range  with  Punta  Sant'  Elia  until  Cantara 
Lighthouse  and  the  beacon  are  in  range,  then  steer  as  before.  With 
easterly  and  southerly  gales  there  is  often  much  swell,  which  causes 
vessels  lying  far  out  to  ride  imeasily.  The  bottom  is  so  stiff  as  to 
render  it  necessary  at  times  to  break  the  anchor  out  of  the  ground. 

Tides. — It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  in  Porto  di  Augusta, 
about  3h.  20m.,  but  the  tides  are  irregular.  The  rise  and  fall  is 
much  affected  by  the  wind,  and  varies  from  4  to  15  inches. 

Tidal  streams. — Off  Capo  Santa  Croce  the  current,  though  influ- 
enced by  the  wind  to  some  extent,  appears  to  l)e  tidal,  generally 
running  to  the  northward  while  the  water  is  rising,  and  to  the  south- 
ward while  it  is  falling,  and  changing  from  one  to  two  hours  after 
the  tide. 

Town. — The  town  of  Augusta,  ancient  Xiphonia,  stands  on  the 
island  of  Avolos;  it  was  built  in  the  thirteenth  century,  and  until 
devastated  by  the  earthquake  of  1693,  was  a  place  of  considerable 
importance.  The  streets  are  regular  and  parallel,  but  the  houses 
are  small  and  mean;  it  has  a  cathedral  and  other  public  buildings. 


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THE   NORTH  AND  EAST  COAST  OF   SICILY.  545 

The  town  is  strongly  fortified,  and  contains  a  population  of  about 
15,000,  partly  agricultural  and  partly  commercial. 

Communicatioii. — ^Railroad  communication  with  Syracuse  and 
Messina,  the  station  being  on  the  main  island,  about  i  mile  northward 
of  the  citadel ;  telegraph  communication  at  limited  hours. 

Coal  and  supplies. — The  Italian  Government  keeps  a  large  stock 
of  Welsh  coal,  but  exclusively  for  the  use  of  the  Italian  naval  ve.ssels. 
A  private  firm  keeps  about  2,500  tons  of  Welsh  coal  in  a  coal  hulk. 
There  are  two  coal  wharves,  one  300  feet  in  length,  with  a  depth  of 
18^  feet  alongside  at  low  water,  the  other  150  feet  with  a  depth  of 
18  feet  alongside  at  low  water;  600  tons  can  be  loaded  in  24  hours. 

Supplies  of  fresh  meat,  bread,  and  vegetables  may  be  procured  and 
are  plentiful;  beef  and  vegetables  are  very  good;  bread  only  fair  in 
quality.  Abundance  of  good  water  may  be  obtained  from  a  steam 
tank  on  application  to  the  harbor  master. 

Landing. — ^The  landing  pier  is  about  300  yards  southwestward 
of  the  cathedral. 

Trade. — Salt  constitutes  the  principal  article  of  commerce;  there 
is  a  factory  for  making  citrate  of  lime  and  essential  oil  of  lemons. 

Capo  Campolato. — From  Punta  Sant'  Elia  the  land  gradually 
rises  to  286  feet,  forming  a  ridge  to  the  northwestward,  which  termi- 
nates near  Capo  Campolato  (58  feet  high)  in  a  sudden  dip.  From 
this  ridge,  which  is  a  long  J  mile  from  the  coast,  the  land  slopes 
toward  the  sea  and  is  partially  wooded  with  olive  trees,  interpersed 
with  vineyards  and  cultivated  patches. 

Porto  Bruccoli. — About  i  mile  westward  of  Capo  Campolato  is 
Punta  Tonnara,  from  whence  the  shore  turns  southward  and  forms, 
with  Punta  Bonico,  1  mile  to  the  westward,  Porto  Bruccoli,  a  small 
bay  about  i  mile  deep.  At  the  head  of  the  bay  and  on  a  rocky  pro- 
jection, is  a  small  village  with  a  square  castle  on  its  extremity.  This 
little  bay  appears  like  a  work  of  art  rather  than  of  nature,  as  the 
rocks  rise  vertically  40  or  50  feet  and  contain  several  grottoes.  Small 
vessels  resort  hither  for  wheat,  tunny,  and  stones  for  building.  Fine 
oysters  are  obtained  here ;  a  rivulet  runs  into  the  bay,  near  which  is 
also  a  mineral  spring. 

Light. — About  300  yards  southeastward  of  the  castle,  in  Porto 
Bruccoli,  from  a  yellow  turret  on  a  yellow  one-story  building,  is  ex- 
hibited, at  an  elevation  of  41  feet  above  the  sea,  an  occulting  white 
light.  The  light  is  visible  in  clear  weather  from  a  distance  of  10 
miles.     (See  Light  List.) 

Anchorage. — The  anchorage  is  about  400  yards  northeastward  of 
the  castle  in  a  depth  of  9  fathoms. 

Catania  Bay  may  be  considered  to  be  included  between  Capo 
Campolato  and  Capo  Molini,  bearing  northward  and  southward  from 

68850—17 35 


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546  THE   NOBTH  AND  EAST  COAST  OF   SICILY. 

each  other  and  17  miles  apart ;  the  depth  of  the  bay  is  about  5  miles, 
the  shore  presenting  a  long  line  of  low  sandhills  as  far  as  the  light- 
house of  Catania.  From  Catania  the  coast  is  generally  composed  of 
black  lava.  In  the  center  is  the  great  plain  of  Catania  or  Ijsntini 
bounded  northward  and  southward  by  the  Fiume  Giaretta  and  its 
tributaries ;  the  city  of  Catania  lies  at  the  northwestern  head,  at  the 
foot  of  Mount  iEtna. 

Depths  offshore* — ^There  is  a  depth  of  10  fathoms  within  li  miles 
of  the  beach,  at  4  miles  above  100  fathoms,  and  at  12  miles  off  above 
1,000;  the  bottom  is  of  mud,  except  close  inshore. 

Coast. — From  the  Scaro  di  I'Agnuni,  5  miles  west-northwestward 
of  Capo  Campolato,  the  sandy  beach,  backed  by  low  sand  hills,  trends 
northward  about  11  miles  to  the  lighthouse  of  Catania,  which  is  white 
and  conspicuous  and  stands  on  the  black  lava  point  formed  by  the 
eruption  of  Mount  ^tna  in  the  year  1669.  The  slopes  of  the  moun- 
tain are  wooded  and  well  cultivated,  studded  with  villages  and  de- 
tached dwellings,  and  winding  a  little  within  the  coast  is  the  railroad 
to  Messina.  This  part  of  the  coast  is  generally  composed  of  black 
lava  from  15  to  30  feet  high,  rising  in  ridges  toward  Mount  ^tna. 

Fiume  Simeto,  which  rises  on  the  western  slopes  of  Mount  ^tna, 
after  a  course  of  about  40  miles  through  rich,  cultivated  land,  runs 
into  the  sea  about  5  miles  southward  of  Catania.  Its  mouth  is  almost 
closed  at  the  end  of  the  summer,  when  the  banks  of  the  bar  become 
dry  and  the  depth  for  1^  miles  within  at  the  lowest  stage  varies 
from  2  to  6  feet ;  but  after  heavy  rains  the  river  overflows  its  banks 
1  mile  within  the  bar.  It  has  been  said  that  fine  specimens  of  yellow, 
red,  and  black  amber  have  been  collected  floating  at  its  mouth. 

Catania  Harbors — ^Porto  Vecchio. — The  old  port  of  Catania  is 
formed  by  a  mole  extending  from  a  point  of  black  lava  thrown  into 
the  sea  during  an  eruption.  The  mole  extends  southward  250  yards, 
then  southwestward  130  yards,  leaving  an  entrance  about  270  yards 
wide,  but  narrowed  to  about  200  yards  by  shoal  ground  fringing  the 
shore.  Within  is  another  mole  of  more  ancient  construction,  forming 
a  basin,  La  Darsena. 

Within  Porto  Vecchio  vessels  moor  with  their  stems  to  the  mole 
and  heads  to  the  westward,  suflBciently  protected  in  ordinary  weather, 
though  not  in  the  heavy  northeast  gales  which  occur  during  the 
winter.  The  port  being  small  and  generally  filled  with  small  vessels, 
it  is  advisable,  before  dropping  the  anchor,  to  ascertain  the  position 
of  the  moorings  and  the  anchors  of  other  vessels. 

Porto  Nuovo  and  L'Avamporto  are  formed  by  a  breakwater, 
Molo  Esterno,  which,  extending  from  the  shore  about  400  yards  east- 
ward of  the  old  mole,  extends  first  in  a  south-southeasterly  direction, 
then  southward,  and  lastly  southwestward,  and  has  a  total  length  of 
1,460  yards;  the  head  of  the  breakwater,  for  a  distance  of  about  25 

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THE   NOBTH   AND  EAST  COAST  OF  SICILY.  547 

yards,  is  painted  white  to  render  it  more  conspicuous  against  the 
background  of  lava.  About  400  yards  from  the  root  of  the  break- 
water two  short  arms  about  250  feet  long  extend  at  right  angles  from 
the  mole  and  breakwater,  forming  a  hexagonal  basin  named  Porto 
Nuovo.  The  remainder  of  the  space  between  the  breakwater  and  the 
shore  of  Punta  Sciara  Biscari  is  called  I'Avamporto.  The  bottom  is 
silting  along  the  inner  side  of  the  breakwater. 

L'Avamporto. — ^A  new  breakwater,  westward  of  the  head  of 
Molo  Estemo,  to  protect  the  port  frcm  southeasterly  winds,  was  com- 
menced in  1912 ;  when  completed  it  will  extend  about  475  yards  from 
the  shore,  leaving  an  entrance  about  350  yards  wide.  In  1915,  306 
yards  from  the  shore  end  had  been  completed. 

Lightbuoy. — A  lightbuoy  exhibiting  a  flashing  red  light,  and 
which  is  moved  as  the  works  progress,  marks  the  outer  end  of  the  new 
breakwater.  The  lightbucy  should  be  left  on  the  port  hand  by  ves- 
sels entering. 

Depths. — There  is  a  depth  of  5  to  8  fathoms  in  the  entrance  to 
the  harbor ;  4  to  8  fathoms  in  I'Avamporto ;  3J  to  8  fathoms  in  Porlo 
Nuovo,  and  20  to  23  feet  alongside  the  quays;  22  to  27  feet  in  Porto 
Vecchio,  and  20  to  28  feet  near  the  quays;  7  to  10  feet  in  the  middle 
of  La  Darsena. 

Shoals. — A  shoal  with  about  3  feet  over  it,  formed  by  fragments 
from  the  mole,  lies  about  10  yards  from  the  inner  part  of  the  Molo 
Esterno,  and  about  120  yards  from  the  southern  angle  of  the  root  of 
the  transverse  mole. 

Two  other  shoals,  of  a  similar  character,  lie,  respectively,  50  yards 
northward  of  the  lighthouse,  on  the  extremity  of  the  Molo  Esterno, 
and  about  30  yards  southward  from  the  root  of  the  transverse  mole 
at  about  8  and  10  yards  from  the  inner  side  of  the  Molo  Estemo. 

Caution. — Vessels  which  moor  to  the  Molo  Estemo  should  be 
careful  not  to  approach  within  15  yards  of  the  inner  side  of  the  mole, 
in  view  of  these  shoals,  and  the  probability  of  there  being  others  of 
the  same  nature  projecting  from  the  base  of  the  breakwater. 

Lights — ^Punta  Sciara  Biscari. — ^The  principal  lighthouse  at 
Catania  is  a  white  circular  tower,  53  feet  in  height,  with  dwelling  ad- 
joining, and  stands  upon  Punta  Sciara  Biscari,  J  mile  to  the  south- 
westward  of  the  inner  molehead  of  the  old  port;  it  exhibits,  at  an 
elevation  of  96  feet  above  the  sea,  a  fixed  and  flashing  white  light 
visible  11  miles.  (Reported  not  visible  so  far,  and  difficult  to  dis- 
tinguish from  the  town  lights.) 

Molo  Estemo. — An  occulting  green  light  it  shown,  at  an  eleva- 
tion of  49  feet  above  the  sea,  from  a  gray  iron  turret,  29  feet  in  height, 
and  standing  on  the  extremity  of  the  Molo  Esterno ;  it  is  visible  12 
miles. 


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548  THE   NORTH  AND  EAST  COAST  OF  SICILY. 

Porto  Vecchio. — On  the  western  angle  of  the  head  of  the  Inner 
Mole,  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  entrance  to  Porto  Vecchio,  a  fixed 
white  light,  visible  4  miles,  is  exhibited,  but  is  obscured  in  a  sector 
to  the  eastwkrd  by  the  new  mole.  The  light  is  now  shown  from  an 
iron  trellis  mounting,  on  an  iron  hut,  the  whole  painted  gray. 

Porto  Nuovo. — On  the  end  of  the  mole  on  the  western  side  of 
the  entrance  to  Porto  Nuovo,  a  fixed  red  light  is  exhibited,  at  an 
elevation  of  27  feet  above  the  sea,  from  a  gray  iron  support  21  feet 
high ;  it  is  visible  3  miles. 

Daxsena. — On  the  extremity  of  the  mole  on  the  eastern  side  of 
the  entrance  to  La  Darsena  a  fixed  green  light  is  shown,  at  ah 
elevation  of  17  feet  above  the  sea,  from  a  white  tower  14  feet  in 
height;  it  is  visible  1  mile. 

Two  fixed  red  lights,  placed  vertically  at  elevation  of  13  and  10 
feet,  respectively,  above  the  sea,  are  shown  at  the  harbor  office 
landing  place. 

•  The  electric  lights  in  the  town  are  liable  to  be  mistaken  for  the 
harbor  lights  from  seaward. 

Customhouse  Quay. — A  new  quay  is  under  construction  at  the 
head  of  the  old  port,  extending  from  the  inner  end  of  the  Inner 
Mole  to  the  extremity  of  the  mole  forming  the  eastern  side  of  the 
entrance  to  La  Darsena,  and  was  in  an  advanced  state  in  August, 
1914. 

Buoys. — A  white  mooring  buoy,  marked  "  Catania,''  and  the 
depth  of  water  it  is  lying  in,  in  meters,  painted  in  black  letters,  lies 
on  the  western  side  of  the  entrance  to  Porto  Vecchio;  two  similar 
buoys  lie  in  Porto  Nuovo,  and  one  similar  buoy,  in  I'Avamporto, 
bearing  49°,  distant  600  yards  fi'om  Sciara  Biscari  Lighthouse. 

A  red  cylindrical  buoy  lies  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  entrance  to 
Porto  Vecchio. 

Pilots. — In  ordinary  weather  pilots  are  chiefly  useful  for  their 
knowledge  of  the  many  obstructions  in  the  old  and  new  port,  and 
also  the  positions  of  the  moorings,  as  well  as  of  the  anchors  of  the 
vessels  there.  Pilots  will  be  embarked  and  discharged  1  mile  outside 
Molo  Estemo. 

Anchorage. — Temporary  anchorage  may  be  obtained  in  11  fath- 
oms water,  over  mud,  ^  mile  southward  of  the  outer  breakwater, 
with  Sciara  Biscari  Lighthouse  bearing  about  315°.  This,  however, 
is  a  dangerous  anchorage  during  winter,  and  should  be  quitted  im- 
mediately there  is  a  sign  of  a  gale  from  the  northward  and  eastward. 

Directions. — Approaching  Catania  from  the  southward  the  coast 
may  be  approached  anywhere  to  the  distance  of  1  mile  or  until  the 
breakwater  lighthouse  or  light  is  sighted.  If  from  the  northward, 
after  passing  the  Cyclops,  vessels  may  steer  to  pass  about  i  mile 
southward  of  the  breakwater  lighthouse,  and  rounding  the  end  of  the 

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THE   NORTH  AND  EAST  COAST  OF   SICILY.  549 

breakwater,  into  I'Avamporto,  leaving  the  light  buoy  marking  the 
breakwater  constructing  on  the  port  hand. 

Tides. — It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  L'Ognina,  2  miles 
northeastward  of  Catania,  at  about  3h.  25m.,  and  the  rise  is  from 
3  to  12  inches.  The  times  of  high  and  low  water  are,  however, 
irregular,  being  influenced  by  the  force  and  direction  of  the  winds. 

Tidal  streams. — From  Catania  to  Capo  Molini,  in  calm  weather, 
there  is  a  regular  easterly  and  westerly  stream  of  about  i  knot  an 
hour,  which  turns  about  i  hour  after  and  6  hours  before  high  water 
at  L'Ognina,  but  in  general  the  stream  sets  in  the  direction  of  the 
wind. 

City. — ^This  celebrated  city  (the  ancient  Catana),  founded  B.  C. 
732  by  Naxos,  stands  at  the  foot  of  one  of  the  ridges  from  Mount 
j^tna,  about  14J  miles  southward  of  the  mount,  and  at  the  extremity 
of  an  extensive  plain.  It  has  suffered  much  at  different  times  by 
wars,  earthquakes,  and  volcanic  eruptions;  by  an  earthquake  in  1693 
it  was  all  but  totally  destroyed  and  50,000  inhabitants  perished ;  over- 
whelmed as  it  has  often  been  by  torrents  of  liquid  fire,  it  has  always 
risen  from  its  ruins. 

Catania  has  a  noble  appearance  from  seaward,  and  the  effect  is  not 
diminished  on  landing,  for  its  streets  are  regular,  spacious,  and  hand- 
some, and  the  numerous  churches  (four  having  conspicuous  cupola 
towers),  convents,  palaces,  and  public  establishments,  principally 
constructed  of  lava,  faced  with  magnesian  limestone  and  enriched 
with  marbles,  are  magnificent ;  the  city  is  lighted  by  electricity. 

The  streets  are  paved  with  lava,  houses  are  built  of  it,  ornamental 
chimney  pieces,  tables,  and  a  variety  of  other  things,  are  made  of 
lava,  and  also  the  moles  in  the  harbor. 

The  environs  are  well  cultivated  and  fruitful,  and  in  the  year  1911 
the  city  contained  a  population  of  211,699.  At  2^  miles  westward  is 
the  town  of  Misterbianca. 

Communicatioii. — Weekly  steamers  to  Genoa,  Tripoli,  Palermo, 
Brindisi,  Fiume,  Marseille,  and  Venice;  fortnightly  to  Odessa; 
monthly  to  London,  Liverpool,  Amsterdam,  Hamburg,  Hull,  New 
York,  Venice,  Batiim,  Calcutta,  and  Montreal.  By  railroad  with 
Palermo,  Syracuse,  Messina ;  also  a  railroad  around  the  base  of  Mount 
iEtna  to  Eiposto;  and  by  telegraph  with  all  lines.  The  telegraph 
office  is  always  open.  Electric  tramways  run  in  the  streets,  and  a 
line  is  being  constructed  to  Acireale. 

Consul. — ^The  United  States  is  represented  by  a  consul  and  vice 
consul. 

Coal  and  supplies. — About  7,000  tons  of  coal  are  kept  in  stock, 
and  about  400  tons  could  be  put  on  board  in  24  hours.  There  are 
25  lighters  holding  from  25  to  30  tons,  and,  by  giving  notice,  from 


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550  THE   NOBTH   AND   EAST  COAST  OF   SICILY. 

200  to  250  tons  could  be  ready,  loaded  in  lighters;  there  is  a  coal 
wharf  950  feet  long,  with  a  depth  of  25  feet  alongside;  southeast 
winds  may  impede  or  prevent  coaling. 

Supplies  of  fresh  meat,  vegetables,  and  bread  may  be  procured, 
and  excellent  water  is  brought  off  in  harbor  tanks. 

Repairs. — ^Medium  repairs  to  machinery  can  be  effected,  and  there 
are  three  machine  shops  for  small  repairs;  a  crane  will  lift  5  tons. 
Two  divers  may  be  obtained. 

Hospital. — The  Hospital  Vittorio  Emanuel,  with  120  beds,  re- 
ceives strangers  at  a  fixed  charge. 

Time  signal. — From  the  roof  of  the  Observatory  (Convent  of  the 
Benedictines)  a  black  ball  is  dropped  at  23h.  Om.  Os.  Greenwich 
mean  time,  corresponding  to  noon,  mid-European  time;  the  ball  is 
hoisted  3  minutes  before  the  signal  is  made,  and  a  gun  fired  simul- 
taneously with  the  dropping  of  the  ball,  which  is  only  hoisted  a  short 
distance  above  the  buildings  and  requires  a  glass  to  distinguish  it. 

Trade. — ^There  is  an  important  factory  for  the  production  of  bi- 
sulphide of  carbon,  and  two  factories  for  the  extraction  of  sulphide 
of  olive  oil.  The  principal  exports  consist  of  sulphur,  green  and  dry 
fruits,  oranges  and  lemons,  wine,  and  oil;  and  imports  of  cereals  and 
vegetable  produce,  coal,  hides  and  skins,  iron  and  metals,  timber  and 
furniture. 

Mount  ^tna. — ^The  coast  between  Catania  and  the  Fiume  Alcaii- 
tera,  19^  miles  to  the  northeastward,  forms  the  eastern  limit  of  the 
base  of  Mount  JEtna.  This  celebrated  mountain  is  bounded  on  the 
north  by  the  Alcantera,  on  the  south  and  west  by  the  Giaretta,  and  is 
considered  to  be  about  87  miles  in  circumference ;  its  summit,  10,880 
feet  above  the  sea,  lies  15  miles  northward  of  Catania. 

The  length  of  the  ascent  varies  on  different  sides  of  the  mountain; 
that  from  Catania  being  about  24  miles,  from  Linguaglossa  18  miles, 
and  from  Bandazzo  scarcely  12  miles.  Numerous  villages,  monas- 
teries, and  dwellings  surround  its  base,  having  in  all  a  population  of 
about  180,000. 

Eandazzo,  on  the  northern  foot,  is  a  battlemented  town,  with  three 
churches,  and  to  the  westward  of  it  is  a  lake  2  miles  in  length.  The 
extent  of  the  base  of  Mount  JEtuB,  gives  generally  so  easy  an  inclina- 
tion to  the  sides  as  greatly  to  facilitate  the  ascent;  but  at  the  same 
time  it  diminishes  the  grandeur  of  its  aspect  at  first  sight,  and  its 
commanding  elevation  is  scarcely  perceived  until  the  traveller  has 
accomplished  half  the  ascent,  when,  with  Sicily  lying  at  his  feet,  the 
summit  still  appears  as  far  off  as  at  first. 

The  mountain  is  divided  by  nature  into  three  regions  or  zones,  viz., 
the  fertile,  the  woody,  and  the  desert,  to  these  may  be  added  the  fiery 
region,  consisting  of  the  central  cone  and  crater. 


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THE   NORTH  AND   EAST   COAST  OF   SICILY.  551 

The  lower  or  fertile  zone  varies  greatly  in  width,  being  11  miles 
broad  above  Catania,  but  only  1^  miles  on  the  northern  side;  it  is 
composed  almost  entirely  of  lava  which,  in  the  course  of  ages,  has 
pulverized  and  become  converted  into  a  very  fertile  soil. 

The  woody  region  begins  and  terminates  abruptly,  is  6  or  7  miles  in 
width,  and  reaches  an  elevation  of  about  6,400  feet;  the  greater  part 
of  the  ground  is  covered  with  ferns  and  aromatic  plants.  In  the 
lower  parts,  the  trees  are  principally  oak  and  chestnut ;  in  the  middle 
they  are  almost  entirely  oak,  some  of  them  attaining  an  immense  size ; 
in  the  upper  part  the  oaks  decrease  in  size,  and  are  intermixed  with 
pines;  as  the  mountain  is  ascended  the  oaks  gradually  disappear,  the 
firs  become  stunted,  until  finally  all  vegetation  ceases,  and  the  desert 
is  entered. 

The  desert  region  is  a  dismal  tract,  forming  an  irregular  plain 
about  9  miles  in  circumference,  fully  of  gloomy  and  rocky  hollows 
and  immense  chasms,  formed  of  black  lava,  scoriae,  ashes,  and  vol- 
canic sand,  covered  for  the  greater  part  of  the  year  with  snow,  while 
ice  is  always  found  in  the  hollows. 

In  the  midst  of  this  gloomy  region  the  great  cone,  at  the  summit  of 
which  is  the  principal  crater,  rises  to  the  height  of  about  1,100  feet 
above  the  plain;  it  is  very  precipitous,  and  as  it  consists  of  loose 
scoriae  and  ashes,  which  frequently  yield  under  foot,  the  ascent  is  ex- 
tremely laborious.  The  bottom  of  the  crater  is  apparently  flat  and 
tolerably  hard. 

The  ground  round  the  crater  is  so  hot  that  visitors  are  obliged 
constantly  to  shift  their  places,  and  yet  even  here  snow  is  seen  in 
immense  ridges.  The  view  from  the  summit,  on  a  clear  day,  is  superb 
beyond  description.  Sicily  is  spread  out  like  a  map,  and  every  river 
is  traceable;  the  Faro  of  Messina,  the  Calabrian  coast,  and  the  Lipari 
Islands  are  distinguishing  features  in  this  magnificent  panorama, 
which  at  times  extends  to  Vesuvius  on  the  north,  and  Malta  on  the 
south. 

The  first  recorded  eruption  of  -<^tna  was  in  475  B.  C,  .the  last  on 
January  31,  1865. 

L'Og^nina. — ^The  village  and  cove  of  L'Ognina  are  rather  more 
than  2  miles  northward  of  Catania.  There  are  from  3  to  10  fathoms 
water  in  the  cove,  from  which  a  great  quantity  of  squared  lava  is  an- 
nually shipped  for  building  purposes.  OflF  the  southern  side  of  the 
northern  entrance  point  is  Secca  Vicenzo,  on  which  the  depth  is  7 
fathoms,  over  rock,  with  10  to  13  fathoms  inside,  and  a  rock,  with  1 
fathom  water  over  it,  lies  rather  less  than  100  yards  from  the  shore  of 
the  southern  point  of  Cala  di  San  Giovanni,  about  1^  miles  to  the 
northeastward  of  Catania  Lighthouse. 

Water,  in  small  quantity,  may  be  obtained  from  a  public  fountain. 


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552  THE   NORTH   AND  EAST  COAST  OF  SICILY. 

Aci  Castello. — ^At  2  miles  beyond  L'Ognina  is  the  little  town  of 
Aci  Castello  and  the  ruins  of  a  castle,  on  an  enormous  cliff  of  lava, 
rising  vertically  from  the  sea.  The  town  is  irregular  and  dirty,  but 
with  its  castle  is  extremely  pisturesque  in  appearance. 

Capo  Moliniy  about  2  miles  to  the  northeastward  of  the  town  of 
Aci  Castello,  is  a  remarkable  promontory  of  lava,  with  a  square 
tower  on  it,  named  Torre  Santa  Anna.  On  the  northern  side  of  the 
cape  is  the  village  of  Santa  Anna,  and  on  its  southern  side  the  little 
bay  and  village  of  Molini ;  midway  between  the  latter  and  Aci  Cas- 
tello is  the  loading  place  of  Aci  Trezza,  a  small  town  built  entirely  of 
lava,  the  dark  hue  of  which,  contrasted  with  the  whitewashed  lintels 
and  doorposts  of  the  houses,  has  a  singular  appearance.  On  the 
northern  side  of  the  cape  are  many  rocks. 

Cyclops  (I  Cyclop!) . — Directly  in  front  of  the  town  of  Aci  Trezza, 
about  1  mile  to  the  southwestward  of  Capo  Molini,  and  less  than 
700  yards  from  the  shore,  are  the  Cyclops  (the  Cyclopum  Scopuli  of 
the  ancients),  four  small  islets  having  a  bold  and  singular  appear- 
ance. The  largest  and  nearest  to  the  cape  is  flat,  and  about  82  feet 
high,  the  others  are  pinnacles  142,  92,  and  66  feet,  respectively,  above 
the  sea ;  the  two  western  are  nearly  connected  by  rocks  to  the  shore. 

About  i  mile  westward  of  the  westernmost  pinnacle,  and  100  yards 
from  the  shore,  is  a  rock  awash,  with  7  fathoms  water  close  outside  it. 

Anchorage. — In  Baia  Aci  Trezza,  formed  between  Cyclops  Eocks 
and  Capo  Molini,  anchorage  may  be  taken  up  under  favorable  cir- 
cumstances :  the  water  is  deep,  and  the  bay  is  open  to  the  eastward, 
but  some  protection  is  afforded  from  the  northeastward  by  the  point. 
A  large  vessel  can  anchor  in  20  fathoms  water  about  600  yards  from 
the  beach,  which  is  composed  of  large  black  stones,  the  bottom  is 
dark,  coarse  sand.  A  current  is  here  experienced  running  at  times  } 
knot  an  hour,  but  without  any  regularity.  Vessels  should  leave  the 
anchorage  when  thick  clouds  hang  over  Mount  ^tna,  as  it  is  consid- 
ered a  sign  of  a  breeze  from  seaward. 

Aci  Scale. — A  short  distance  northward  of  Torre  Santa  Anna, 
on  Capo  Molini,  the  cliffs  suddenly  gain  in  height,  and  at  Aci  Eeale 
they  are  600  feet  above  the  sea ;  here  the  ridge  of  cliffs  and  the  coast 
line  separate,  the  former  turning  a  little  to  the  westward,  and  the 
latter  trending  to  the  northeastward. 

The  town  of  Aci  Reale,  containing  a  population  of  35,126  in  1909, 
stands  on  a  steep  mass  of  basaltic  lava ;  it  is  in  a  healthful  situation, 
clean,  and  regularly  built,  with  a  castle,  several  churches,  convents, 
and  other  public  buildings;  it  has  manufactures  of  silks,  linen,  cut- 
lery, etc.;  and  the  exports  are  wine,  cotton,  flax,  and  diaper.  The 
port  is  small,  the  mole  being  formed  by  lava,  and  a  road  supported 
on  arches  leads  up  to  the  town ;  it  is  celebrated  for  its  mineral  springs, 
caves,  and  grottoes. 


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THE   NORTH   AND  EAST  COAST  OP  SICILY.  553 

Shoal. — A  shoal  with  2i  fathoms  over  it  lies  about  f  mile  south- 
ward of  Aci  Reale  landing  place,  and  about  i  mile  from  the  shore. 

Communicatioii  by  railroad  with  Catania  and  Messina;  also  by 
telegraph.    The  telegraph  office  is  open  till  9  p.  m. 

Supplies  of  fresh  provisions  may  be  procured. 

Riposto. — About  10  miles  northward  of  Capo  Molini  are  the 
modem  towns  of  Kiposto  and  Giarre;  the  first,  situated  on  the  coast^ 
has  a  small  fort  and  a  population  of  about  10,000;  the  latter  town, 
almost  adjoining  the  former,  is  immediately  inland  of  it.  This  dis- 
trict produces  the  finest  grapes  in  the  island. 

Lights. — A  fixed  white  light  is  exhibited,  at  an  elevation  of  36 
feet  above  the  sea,  from  a  small  tower,  19  feet  in  height,  surmounting 
a  white  building,  situated  on  a  point  locally  known  as  Chiancona, 
southward  of  the  town:  the  light  is  visible  8  miles.  (For  arc  of 
\'isibility  see  Light  List.) 

A  provisional  fixed  red  electric  light,  which  is  moved  out  as  the 
work  progresses,  marks  the  outer  end  of  the  mole  under  construction. 

Mole. — A  mole  extended  about  200  yards  from  the  shore  end  in 
November,  1913,  and  in  1916  had  been  extended  158  yards  perpen- 
dicular to  the  coast,  thence  109  yards  north-northwestward.  Work 
was  still  in  progress. 

Mooring  buoy. — A  white  iron  mooring  buoy,  with  "  Genio  Civile 
Catania"  in  black  letters  on  it,  lies  in  28  fathoms  about  800  yards 
from  the  shore. 

Anchorage  may  be  obtained  off  the  town,  but  only  in  fine  weather. 

Communication. — A  line  of  steamers  between  Catania  and  Mes- 
sina call  here;  there  is  also  communication  with  Genoa,  Odessa, 
Venice,  Marseille,  and  Trieste.  There  is  railroad  communication 
with  Catania,  Syracuse,  and  Messina.  Telegraph  communication 
with  all  parts;  the  telegraph  office  is  open  till  midnight. 

Supplies  of  fresh  provisions  may  be  procured  in  abundance,  but 
the  water  is  only  fair  in  quality. 

Coast. — From  Riposto  the  coast  trends  in  a  northeasterly  direc- 
tion, for  6  miles,  to  Capo  Schiso,  and  on  this  stretch  of  coast  several 
streams  enter  the  sea ;  about  midway  the  Fiume  Freddo,  a  perennial 
stream,  deep  and  clear,  rushing  from  several  springs  situted  at  about 
1^  miles  from  the  coast,  differs  in  this  respect  from  the  other  streams, 
which,  like  the  Alcantera  and  Minissale,  are  dry  beds  in  summer. 

Anchorage. — During  fine  weather  temporary  anchorage  may  be 
found  anywhere  along  the  shore  between  Riposto  and  Capo  Schiso. 

Fiume  Alcantera. — The  Alcantera  (ancient  Onabala)  flows  in 
an  easterly  and  southeasterly  direction  for  about  50  miles  around  the 
northern  slopes  of  ^tna,  and  enters  the  sea  in  a  sandy  bay  about  5 
miles  from  Riposto;  in  the  summer  it  is  nearly  dry,  but  with  the 


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654  THE   NORTH   AND  EAST  COAST  OF   SICILY. 

melting  snows  from  the  mountain  it  becomes  a  rapid  torrent  of  con- 
siderable dimensions-  There  are  several  villages  adjacent,  including 
the  town  of  Randazzo  already  mentioned,  about  16  miles  from  the 
coast.  Northward  of  the  river  are  the  steep  slopes  of  the  Pelorean  or 
Neptunian  Kange,  extending  the  whole  length  of  the  island. 

Capo  Schiso  is  low  and  black,  and  was  formed  by  one  of  the 
earliest  and  longest  streams  of  lava  known ;  on  it  is  an  old  castle  ani 
other  ruins;  it  is  also  the  site  of  the  ancient  town  of  Naxos,  one  of 
the  earliest  Greek  settlements  in  Sicily.  The  point  is  skirted  by 
rocks,  and  inside,  immediately  opposite  the  ruined  castle,  is  a  nook 
where  landing  can  always  be  effected. 

Baia  di  Taonnina^  between  Capo  Schiso  and  Capo  Taormina, 
1^  miles  apart,  is  about  1,200  yards  deep,  and  affords  tolerable  sum- 
mer anchorage  in  from  8  to  30  fathoms  water,  over  fine  sandy  bot- 
tom near  the  shore  and  mud  farther  out,  but  it  is  exposed  to  all 
easterly  winds.  On  the  shore  in  the  middle  of  the  bay  is  the  village 
of  Giardini,  and  southwestward  of  it  the  marble  statue  of  Santa 
Pancrazio,  now  hidden  from  seaward  by  houses.  The  line  of  rail- 
road to  Messina  skirts  the  bay  and  passes  close  behind  the  village. 

Anchorage. — The  best  berth  in  the  bay  is  in  the  southern  part, 
in  10  fathoms  water,  with  Cape  Schiso,  bearing  187°,  distant  900 
yards. 

Secca  Tremiti,  having  7  feet  water  over  it,  lies  300  yards  from  the 
shore  and  1,100  yards  northward  of  Castello  Schiso,  or  about  i  mile 
from  the  berth  recommended.  There  is  a  depth  of  3  fathoms  close 
seaward  of  the  rock.  The  shores  of  the  bay  are  skirted  by  rocky  and 
foul  ground,  which  in  some  parts  extend  nearly  400  yards  seaward. 

Town. — ^The  town  of  Taormina  (ancient  Tauromenium),  with 
a  population  of  about  3,000,  is  situated  on  broken,  elevated  ground 
faced  by  steep  cliffs,  565  feet  above  the  sea,  at  the  northern  head  of 
the  bay.  Partly  inclosed  by  ancient  walls,  it  contains  several  churches, 
convents,  and  other  public  buildings,  and  is  crowned  by  the  magnifi- 
cent ruin  of  a  Saracenic  castle.  The  trade  is  chiefly  in  wine,  oranges, 
lemons,  sumach,  and  olives. 

Rising  above  it  again  is  the  small  town  of  Mola,  on  a  steep  and  pic- 
turesque elevation,  1,735  feet  above  the  sea,  with  ruined  walls  and 
castle,  and  around  are  numerous  remnins  of  its  once  important  posi- 
tion ;  chief  above  all  is  that  of  the  theater,  eastward  of  the  town,  on 
a  rise  800  feet  above  the  sea.  It  is  probably  of  Greek  origin  and  is 
the  object  of  universal  admiration,  being  wonderfully  well  preserved 
and  capable  of  accommodating  about  40,000  spectators. 

Communication. — There  is  a  station  at  Giardini,  on  the  line 
between  Catania  and  Messina,  and  a  regular  service  of  coaches  to 
Taormina. 


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THE   NORTH   AND  EAST   COAST  OF   SICILY.  555 

Supplies  of  fresh  provisions  and  water  in  limited  quantities  may 
be  obtained. 

Landing. — With  an  easterly  wind,  landing  is  dangerous  at 
Giardini. 

Capo  Sant'  Alessio,  about  5  miles  to  the  northeastward  of  Capo 
Taormina,  is  an  abrupt,  bold  cliff,  bordered  with  rocks,  with  a  tower 
and  redoubt  on  it,  and  above  it  the  old  tower  and  Castle  of  Forza 
d'Argro.  The  coast  to  the  northeastward  of  the  cape  is  a  steep,  bold 
beach,  through  which  numerous  mountain  torrents  run  into  the  sea, 
and  along  which  and  on  the  rising  ground  above  are  several  towns  and 
villages  prettily  interspersed,  of  which  the  principal  are  Savoca, 
famed  for  its  wine,  Pagliara,  Roccalumera,  and  Nizza,  the  last  being 
romantically  situated  under  an  ancient  castle,  near  the  mouth  of  a 
stream. 

Rock. — ^A  rock,  with  a  depth  of  6  feet  over  it,  lies  about  400  yards 
southward  of  Capo  Sant'  Alessio. 

Punta  GrosBO  (Capo  d'Ali),  nearly  8  miles  northeastward  of 
Capo  Sant'  Alessio,  is  a  bluff  headland,  with  rocks  at  its  base.  The 
town  of  Ali,  of  great  antiquity,  is  just  within  the  cape,  and  for  ages 
was  in  great  estimation  on  account  of  its  mineral  waters.  It  stands 
on  a  declivity  of  Monte  Scuderi,  4,111  feet  above  the  sea,  and  is  re- 
markable for  the  constant  wind  blowing  with  some  violence  out  of  a 
cavern  near  its  tabled  summit.  About  3  miles  westward  of  the  point, 
on  a  hiirli  peak,  is  Castello  di  Belvedere. 

A  line  from  Punta  Grosso  to  Capo  dell'  Armi  on  the  coast  of  Cala- 
bria opposite,  may  be  considered  as  the  southern  entrance  to  the 
Faro  or  Strait  of  Messina.  The  serrated  hill  of  Pentadattillo  (an- 
cient Pentedactylus),  1,515  feet  above  the  sea,  which  derives  its  name 
from  its  five  crags  and  insulated  base,  and  bears  a  great  resemblance 
to  th?  hrmin  hand,  will  be  seen  rising  over  the  latter  cape;  about 
half  way  up  the  hill  is  a  castle. 

Capo  Scaletta. — About  2^  miles  beyond  Punta  Grosso  the  beach 
is  broken  by  Capo  Scaletta,  a  rocky  point  with  an  old  tower  on  it, 
and  just  above  it  are  the  upper  and  lower  towns  of  the  same  name. 
Between  Capo  Scaletta  and  Messina,  a  distance  of  10  miles,  in  a 
north-northeasterly  direction,  the  coast,  which  slightly  curves,  is  a 
steep  snndv  beach,  with  from  10  to  50  fathoms  water  200  yards  from 
it.  Alorg  the  coast  and  upon  the  slopes  within  are  scattered  towns 
and  vilhii^es,  convents,  etc.;  the  chief  of  the  former  are  San  Paolo, 
Galnti,  and  Gazzi,  and  of  the  latter  Briga,  Lardaria,  and  Bordanaro. 

The  mountain  range,  the  foot  of  which  recedes  from  the  coast  as 
Messina  is  approached,  falls,  at  a  distance  of  about  4  miles  inland, 
from  an  elevation  of  between  3,000  and  4,000  feet  above  the  sea;  it  is 
broken  by  numerous  watercourses,  which  are  generally  wooded;  there 
are  also  many  vineyards  and  well-cultivated  grounds. 


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656  THE   NORTH  AND  EAST  COAST  OF  SICILY. 

Communicatioii. — Scaletta  has  communication  by  railroad  with 
Syracuse  and  Messina,  also  telegraphic  communication. 

Anchorage. — Temporary  anchorage  for  small  vessels  will  be 
found  close  in  off  San  Paolo,  distant  1  mile  from  the  cape. 

Porto  di  Messina  is  formed  by  a  curved  tongue  of  land,  pro- 
jecting first  northeastward  from  the  mainland,  and  then  bending 
round  north  and  west  in  the  form  of  a  sickle,  and  named  the  Braccio 
di  San  Ranieri.  Upon  this  ground  are  the  British  and  French  ceme- 
teries, the  coal  depot,  and  dock,  with  some  salt  works;  the  custom- 
house and  pratique  office  are  on  the  opposite  side. 

The  entrance  on  the  north,  about  350  yards  wide,  is  defended  on 
the  west,  or  land  side,  by  a  battery,  and  at  the  extremity  of  the  curved 
projection  by  Forte  Campana  and  San  Salvjitore.  The  basin  thus 
inclosed  is  about  If  miles  in  circuit,  having  from  10  to  36  fathoms 
water,  over  sand  and  mud;  but  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  harbor  a 
bank,  having  3J  to  4  fathoms  water,  extends  100  to  200  yards  from 
the  shore.  In  1912,  works  were  in  progress  on  the  eastern  side  be- 
tween the  citadel  and  the  coal  depot. 

Lights.— On  Punta  San  Raineri  (Ranieri),  the  eastern  extremity 
of  the  tongue  of  land  forming  Porto  di  Messina,  is  a  white  oc- 
tagonal turret  on  a  gray  square  tower,  the  whole  129  feet  in  height, 
and  exhibiting,  at  an  elevation  of  136  feet  above  the  sea,  a  flashing 
white  light  visible  17  miles. 

On  Punta  Secca,  the  northeastern  elbow  of  the  land  forming  the 
harbor,  from  iron  supports  above  a  dwelling,  the  whole  19  feet 
in  height,  is  exhibited,  at  an  elevation  of  26  feet  above  the  sea,  a 
flashing  red  light  visible  10  miles.  (For  arc  of  visibility  see  Light 
List.) 

Two  fixed  red  lights,  exhibited  vertically,  13  feet  apart,  the  upper 
one  76|  feet  above  the  water  from  a  truss,  above  a  small  white  house 
situated  on  Forte  Campana.    The  lights  are  visible  6  miles. 

From  a  pole  near  the  health  office  on  the  western  side  of  the  en- 
trance of  the  harbor  two  fixed  green  lights  are  exhibited  at  elevations 
of  29  feet  and  39  feet,  respectively.  (For  arc  of  visibility  see  Light 
List.) 

When  the  ferry  boats  are  approaching  a  green  light  is  shown 
from  the  western  mole  of  the  landing  place  and  a  red  light  from 
the  eastern  mole;  two  red  lights,  placed  vertically,  are  also  shown 
at  the  same  time  near  the  green  light. 

Buoys. — A  cylindrical  buoy  is  moored  near  the  entrance  to  the 
dry  dock.  Man-of-War  Buoy  1  is  located  590  yards  143°  from 
Fort  San  Salvatore  Light. 

Several  bollards  on  the  beach  in  the  northern  part  of  the  harbor 
are  not  trustworthy. 


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THE   NORTH  AND  EAST  COAST  OF  SICILY.  557 

Pilots. — ^As  the  currents  are  often  very  strong  and  variable,  it 
would  be  imprudent  to  take  a  sailing  vessel  into  port  without  a  pilot. 

Large  vessels  should  obtain  the  assistance  of  the  harbor  master 
in  taking  up  berths. 

Mooring  buoys. — Five  mooring  buoys  for  large  vessels  have  been 
established  in  the  middle  of  the  port,  located  as  follows : 

Buoy  No.  1,  330  yards  149°  from  Fort  San  Salvatore  Light. 

Buoy  No.  2,  500  yards  176°  30'  from  the  same  light. 

Buoy  No.  3,  710  yards  181°  from  the  same  light. 

Buoy  No.  4,  590  yards  198°  30'  from  the  same  light. 

Buoy  No.  5,  275  yards  193°  30'  from  the  same  light. 

A  mooring  buoy  for  the  use  of  Government  vessels  lies  to  north- 
ward of  the  dry  dock,  and  three  mooring  buoys  for  torpedaxjraft  are 
situated  in  front  of  the  liquid-fuel  piers. 

Anchorages. — The  best  berths  within  the  harbor  for  large  vessels, 
of  which  there  are  three  good  ones,  are  between  Via  Vittorio  Eman- 
uele  and  a  line  joining  Forte  Campana  with  the  railroad  station,  the 
anchors  being  laid  out  north  and  south ;  room  must  be  left  for  mer- 
chant vessels  to  moor  with  their  sterns  to  the  western  shore,  and  also 
for  those  moored  to  the  buoys  upon  the  eastern  side  of  the  harbor. 

The  harbor,  however,  is  so  encumbered  with  moorings  that  con- 
siderable difficulty  is  experienced  by  vessels  anchoring  in  laying  the 
anchors  clear  of  the  numerous  chains.  SmaU  naval  vessels  find  con- 
venient positions  at  the  head  of  the  port,  their  anchors  out  to  the 
northward  and  their  sterns  fast  secured  to  the  bollards  on  shore. 

Vessels  not  wishing  to  enter  the  harbor  may  find  temporary 
anchorage  a  little  northward  of  the  convent  of  San  Francesco  di 
Paola;  the  holding  ground  is  good,  but  it  should  be  observed  that, 
like  the  harbor  of  Messina,  this  anchorage  is  much  subject  to  eddies, 
and  it  is  difficult,  if  not  impossible,  to  keep  the  anchor  clear  if  the 
vessel  should  remain  more  than  a  few  hours.  The  shallows  must 
be  avoided  which  lie  off  the  river's  mouth  a  little  to  the  southward. 
The  anchorage  directly  off  San  Francesco  di  Paola  is  encumbered 
with  anchors  and  chains  and  should  be  avoided. 

Convenient  anchorage  may  be  taken  up,  near  the  convent  of  Salva- 
tore vei  Greci,  in  depths  of  10  and  20  fathoms,  over  sand.  The  con- 
vent, now  used  as  barracks,  is  a  large  square  building  with  a  few 
small  windows  in  the  southern  part  of  the  building,  and  may  be  iden- 
tified by  a  limekiln  with  a  black-topped  chimney  immediately  to  the 
northward  of  it.  The  anchorage  is  off  a -conspicuous  villa  striped  red 
and  white. 

In  the  months  of  December,  January,  and  February  it  is  better  to 
moor  with  both  bowers,  with  an  open  hawse  to  the  northward;  as 
heavy  gusts  of  wind  blow  down  from  that  quarter,  and  without  a 


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658  THE   NORTH  AND  EAST  COAST  OF   SICILY. 

sufficient  scope  of  cable,  the  whirl  and  strength  of  the  current,  and 
the  squalls  combined,  are  likely  to  drive  the  vessel  off  the  bank. 
With  northeasterly  winds,  the  anchors,  with  a  good  scope  of  cable,  are 
not  likely  to  drag,  as  the  direction  would  be  uphill. 

Caution — Coast  line  extending. — Owing  to  the  deposit  of  the 
ruins  of  the  city  the  coast  line  between  the  health  office  and  the  point 
southeastward  of  the  gasometer  is  extending  seaward. 

Prohibited  anchorage. — Anchoring  immediately  to  the  south- 
ward of  Forte  San  Salvatore  is  prohibited. 

Vessels  are  prohibited  from  anchoring  on  the  western  side  of  the 
strait  in  the  approach  to  Messina  Harbor  within  the  following  limits: 

(a)  Between  the  parallels  of  Fort  Campana  and  the  citadel. 

(&)  Between  Annunziata  Biver  and  a  point  situated  100  yards 
southward  from  the  entrance  to  San  Francisco  di  Paola  Biver. 

Directions. — Vessels  bound  for  this  port  f>hould,  for  entering  the 
strait,  follow  the  general  instructions  given  on  pages  564,  565,  and 
also  take  advantage  of  the  current  (see  p.  560).  When  the  wind 
and  current  are  adverse  it  is  necessary  for  sailing  vessels  to  anchor 
until  the  current  becomes  favorable.  When  the  wind  is  very  strong 
it  is  advisable  for  a  vessel  not  to  attempt  to  enter  the  harbor,  but 
to  anchor  either  opposite  Paradiso  or  Salvatore  dei  Greci.  With  a 
strong  east-southeast  wind  sailing  vessels  can  not  enter  the  port,  and 
may  anchor  off  the  entrance,  dropping  two  anchors,  and  taking  a 
hawser  on  shore  as  a  precaution,  in  case  of  a  change  of  wind. 

In  entering  Messina  Harbor  give  Punta  San  Eaineri  and  Punta 
Secca  a  berth  of  at  least  i  mile,  on  account  of  the  strong  tide  races 
which  during  spring  tides  extend  from  them.  The  British  naval  ves- 
sel Invincible^  entering  under  steam  during  spring  tides,  was  twice 
turned  by  the  tide  eight  points  against  the  helm,  the  speed  of  the  ves- 
sel being  7  knots. 

Leaving  the  harbor  with  a  northeast  wind,  sailing  vessels  should 
warp  up  under  the  walls  of  San  Salvatore,  and  remain  there  until  the 
tide  sets  out.  With  a  northwest  wind  the  vessel  must  be  hauled  over 
under  the  health  office,  and  thence  make  sail  offshore. 

Caution. — ^There  is  no  regular  tidal  stream  at  Messina,  but  a  rush 
of  water  occasionally  enters  and  sweeps  round  the  harbor,  causing  a 
variable  current  at  the  buoys,  often  running  in  opposite  directions 
within  an  interval  of  five  minutes;  caution  is  therefore  necessary 
when  making  fast  to  a  buoy,  especially  if  vessels  are  secured  to  those 
adjacent  to  it. 

CJity. — The  city  of  Messina,  formerly  Messana,  of  which  but  few 
vestiges  remain,  stood  on  the  site  of  Zancle  or  Sickle,  from  the  shap>e 
of  the  harbor,  a  city  founded  in  the  year  732  B.  C.  In  the  year  1783 
the  city  was  almrst  destroyed  by  an  earthquake,  but  was  rebuilt, 


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THE   NORTH  AND  EAST   COAST  OF   SICILY.  559 

and  became  a  flourishing  and  beautiful  city  until  1908,  when,  on 
December  28,  one  of  the  most  disastrous  earthquakes  ever  recorded 
destroyed  it  totally.  In  1911  the  clearance  of  the  old  city  and  the 
rebuilding  of  a  new  one  on  its  site  was  commenced,  and  it  is  hoped 
very  shortly  that  Messina  will  regain  her  former  commercial  pros- 
perity. The  population  of  Messina,  including  the  outlying  villages, 
is  abciit  126,172. 

Communication. — ^Almost  daily  communication  by  steamer  with 
Naples  (18  hours);  twice  every  week  with  the  Lipari  Islands; 
weekly  to  Palermo,  Naples,  Leghorn,  Genoa,  Catania,  Syracuse, 
Malta,  and  Tripoli ;  fortnightly  to  Stromboli,  Tunis,  Algiers,  Oran, 
Malaga,  Gibraltar,  and  Tangier;  besides  which  several  lines  of 
steamers  to  the  Adriatic,  Constantinople,  the  Black  Sea  ports,  and 
Alexandria,  call  at  the  port.  The  Cunard  Line  emigrant  steamers 
to  the  United  States  call  here  regularly. 

Ferryboats,  which  leave  from  a  pier  south  westward  of  the  cita- 
del, make  two  trips  a  day  to  Reggio  in  connection  with  the  train 
service. 

Railroad  communication  with  Palermo  and  Syracuse,  a  steam 
tramway  to  Barcellona,  northward,  and  Giampilieri,  southward, 
which  is  shortly  to  be  electrified.  Telegraphic  communication  with 
all  parts ;  the  telegraph  office  is  always  open. 

Coal  and  supplies. — About  9,000  tons  of  coal  are  kept  in  stock; 
there  are  30  lighters,  holding  from  20  to  25  tons;  also  a  coal  wharf 
400  feet  in  length,  with  depths  of  from  19  to  24  feet  alongside,  but 
it  was  damaged  by  the  earthquake.  Coaling  is  now  (1912)  carried 
out  by  means  of  a  7,000-ton  coal  hulk,  fitted  with  electric  light,  trans- 
porters, traveling  cranes,  and  all  modem  appliances. 

Supplies  of  fresh  meat,  vegetables,  and  bread,  can  be  procured,  and 
water  from  a  public  fountain,  pure,  but  somewhat  hard.  Tank  ves- 
sels are  always  available,  and  water  is  also  supplied  by  the  coal  hulk. 
Water  may  also  be  obtained  by  digging  holes  in  the  sand  on  either 
side  of  the  strait. 

Dock. — ^There  is  a  dry  dock  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  harbor. 
(For  particulars,  see  Appendix  I.) 

Harbor  regulations. — The  speed  of  any  vessel,  when  entering 
or  leaving  the  port,  is  not  to  exceed  5  knots. 

Time  signal. — Near  the  northeastern  end  of  Forte  San  Salvntore 
a  time  ball  is  dropped  and  a  gun  fired  simultaneously  by  electricity, 
at  noon.  Central  European  time,  corresponding  to  23h.  Om.  Os.  Green- 
wich mean  time. 

Trade. — The  principal  exports  are  wine,  silk,  lemons,  oranges, 
pumice  stone,  walnuts,  and  filberts;  and  imports,  coal,  timber,  pe- 
troleum, wheat,  and  stock  fish. 


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560  THE   NOBTH  AND  EAST  COAST  OP  SICILY. 

Strait  of  Messina. — El  Faro,  or  Strait  of  Messina  (the  Fretum 
Siculum  of  the  ancients),  is  bounded  on  the  south  by  Punta  Grosso 
and  Capo  dell'  Armi,  on  the  Calabrian  coast,  where  it  is  12  miles 
wide;  from  thence  it  trends  in  a  northerly  direction  for  a  distance 
of  about  14  miles,  gradually  narrowing  to  a  width  of  2J  miles  off 
Messina,  from  thence  it  curves  to  the  northeastward,  and  has  a  width 
of  If  miles  between  the  overlapping  points  of  Sicily  and  Calabria, 
finally  entering  Golfo  di  Gioia,  northward  of  Cape  Peloro. 

This  strait,  dreaded  by  the  ancients,  and  invested  by  them  with 
many  imaginary  terrors,  requires  some  caution  in  its  navigation  on 
account  of  the  rapidity  and  irregularity  of  the  currents,  known  to 
them  as  the  Charybdis,  but  now  locally  termed  Garof  ali.  The  winds 
are  also  baflBing  when  off  the  highland,  and  heavy  gusts  blow  down 
the  valleys  and  gorges;  without  a  steady  and  commanding  breeze  a 
sailing  vessel  may  become  quite  unmanageble,  and  a  vessel  under 
steam  be  turned  around.  The  strait  is  everywhere  clear  of  danger 
and  the  water  deep. 

Local  winds. — In  winter  the  strongest  and  most  frequent  winds 
are  those  from  the  east-southeast  and  west-southwest,  the  latter  being 
accompanied  by  a  heavy  sea.  In  this  season  the  conflict  between  op- 
posing winds  is  frequent,  especially  when  that  from  the  northwest, 
which  blows  down  the  Tyrrhenian  Sea,  is  fresh. 

West  winds  are  not  so  lasting  as  those  from  southeast  and  south- 
west; they  may  blow  very  fresh,  but  soon  moderate.  The  southeast 
wind,  on  the  contrary,  becomes  stronger  and  stronger,  and  blows 
sometimes  for  15  successive  days.  The  wind  from  southwest  gen- 
erally follows,  but  lasts  only  a  short  time,  gradually  veering  to  the 
northward,  when  fine  weather  is  reestablished. 

In  summer  the  fine  weather  is  accompanied  by  winds  from  the 
northwest  and  north ;  when  from  the  latter  quarter  it  is  nearly  always 
calm  in  the  Strait  of  Messina ;  while  at  Messina  itself  and  Reggio  the 
breeze  is  sometimes  very  fresh,  it  generally,  however,  falls  in  the 
evening,  and  does  not  raise  much  sea.  During  the  fine  season  the 
strait  is  the  line  of  separation  of  winds  from  east  and  southwest. 
The  clouds  brought  by  the  latter  accumulate  over  the  strait,  where 
it  is  a  dead  calm,  while  a  fresh  breeze  blows  outside. 

At  times  a  northerly  wind  blowing  through  the  strait  meets  a 
southerly  some  20  miles  below  it,  or  a  wind  from  the  Adriatic,  off 
Capo  Spartivento,  causing  much  aerial  commotion.  On  the  coast  of 
Sicily,  between  Taormina  and  Riposto,  this  is  locally  named  Del 
Golfo  di  Cantara. 

Precautions  should  be  taken  against  the  heavy  gusts,  dangerous  to 
small  vessels,  which  at  times  rush  down  the  valleys. 

Currents  and  tidal  streams. — The  currents  in  the  Strait  of 
Messina  are  variable,  and  at  times  attain  a  velocity  of  5  knots  an 

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THE   NORTH   AND  EAST   COAST  OF   SICILY.  561 

hour.  They  are,  however,  to  a  great  extent  tidal,  their  greatest 
strength  being  on  the  day  following  the  full  and  change  of  the  moon. 
Occasionally  the  tidal  streams  are  overpowered  by  other  general 
movements  of  the  water  in  the  neighborhood,  from  winds  or  other 
causes,  and  the  stream  may  then  run  in  one  direction  for  many  hours. 

The  stream  runs  to  the  northward  with  a  rising  tide  and  to  the 
southward  with  a  falling  tide,  but  near  the  coast  there  are  counter- 
currents  of  which  the  mariner  may  take  advantage.  These  counter- 
streams,  which  are  felt  between  one  and  two  hours  after  the  com- 
mencement of  the  main  stream,  are  termed  Refoli  when  produced  by 
the  falling  tide,  and  Bastardi  when  caused  by  the  rising  tide. 

On  the  Sicilian  side  the  principal  counterst reams  of  the  ebb  occur 
between  Torre  Palazzo  and  Capo  Peloro,  Pace  and  Fiume  Guardia, 
Salvatore  dei  Greci,  and  S.  Francesco  di  Paola.  The  breadth  of  these 
countercurrents  increases  in  proportion  as  the  general  stream  has 
more  duration,  and  is  important  during  springs,  when  they  extend 
1  mile  from  the  shore. 

On  the  Calabrian  side  the  counterstream  on  the  ebb  does  not  occur 
northward  of  Punta  Pezzo,  but  thence  southward  to  Catona  (oppo- 
site Messina)  is  about  1  mile  in  breadth.  With  the  northerly  stream 
the  only  important  countercurrent  or  Bastardi  on  the  Sicil'an  side 
occurs  in  Messina  Strait,  between  the  lighthouse  and  Punta  Palazzo; 
the  others  are  insignificant. 

On  the  Calabrian  side,  however,  2  hours  after  high  water,  between 
Alta  Fiumara  and  Punta  Pezzo,  there  is  an  eddy  setting  to  the  south- 
ward, having  its  greatest  breadth  off  Cannitello,  where  it  extends 
about  i  mile  from  the  shore. 

At  full  and  change  the  southerly  stream  begins  at  9h.  a.  m.  at 
Capo  Peloro,  Messina  Strait,  and  sets  toward  Alta  Fiumara  in  Cala- 
bria, thence  to  Punta  Pezzo  and  toward  Pace  in  Sicily;  afterwards 
to  Salvatore  dei  Greci,  arriving  off  the  northeast  lighthouse  of  Mes- 
sina about  llh.,  setting  thence  toward  Reggio  in  Calabria. 

At  full  and  change  the  northerly  stream  commences  about  3h.  at 
Punta  Pezzo,  gradually  enlarges,  and  uniting  with  the  cfvnter- 
current  between  Torre  Palazzo  and  Punta  Sottile,  the  whole  stream 
runs  to  the  northeastward  in  the  direction  of  the  channel.  After 
two  hours  its  direction  changes  toward  Scilla,  but  at  the  same  time 
a  stream  from  the  north  unites  with  the  former  near  Scilla,  and 
causes  a  current  toward  the  offing.  At  Messina  the  northerly  cur- 
rent does  not  commence  till  about  5h. 

At  neaps  the  southerly  streams  follow  the  same  direction  as  those 
of  full  and  change,  and  produce  the  same  countercurrent,  but  with 
less  velocity.  It  begins  at  Capo  Peloro  at  Oh.  4:5m.  and  off  Messina 
at  3h.  45m.    At  Capo  Peloro  the  rise  of  water  is  scarcely  per- 

68850—17 36 


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562  THE   NORTH  AND  EAST  COAST  OF   SICILY. 

ceptible;  at  Messina  the  maximum  rise  is  from  10  to  13  inches,  but 
it  is  greatly  influenced  by  the  winds. 

The  meeting  of  the  two  opposing  currents  produces  in  several  parts 
of  the  strait  whirls  and  great  ripplings,  locally  termed  "  Garofali"; 
they  are  represented  on  the  chart  by  a  scroll.  The  principal  are  on 
the  coast  of  Sicily,  between  Capo  Peloro  and  Punta  SottUe,  with 
the  ebb,  and  off  Torre  Palazzo  with  the  flood;  the  latter  are  very 
strong.  Off  Punta  Secca,  the  northeastern  extremity  of  the  Braccio 
di  San  Eanieri,  it  is  also  very  strong  and  dangerous  with  a  south- 
east wind. 

At  Punta  Pe^zo,  on  the  Calabrian  coast,  there  is  a  very  strong 
Garofali,  which  is  also  dangerous  with  a  southeast  wind.  The  other 
great  ripplings  without  whirls,  caused  by  the  current  over  the  uneven 
bottom,  are  termed  Scala  di  Mare. 

To  the  southward  of  Capo  Peloro  in  Calabria  the  tidal  streams 
are  not  felt,  and  the  current  generally  is  determined  by  the  wind. 

The  celebrated  vortex  of  Charybdis,  so  much  dreaded  by  the 
ancients,  is  described  by  Admiral  Smyth  as  that  outside  the  Braccio 
di  San  Ranieri,  but  in  the  French  survey  of  the  strait  in  1858  the 
position  of  Charybdis  is  assigned  to  the  Garofali,  immediately 
southward  of  the  Faro,  and  this  being  so  much  nearer  Scilla  would 
be  more  in  accordance  with  the  famous  proverbial  expression,  "  In- 
cidit  in  Scyllam  cupiens  vitare  Charybdim,"  applicable  to  those  who, 
to  avoid  a  less,  run  into  a  greater  danger. 

Pilots. — As  before  remarked,  the  navigation  of  this  strait  is  at 
times  diflScult,  on  account  of  the  various  movements  of  the  current, 
it  would  therefore  be  imprudent  for  a  stranger  to  take  the  passage 
in  a  sailing  vessel  at  night  without  a  pilot.  If  from  the  northward, 
pilots  are  found  some  miles  to  the  northward  of  Capo  Peloro  Light; 
if  from  the  southward,  3  or  4  miles  southward  of  Messina. 

Paradiso — ^Mooring  buoy. — A  mooring  buoy,  suitable  for  large 
vessels,  has  been  established  in  Paradiso  Roads  about  1 J  miles  north- 
ward of  Punta  San  Raineri. 

Oun  practice  occasionally  takes  place  from  the  forts  on  each  side 
of  the  strait;  when  a  fort  is  firing  a  red  flag  is  hoisted,  and  vessels  are 
warned  thereby  to  keep  at  a  distance  of  3  miles  from  the  fort. 

Anchorages. — Between  Paradiso  and  Capo  Peloro  are  the  fol- 
lowing anchorages: 

Pace  (Grotta). — In  from  11  to  16  fathoms  water,  over  sand,  about 
300  yards  from  the  shore,  and  northeastward  of  the  remarkable  cupola 
of  Santuario  della  Grotta. 

Communication. — A  steam  tramway  nms  to  Messina  and  Bar- 
cellona,  and  there  is  telegraphic  communication  during  limited  hours. 

Supplies  of  fresh  provisions  and  water  may  be  procured  in  lim- 
ited quantities. 

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THE   NORTH   AND  EAST   COAST  OF   SICILY.  563 

Canzirri  (Oanzirri). — ^The  anchorage  is  in  front  of  the  village, 
in  about  6  fathoms  water,  over  sand,  with  good  holding  ground,  but 
in  winter  it  is  exposed  to  winds  from  southeastward  which  cause  a 
heavy  sea. 

Communicatioii. — Steam  tramways  to  Messina  and  Barcelona. 

Supplies. — ^Moderate  supplies  of  fresh  provisions  may  be  pro- 
cured. 

Piana  di  Faro. — ^Anchorage  may  be  obtained  off  the  village  in 
16  fathoms  water,  about  150  yards  from  the  shore. 

Communicatioii. — A  regular  service  of  steam  tramways  to  Mes- 
sina and  Barcellona,  and  good  roads. 

Supplies  of  fresh  provisions  and  water,  in  limited  quantities,  may 
be  procured. 

Calabria. — The  anchorages  upon  the  Calabrian  side  of  the  strait 
are  scarcely  available  for  strangers  except  in  cases  of  emergency,  as 
the  water  is  deep  and  the  shore  steep.  The  best  places  are  in  the  bay 
off  Marina  di  Scilla,  where  there  is  a  lifeboat ;  off  Reggio,  and  in  the 
bay  li  miles  northward  of  it ;  and  to  the  southward,  about  the  same 
distance  northward  of  Punta  Pellaro.  Except  off  Scilla  there  are 
depths  of  from  16  to  20  fathoms,  at  100  yards  from  the  shore. 

Between  Messina  and  Capo  Peloro  the  shore  is  everywhere  bold, 
and  there  are  no  dangers  more  than  300  yards  distant. 

Prohibited  anchorages. — Vessels  are  prohibited  from  anchoring 
off  the  coast  of  Calabria  between  a  point  situated  about  300  yards 
southward  of  the  port  of  Villa  san  Giovanni  and  the  entrance  to 
Catona  River. 

Telegraph  cables. — Four  telegraphic  cables  are  laid  across  the 
Strait  of  Messina;  anchorage  in  the  vicinity  of  the  cables  is  pro- 
hibited. 

Capo  Peloro  or  di  Faro,  the  northeastern  extremity  of  Sicily, 
was  the  Pelorum  Prom,  or  Cape  Pelorus  of  the  ancients.  It  is  a  low 
sandy  point,  which  is  being  gi*adually  washed  away,  and  near  its 
extremity  is  an  old  fort  on  which  is  a  lighthouse;  there  are  also  two 
other  lighthouses,  one  westward  and  one  southward  of  the  old  fort. 
The  village  of  Faro  stands  on  the  coast  i  mile  southwestward  of  the 
old  fort.  Between  the  beach  and  the  hills,  on  the  eastward  and 
southward,  are  two  lakes,  named  Pantano  Grande  and  Pantano  Pic- 
colo, united  by  a  canal,  the  village  of  Canzirri  and  two  towers  are  be- 
tween Pantano  Grande  and  the  coast. 

Lights. — From  a  turret  on  the  tower  of  the  old  fort  on  the  eastern 
extremity  of  Capo  Peloro,  at  an  elevation  of  85  feet  above  the  sea,  is 
exhibited  an  occulting  white  light,  visible  12  miles. 

At  Punta  Sottile,  350  yards  southward  from  the  preceding  light- 
house, a  gray  cylindrical  iron  shed,  exhibits  an  occulting  green  light. 
It  is  elevated  26  feet  above  the  sea,  and  is  visible  4  miles. 

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664  THE   NORTH   AND  EAST  COAST  OF   SICILY. 

A  fixed  green  light,  visible  2  miles,  is  exhibited  from  a  white  cir- 
cular tower,  39  feet  in  height,  on  Punta  Mazzone,  about  i  mile  west- 
ward of  Capo  Peloro,  to  mark  the  position  of  the  telegraph  cable 
laid  between  Calabria  and  Capo  Peloro.  (For  arc  of  visibility  set^ 
Light  List  and  chart.) 

Signal  station — Ssmapliore — Storm  signals. — Upon  Forte 
Spuria,  on  the  hill,  nearly  IJ  miles  westward  of  the  lighthouse  of 
Capo  Peloro,  is  a  semaphore,  321  feet  above  the  sea,  with  which  ves- 
sels may  communicate.    Storm  signals  are  also  shown  here. 

Anchorage. — A  bank^  with  a  depth  of  from  1  fathom  to  5  fathoms 
over  it,  extends  nearly  600  yards  eastward  of  Capo  Peloro;  at  ^  mile 
distant  from  the  cape  there  are  20  to  30  fathoms,  when  the  water 
rapidly  deepens  to  150  fathoms  in  mid-channel.  Temporary  anchor- 
age will  be  found  ( n  the  bank,  in  from  10  to  20  fathoms  water,  over 
sandy  bottom,  with  Spuria  Semaphore  brought  either  just  northward 
or  southward  of  the  lighthouse;  it  is,  however,  exposed,  should  be 
used  only  in  summer  under  favorable  circumstances,  and  care  must 
be  taken  to  avoid  the  wrecks  that  lie  there.    • 

Prohibited  anchorage. — Anchorage  or  fishing  is  prohibited 
within  the  area  covered  by  the  sector  of  visibility  of  the  light  on 
Punta  Mazzone  in  order  to  avoid  fculing  the  telegraph  cable. 

Caution. — Steamers  proceed  tlirougli  the  fairway  of  the  strait, 
and  give  Cape  Peloro  a  berth  of  not  less  than  ^  mile. 

Sailing  vessels. — It  would  not  be  prudent,  unless  having  a 
knowledge  of  the  tidal  streams,  to  take  a  sailing  vessel  through 
the  strait  without  a  pilot,  especially  at  night. 

Directions. — A  vessel  entering  the  Strait  of  Messina  from  the 
northwestward  should,  to  clear  Modeste  Shoal  (Secca  Rasocolmo) 
(see  p.  579)  keep  Capo  Peloro  Lighthouse  bearing  southward  of  129°, 
and  may  round  the  lighthouse  at  a  distance  cf  800  yards  and  in  not 
less  than  20  or  30  fathoms  water,  carefully  checking  the  distance  by 
bearings  of  Scilla  and  Punta  Pezzo  or  by  angles  of  elevation  of  the 
lighthouse. 

From  the  northward^  a  sailing  vessel  bound  through  the  strait 
with  a  good  breeze  and  southerly  current,  should  take  the  middle  of 
the  channel  and  when  abreast  Capo  Peloro  steer  for  Messina ;  but  on 
arriving  on  the  line  between  Punto  Pezzo  and  Pace  alter  course  for 
Punta  Pellaro  and  approach  the  coast  of  Calabria,  where  the  tidal 
stream  is  more  favorable;  when  off  Reggie  keep  in  the  middle  of  the 
channel  and  the  strait  will  be  cleared  without  difficulty. 

With  a  northerly  wind  and  a  ntrtherly  current  get  into  the  counter 
stream  of  Alta  Fiumara,  northward  of  Cannitello  Village,  with  the 
assistance  of  which  Punta  Pezzo  will  be  reached  without  difficulty ; 
thence  steer  toward  Pace  and  then  for  Punta  Secca  Lighthouse  of 
Messina ;  when  opposite  the  convent  of  San  Salvatore  di  Greci  keep 
for  Reggio,  where  the  current  will  be  weaker. 

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THE   NORTH  AND  EAST   COAST  OF   SICILY.  565 

With  the  wind  and  current  both  southward,  after  reaching  the 
counter  stream  on  the  ebb,  tack  toward  the  coast  of  Sicily,  and  tack 
again  before  entering  the  eddy  off  Pace ;  another  tack  will  take  the 
vessel  otf  Cantona,  but  do  not  approach  the  land  on  account  of  the 
countercurrent;  then  stand  toward  Messina  and  at  a  reasonable  dis- 
tance from  it  tack;  on  this  tack  toward  Pentimele  the  land  may  be 
approached,  as  there  is  no  northerly  eddy. 

Continue  to  work  to  windward  by  making  tacks  toward  Sicily  a 
little  beyond  the  middle  of  the  channel,  and  those  toward  Calabria 
nearer  the  hmd;  after  pr.Siing  Ciipo  Scaletta,  the  next  tack  will  take 
the  vessel  to  Punta  Pellaro,  but  should  she  fall  to  leeward  of  it,  the 
land  should  not  be  approached  on  account  of  the  countercurrent, 
but  the  cape  once  passed  the  tacks  may  ba  continued  closer  in  to  the 
land. 

Bound  southward,  when  the  wind  and  tide  are  both  contrary,  it  is 
best  to  reduce  sail  and  keep  off  the  north  coast  of  Sicily  between 
Cajio  Rnsocolmo  and  Mondello  iSshing  village,  so  as  to  be  at  the 
entrance  of  the  strait  at  the  moment  of  the  turn  of  the  tide;  or 
anchorage  may  be  taken  up  on  the  Faro  Bank  to  await  the  change. 

From  the  southward.— If  from  the  southward,  with  a  fair  wind 
and  current,  a  vessel  should  keep  nearly  in  mid-channel,  borrowing 
toward  the  Sicilian  coast;  when  abreast  of  Messina  steer  for  Capo 
Peloro,  and  when  off  Punta  Pezzo  keep  a  little  more  to  the  eastward 
toward  Palmi  to  avoid  the  counter  flood  southward  of  the  two  coasts, 
then  keep  more  to  the  northward  and  when  clear  of  the  shoal  water 
off  Capo  Peloro,  steer  for  Stromboli. 

When  off  Punta  Pellaro,  with  the  wind  south  and  the  current  run- 
ning to  the  southward,  keep  along  the  coast  of  Sicily  at  the  distance 
of  a  little  more  than  200  yards,  to  profit  by  the  eddy  which  runs  to 
the  northward;  when  nearly  up  to  Messina  stand  over  for  the  coast 
of  Salabria,  get  into  the  counter  stream  of  Acciarello,  and  keep  along 
shore  as  far  as  Punta  Pezzo;  if  the  southerly  stream  is  still  strong 
it  will  be  necessary  to  approach  again  the  coast  of  Sicily  toward 
Canzirri,  where  the  tide  will  be  found  favorable;  but  should  it  be 
weak,  a  course  can  be  made  direct  for  Capo  Peloro  and  thence  out 
of  the  strait. 

With  the  wind  and  current  north,  work  to  windward  on  the  coast 
of  Calabria  as  far  as  Torre  Lupo  below  Reggio;  from  there  make  a 
tack  for  the  opposite  coast  and  continue  upon  that  side,  making  the 
offshore  tack  to  about  the  middlle  of  the  channel,  and  the  other  near 
the  coast;  when  abreast  of  Messina  stand  farther  over  to  Calabria 
and  work  up  as  upon  the  opposite  side  for  Punta  Pezzo ;  w^hen  abreast 
of  it,  work  in  mid-channel  to  avoid  the  eddies;  if,  however,  Canzirri 
can  be  reached  on  one  tack,  keep  in  to  Torre  Palazzo,  standing  off  to 


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566  THE   NORTH  AND  EAST  COAST  OF   SICILY. 

the  middle  of  the  channel  and  keeping  a  little  off  the  tower  when 
standing  in. 

Once  to  the  northward  of  the  shoal  off  Capo  Peloro,  a  vessel  can 
get  to  windward  by  making  a  short  tack  toward  the  Sicilian  coast 
and  a  long  one  toward  Calabria  if  the  weather  be  fine,  thus  allow- 
ing the  land  breeze,  which  gets  up  in  the  evening,  to  be  taken  ad- 
vantage of.  But  should  the  weather  be  bad  the  long  tacks  should 
be  made  toward  the  coast  of  Sicily,  always  remembering  to  keep 
clear  of  Modeste  Bank. 

When  near  Punta  Pellaro,  with  a  northerly  wind,  the  ebb  or 
southerly  current,  work  in  the  bay  northward  of  it,  to  take  advantage 
of  the  countercurrent ;  from  Torre  Lupo,  keep  over  on  the  coast  of 
Sicily,  and  there  work  to  windward,  tacking  when  in  mid-channel; 
when  off  the  Fiumara  di  Don  Brasco,  near  the  south  of  Messina,  cross 
to  the  coast  of  Calabria  for  the  Acciarello  eddy,  working  to  windward 
to  Punta  Pezzo ;  from  there  stretch  over  as  far  as  the  Sicilian  coast, 
but  should  the  current  be  too  strong  and  the  breeze  too  weak  to  reach 
it,  heave-to  in  the  favorable  eddy,  and  await  the  turn  of  tide ;  when 
Pace  can  be  reached,  work  in  the  countercurrent  as  far  as  Capo 
Pelero,  and  continue  the  route  as  before  directed. 

Approaching  the  strait  at  night,  if  from  the  southward,  the  light 
on  Capo  dell'  Armi  is  visible  about  16  miles,  and  that  on  Punta  Pezzo 
a  distance  of  13  miles;  if  from  the  northward,  the  light  on  Capo 
Peloro  at  about  14  miles,  San  Ranieri,  20  miles,  and  that  at  Scilla 
16  miles. 

Caution. — Strangers  passing  Milazzo  Lighthouse,  and  bound  to 
Messina,  in  thick  or  blowing  weather,  may  be  mistaken  with  respect 
to  the  entrance  of  the  strait,  as  there  is  more  the  appearance  of  a 
strait  southward  of  Vaticano  than  at  the  actual  opening,  and  the 
error  has  proved  fatal  to  many  vessels. 

lilpari  or  iEolian  Islands. — ^The  group  consists  of  seven  prin- 
cipal islands,  viz,  Stromboli,  Panaria,  Salina,  Lipari,  Vulcano,  Fili- 
cudi,  and  Alicudi,  with  several  islets  and  rocks.  They  are  all  irregu- 
lar in  outline,  and  comprise  with  Ustica  a  coast  line  of  77  miles;  they 
are  mountainous  and  all  of  evident  volcanic  origin,  with  distinct 
craters  on  several,  two  of  which  are  active. 

Ustica  (the  ancient  Osteodes)  is  situated  in  approximately  lati- 
tude 38^  43'  N.,  longitude  13°  12'  E.,  55  miles  to  the  west-northwest- 
ward of  Alicudi,  and  30  miles  northeastward  of  Capo  San  Vito,  in 
Sicily,  and  lying,  as  it  does,  somewhat  in  the  track  of  vessels  from  the 
westward,  it  forms  an  excellent  mark  for  those  bound  to  Palermo  and 
the  north  coast  of  Sicily. 

Ustica  is  high  in  the  middle,  but  at  a  distance  of  20  miles  eastward 
or  westward,  it  appears  as  two  small  islands. 


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THE   NOETH  AND  EAST  COAST  OF   SICILY.  567 

It  is  2i  miles  in  length,  in  an  east-northeastward  and  west-south- 
westward  direction,  and  about  1^  miles  in  breadth,  and  is  entirely 
composed  of  volcanic  substances,  but  is  extremely  fertile,  and  well 
cultivated,  and  has  a  population  of  about  1,900.  On  several  parts  of 
the  coast  there  are  spacious  grottoes,  with  deep  water  in  them,  of 
which  one  on  the  eastern  side  has  a  singular  stalagmitic  incrustation 
of  shells  intermixed  with  lava.  Another  near  it,  with  a  very  low 
entrance,  is  so  roomy  within  that  in  former  times  fishermen  have 
sought  security  in  it  from  the  Barbary  cruisers.  Torre  del  Spalma- 
tore,  a  square  tower,  commands  a  landing  place  at  the  southwestern 
end  of  the  island. 

In  the  vicinity  of  the  coasts,  the  water  is  generally  deep,  a  depth 
of  30  fathoms  being  found  at  100  yards  distant;  and  in  some  parts 
nearer. 

Off  the  western  side  of  the  island,  1^  miles  distant,  is  Secca 
d' Apollo,  having  depths  of  17  ta26  fathoms,  over  coral. 

Lights. — On  Punta  Uomo-Morto,  on  the  northern  side  of  Capo 
Falconara,  a  white  turret,  23  feet  in  height,  and  with  a  dwelling 
adjoining,  exhibits,  at  an  elevation  of  328  feet  above  the  sea,  a 
flashing  white  light  visible  22  miles.  (For  arc  of  visibility,  see 
Light  List  and  chart.) 

Auxiliary  light. — A  fixed  red  light,  visible  4  miles  over  an  arc 
of  41°,  covering  Columbia  Shoal,  has  been  installed  in  Uomo  Morto 
Point  Light  Tower. 

On  Punta  Gavazzi,  the  southwestern  extremity  of  the  island,  a 
white  tower,  92  feet  in  height,  and  with  a  dwelling  adjoining,  ex- 
hibits, at  an  elevation  of  131  feet  above  the  sea,  a  fixed  and  flashing 
white  light,  visible  10  miles.  (For  arc  of  visibility,  see  Light  List 
and  chart.) 

Signal  station — Semaphore. — On  Monte  Guardia  dei  Turchi 
is  a  semaphore,  with  which  vessels  can  communicate. 

Storm  signals. — Storm  signals  are  also  made  at  the  signal  station. 

Dangers. — Scoglio  il  Medico^  nearly  600  yards  northwestward 
of  Punta  di  Megna  on  the  northwestern  side  of  the  island,  and  nearly 
abreast  the  steep  cliffy  cove  of  Madonna  della  Croce,  is  a  large  and 
singular  islet  or  rock  of  lava,  having  ledges  extending  from  itr 
southwestern  and  northeastern  sides. 

Secca  di  Colombara  (Walker  Rock),  1,100  yards  northward  of 
Testa  del  Russo  (Punta  Gorgo  Salato),  the  northern  point  of  Ustica, 
is  a  bed  of  sunken  rocks,  about  200  yards  in  extent,  with  6  feet  water 
on  them  and  14  fathoms  close  aroimd.  Torre  del  Spalmatore,  seen 
over  Punta  di  Megna,  bearing  201°,  leads  westward  of  Secca  di 
Colombara. 

Secca  di  Colombara  is  covered  by  the  auxiliary  fixed  red  light  from 
Punta  Uomo  Morto  Lighthouse. 


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568  THE   NORTH   AND  EAST  COAST  OF   SICILY. 

Submarine  telegraph  cable. — A  submarine  telegraph  cable  is 
laid  from  Ustica  to  Palermo.  The  cable  house  (with  the  inscrip- 
tion "  Cavo  sottomarino  ")  is  situated  about  22  yards  from  the  sea 
in  Cala  di  Santa  Maria.  Two  Avhite  frame  balls  indicate  the  direc- 
tion of  the  inshore  portion  of  about  200  yards  of  the  telegraph  cable 
to  Palermo,  which  then  trends  in  a  southerly  direction. 

On  the  seaward  side  of  the  cable  house  a  notice  prohibiting  anchor- 
ago,  etc.,  is  affixed. 

N(»TE. — The  cable  from  Naples  to  Palermo  is  laid  direct  and  not 
via  Ustica  as  formerly. 

Anchorage. — The  anchorage  is  in  from  4  to  4i  fathoms  water, 
over  sand  and  weeds,  about  100  yards  from  the  shore  and  westward 
of  the  line  of  telegraph  cable;  the  telegraph  cable  is  clear  of  the 
usual  anchorage,  but  vessels  must  not  anchor  with  the  tw^o  white 
balls  marking  the  direction  of  the  cable  in  line. 

There  is  good  anchorage,  with  southwesterly  winds,  between  Cape 
Falconara  and  Punta  Gorgo  Salato  in  12  to  14  fathoms,  with  (^ape 
Fnlconara  just  shut  in  behind  Punta  Uomo  Morto  and  the  sema- 
phore bearing  235°. 

Town. — The  only  town  is  Santa  Maria,  above  the  sandy  beach  at 
the  head  of  a  little  cover,  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  island;  it  is  clean, 
with  regular  streets,  a  church,  hospital,  schools,  etc.  The  cove  is 
about  200  yards  wide  and  the  same  deep,  with  5  fathoms  water  in  the 
middle,  and  is  sufficiently  large  for  the  small  trading  vessels  which 
resort  to  it;  it  is  safe  with  all  winds  but  the  scirocco.  On  the 
northern  side  of  the  cove  is  CoUina  di  Falconara,  with  an  old  fort 
on  its  summit;  and  on  the  hill  on  the  southern  side  is  a  conspicuous 
square  tower  and  a  windmill. 

Ustica  has  a  numerous  colony  of  convicts  and  a  company  of  sol- 
diers to  look  after  them. 

Communication. — There  is  a  steamer  twice  every  week  to  Pa- 
lermo, and  telegraphic  communication  at  limitc^d  hours. 

Supplies. — A  small  quantity  of  fresh  provisions  and  water  may 
be  procured. 

Alicudi  (ancient  Ericusa),  the  western  of  the  Lipari  group,  is 
about  4J  miles  in  circumference,  and  rises  abruptly  as  a  conical 
crater,  2.1T2  feet  above  the  sea,  with  irregular  ravines  and  precipi- 
tous hills;  and  although  its  fires  have  been  extinct  for  many  ages, 
lava  is  seen  in  wild  grotesque  streams  from  the  summit  to  the  sea, 
so  harsh  and  durable  as  still  to  retain  the  sterile,  forbidding  appear- 
ance of  a  recent  eruption. 

Notwithstanding  this  discouraging  aspect,  Alicudi  is  well  culti- 
vated in  every  place  capable  of  vegetation ;  and  particularly  between 
all  the  interstices  of  the  shattered  masses,  where,  by  constant  exer- 
tion, barilla,  flax,  capers,  pulse,  and  excellent  wheat  are  produced. 


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THE   NORTH   AND  EAST   COAST  OF   SICILY.  569 

The  population  is  about  1,000.  The  church,  which  is  on  the  south- 
eastern side,  is  so  high,  and  the  land  beneath  is  so  steep,  that  a  view 
from  it  is  like  looking^  f rom  the  masthead  of  a  vessel. 

Communication. — There  is  a  steamer  every  fortnight  to  Filicudi, 
Lipari,  and  Messina. 

Supplies. — Fresh  provisions  and  water  are  very  scarce. 

Landing. — The  coasts  of  Alicudi  consist  of  craggy  precipices, 
among  which  are  two  small  but  insecure  landing  places,  of  whch  the 
one  to  the  southeastward  under  Punta  Palumba  is  the  better,  and 
here  the  fishermen  haul  their  boats  up  on  a  patch  of  sand;  the  otlier 
is  in  a  small  cove,  on  the  northeastern  side;  but  both  are  difficult  of 
access  in  fresh  breezes;  within  ^  mile  of  the  coast  the  depth  of  water 
is  more  than  150  fathoms. 

Filicudi  (ancient  Phcenicusa),  situated  8J  miles  eastward  of  Ali- 
cudi, is  an  extinct  volcano  with  three  high  summits,  but  except  a 
spring  of  hot  sulphureous  water,  there  are  no  remains  of  fire,  nor 
does  history  record  any  eruption  of  it.  The  island  is  3  miles  in 
length  in  a  northwestern  and  southeastern  direction,  nearly  1'}  miles 
in  breadth,  with  a  coastline  of  8  miles,  and  2.598  feet  above  the  sea. 

Its  coasts  are  rugged  and  broken,  and  exhibit  grand  masses  of 
basaltiform  lava.  On  the  western  coast,  between  two  small  project- 
ing poin.s,  is  a  remarkable  grotto,  which  may  well  be  imagined  to 
have  given  the  idea  of  the  caves  of  ^olus.  A  perforation  upwards 
of  60  feet  wide  and  30  feet  high,  through  which  a  boat  can  pass,  forms 
the  entrance  to  a  natural  colonnade,  and  widens  gradually  into  an 
extensive  hall  with  spacious  arches.  This  magnificent  cavern  is 
about  160  feet  long,  120  broad,  and  50  in  height,  and  forms  a  cool 
retreat  in  which  seals  have  occasionally  been  seen. 

The  southeastern  end  of  the  island  is  a  small  peninsula,  371  feet 
above  the  sea,  and  of  a  conical  shape,  connected  to  the  main  island 
by  a  low  and  fertile  isthmus,  which  forms  a  bay  on  each  side.  From 
the  northeastern  end  a  steep  and  intricate  path  leads  to  the  church 
and  principal  houses.  The  population  is  about  800;  they  are  said 
to  be  hardy,  industrious,  healthful,  and  peaceable.  The  houses  are 
flat  loofed,  built  on  the  isthmus  and  on  the  side  of  the  hills. 

Anchorage. — Small  vessels  anchor  close  to  the  shore  either  north- 
ward or  south  ward  of  the  isthmus  and  secure  to  the  rocks. 

Dangers — La  Canna. — Lying  1,200  yards  west-nortlnvt^stward 
from  Punta  Notaro,  on  the  northwestern  side  of  the  island  are  two 
rocks,  Monte  Nassa  and  La  Canna;  the  latter  is  a  slender  ro'k.  2^0 
feet  high,  and  has  frequently  been  mistaken,  at  a  little  distance,  for 
a  sailine  vessel  before  the  wind ;  rocks  and  shoal  water  extend  J  mile 
west  and  southwestward,  and  there  are  several  rocks  about  fringing 
the  coast  of  the  island,  with  deep  water  between  them  and  La  Canna. 

A  small  shoal,  with  3^  fathoms  water  over  it,  lies  1,200  yards  east- 
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570  THE   NOBTH  AND  EAST  COAST  OF  SICILY, 

northeastward  of  Punta  della  Carestia,  the  northwestern  part  of 
the  island,  and  there  is  a  depth  of  9  fathoms  about  midway. 

A  shoal,  with  6  feet  water  over  it,  lies  about  200  yards  off  the 
northeastern  part  of  Capo  Graziano,  and  with  the  above  exceptions 
the  island  is  steep-to,  but  skirted  here  and  there,  close  in,  with  a 
few  rocks. 

Above  1  mile  northwestward  of  La  Canna  is  Secca  di  Filicudi,  a 
bank  of  21  fathoms,  with  85  fathoms  between,  and  from  100  to  200 
fathoms  i  mile  off. 

Commiinieatioii. — ^The  steamer  running  between  Alicudi  and 
Lipari  calls  every  fortnight. 

Water. — Rainwater  is  preserved  in  cisterns,  there  being  no  fresh 
water  on  the  island. 

Trade. — Filicudi  is  well  cultivated,  and  produces  wheat,  barley, 
grapes,  olives,  pulse,  and  flax;  cattle  and  fruit  are  exported,  and 
there  is  a  small  coral  and  sponge  fishery. 

Salina^  9^  miles  eastward  of  Filicudi,  is  4  miles  long  in  a  north- 
westerly and  southeasterly  direction,  and  nearly  3  miles  at  its  broad- 
est part,  with  a  circumference  of  11^  miles.  Its  ancient  name  was 
Didyme,  or  Twins,  from  the  appearance  of  the  two  high  conical 
summits  that  distinguish  the  island;  it  possessed  several  warm 
springs,  and  remains  of  the  ancient  baths  still  exist  on  its  western 
side.    The  population  is  about  5,000. 

The  origin  of  the  island  seems  to  have  been  altogether  volcanic, 
vestiges  of  its  craters  may  still  be  seen,  but  the  fires  must  have  ceased 
before  the  dawn  of  history,  and  they  have  now  become  the  most  pleas- 
ing and  fertile  spots  in  the  whole  group  of  the  islands.  Between 
Monte  Porri  (2,850  feet  high),  to  the  westward,  and  Monte  San  Sal- 
vatore  (3,125  feet  high), to  the  southeastward,  the  valley  extends  each 
way  to  the  sea,  and  is  so  rich  and  productive  as  to  merit  its  name  of 
Fossa  Felice,  or  Happy  Valley ;  and  here  the  various  trees  bear  with 
fiuch  exuberant  luxuriance  that  the  natives  say  the  earth  is  proud  of 
its  vigor. 

Light. — A  fixed  white  light  is  exhibited,  at  an  elevation  of  174 
feet  above  the  sea,  from  a  light  yellow  octagonal  tower,  80  feet  in 
height,  and  situated  on  Lo  Capo,  the  northeastern  extremity  of  the 
island ;  it  is  visible  19  miles.  (For  arc  of  visibility,  see  Light  List  and 
chart.) 

Coasts. — ^The  southeastern  end  of  the  island  is  a  low  shingle  point 
named  La  Lingua ;  here  are  the  salines,  whence  the  island  derives  its 
present  name.  Shoal  water  extends  nearly  400  yards  from  the  point. 
About  midway  along  the  southwestern  side  of  the  island  is  the  village 
and  church  of  Rinella,  whence  a  road  leads  through  the  valley  to  La 
Malfa,  and  another  to  Santa  Marina. 


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THE  NORTH   AND  EAST   COAST  OF   SICILY.  571 

The  northwest  coast  is  abrupt  and  singular  from  its  stupendous 
overhanging  cliffs,  and  near  its  northwest  point  is  a  high,  red,  pyra- 
midal rock,  named  Faraglione.  The  hills  abound  with  various  game, 
and  form  a  pleasing  amphitheater,  inclosing  a  fertile,  cultivated  val- 
ley. The  northwestern  extremity  of  the  island  is  a  remarkable  per- 
forated point,  between  which  and  the  northeastern  extremity  is  a 
populous  district  and  well-wooded  heights;  the  town  and  church  of 
La  Malfa  is  about  midway  between. 

On  the  north  coast  there  is  excellent  fishing,  and  the  Pinna  Marina, 
a  gigantic  kind  of  mussel,  termed  by  the  ancients  the  silkworm 
of  the  sea,  is  found  in  abundance  about  the  island,  with  its  curious 
attend**nt  crab.  The  Paper  nautilus  is  also  found  here,  generally 
during  the  time  that  hawk's-bill  turtle  are  taken. 

Submarine  telegraph  cable. — A  telegraph  cable  connects  Salina 
with  Lipari. 

Anchorage. — ^There  are  several  anchorages,  where  small  vessels 
load  with  the  produce  of  the  island ;  northward  of  Punta  Lingua,  in 
depths  of  from  19  to  22  fathoms,  about  300  yards  from  the  shore,  or 
at  150  yards  distant,  in  6  fathoms  water,  also  southward  of  the  point, 
in  about  8  fathoms  water  at  200  yards  distant,  off  Rinella,  in  14  fath- 
oms water,  over  sand,  and  in  the  same  depth  and  over  a  similar  bot- 
tom between  Faraglione  and  Punta  Perciato. 

Towns. — Santa  Marina,  near  the  middle  of  the  east  coast,  is  the 
principal  town  of  the  island,  and  may  be  recognized  by  a  church  with 
a  large  white  cupola.  The  other  towns  are  La  Malfa  on  the  north, 
Pollara  on  the  west,  and  Rinella  on  the  south  coasts;  each  has  a 
church  surrounded  by  low,  flat-roofed  houses. 

Communication. — There  is  a  steamer  daily  to  Milazzo  and  Li- 
pari and  steamers  frequently  to  the  other  islands  of  the  group ;  tele- 
graphic communication  with  all  parts  at  limited  hours. 

Supplies. — ^Moderate  supplies  of  fresh  provisions  may  be  ob- 
tained; water  is  procured  from  a  private  cistern;  there  is  a  spring 
of  good  water  constantly  running  near  Santa  Marina  Church,  and  it 
may  be  found  by  digging  anywhere  on  the  beach. 

Trade. — In  consequence  of  this  fertility,  an  excellent  revenue  is 
derived  from  the  exportation  of  grain,  fruit,  pulse,  capers,  salt,  alum, 
soda,  and  wines,  of  which  last  the  fine  Malvasia  is  unrivaled. 

Secca  di  Capo. — A  shoal  with  4J  fathoms  over,  and  deep  water 
around  it  lies  northeastward,  distant  3  miles  from  Lo  Capo  Light- 
house. It  was  formerly  named  Penrose  Shoal,  but  it  now  appears  on 
the  chart  as  the  Secca  di  Capo.  It  is  covered  with  marine  plants 
and  abounds  in  fish,  and  is  much  frequented  by  fishermen. 

Deep  water  surrounds  Salina,  and  between  it  and  Lipari  there  is  a 
depth  of  more  than  170  fathoms. 


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572  THE   NORTH   AND  EAST  COAST  OF   SICILY. 

Lipariy  formerly  named  Lipara,  the  principal  island  of  the  ^olian 
Group  and  separated  from  Salina  by  a  channel  2J  miles  wide,  is  5J 
miles  in  length  in  a  north  and  south  direct'on  and  4  miles  in  breadth, 
having  a  coast  line  of  IG^  miles.  The  chief  features  of  the  island 
are  the  two  mountains,  Sant'  Angelc,  1,946  feet  high,  near  the 
center,  and  Monte  della  Guardia,  1,211  feet  high,  on  the  south. 

The  interior  of  the  country  is  singularly  rugg?d  and  broken,  with 
sterile  hills  of  volcanic  glass,  porphyritic  lava,  pumice,  and  other 
vitrifications,  many  of  which  must  Le  more  than  3,000  years  old  and 
yet  exhibit  no  symptoms  ( f  decomposition.  Between  the  hills  are 
deep  vallevs  or  ravines,  apparently  worn  through  bv  the  action  of 
heavy  rains,  and  along  these  the  roads  lead  (often  only  from  5  to 
10  feet  wide)  between  cliffs  of  a  frightful  height  and  aspect.  The 
population  of  the  island  is  abcut  15,400. 

East  coast. — The  land  forming  Monte  Kosa  projects  1  mile  east- 
ward from  the  general  line  of  coast,  and  on  its  northern  side,  at  the 
head  of  a  bay,  is  the  village  of  Canneto,  prettily  situated  southward 
of  the  white  cliffs  of  an  enormous  mass  of  pumice,  named  Campo 
Bianco,  which  terminates  in  Punta  della  Castagna,  the  northern 
extremity  of  the  island. 

Anchorage^  locally  known  as  Le  Oncie,  may  be  obtained  off  the 
villnge  in  8  or  9  fathoms  water,  over  weeds,  abrut  200  yards  from 
the  shore,  avoiding  the  telegraph  cable;  the  prohibited  anchorage  is 
pointed  out  by  a  tablet  situated  about  200  yards  southward  of  the 
church  in  the  center  of  the  village. 

North  coast. — Between  Punta  della  Castagna  and  Punta  del 
Legno  Nero,  the  northwestern  extremity  of  the  island,  is  the  village 
of  Acqua  Calda,  and  on  a  hill  above  the  village  is  the  town  and 
church  of  Quattra  Pani,  and  over  it  Monte  Chirien,  1,975  feet  above 
the  sea. 

Anchorage,  sheltered  from  southerly  winds,  but  otherwise  ex- 
posed, may  be  obtained  off  Acqua  Calda;  a  notice  points  out  the 
prohibited  anchorage  on  account  of  the  telegraph  cable. 

West  coast. — From  Punta  del  Legno  Nero,  the  coast  to  the  south- 
ward is  a  steep  cliff;  at  3  mile  beyond  the  point  and  net  far  from 
the  shore,  is  a  high  bold  rock  named  Toricello  (Scoglio  Tmmeruta), 
and  about  1^  miles  farther  on  are  Pietra  Piramida.  A  few  steps  and 
a  winding  path  permit  a  landing  at  a  tower  just  southward  of 
Pietra  Piramida;  the  tower  is  constructed  of  the  finest  lithologic 
s])ecimens  in  the  island  and  stands  at  the  end  of  a  valley  where  there 
are  some  ancient  caverns  and  other  natural  curiosities. 

Secca  di  Bagno. — Pietra  del  Bagno,  situated  1.1  miles  southward 
of  Pietra  Piramida  and  about  }  mile  from  the  shore,  is  a  steep  mass 
of  lava,  and  nearly  halfway  between  is  another,  with  a  shoal  to  the 
westward  of  it.    From  Pietra  del  Bagno  the  coast  of  Lipari  trends 

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THE   NORTH  AND  EAST   COAST  OF   SICILY.  573 

to  the  southeastward,  forming  a  bight  and  cne  or  two  little  bays  to 
Punta  Capparo  (della  Crepazza),  the  southern  extremity  of  the 
island. 

Secca  di  Bagno,  a  ledge,  200  yards  in  extent,  with  a  depth  of 
8  fathoms  over  and  deep  water  around  it,  lies  nearly  1  mile  south- 
eastward of  Pietra  del  Bagno;  from  it  Pietra  Lunga  is  just  open 
northward  of  Vulcanello,  bearing  122°.  The  bank  is  a  good  place 
for  fish. 

A  little  to  the  westward  of  the  southern  end  of  the  island  are  two 
remarkable  rocks,  of  which  the  northeastern,  named  Pietra  Lunga, 
is  a  heap  of  volcanic  laminae  in  a  highly  vitrified  state,  150^  feet  above 
the  sea,  with  an  aperture  at  its  base  through  which  boats  may  pass, 
appearing  at  a  little  distance  like  a  vessel  under  sail.  The  other  rock, 
Pietra  Menalda,  is  much  lower  and  abounds  in  a  kind  of  large  gull, 
prized  by  the  natives. 

To  the  northward  of  these  rocks,  distant  about  700  yards,  are  other 
isolated  rocks  named  Scogli  della  Forraiche.  There  is  anchorage  in 
12  to  15  fathoms,  sand,  in  a  bay  about  1  mile  northwestward  of 
Scoglio  P^ormiche  on  the  line  between  Punta  San  Jacopo,  the  south- 
eastern point  of  the  bay,  and  Punta  delle  Fcntanelle  (Grotticelle), 
the  northwestern  point,  which  may  be  recognized  by  its  caves  and 
yellow  and  red  rocks,  with  Sccglio  Formiche  in  line  with  Pietra 
Lunga.  A  mile  to  the  northeastward  of  Punta  Capparo  is  Punta 
San  Francesco,  of  rugged  lava,  forming  the  southern  extremity  of 
Rada  di  Lipari. 

Rada  di  Lipari^  on  the  southeastern  side  of  the  island,  is  bounded 
on  the  north  by  the  promontory  of  Monte  Rosa,  which  is  an  immense 
mass  of  volcanic  matter  of  a  reddish  color,  and  on  the  south  by 
Punta  di  San  Giuseppe,  forming  a  bight  about  IJ  miles  wide  and  J 
mile  deep,  but  the  available  space  for  anchorage  is  very  small  on 
account  of  the  great  depth  of  water. 

Lights. — At  Pignatoro,  northeastward  of  Lipari,  an  occulting 
red  light  is  shown  at  an  elevation  of  126  feet  above  the  sea  from  an 
iron  support  on  a  small  tower  on  top  of  a  house  with  a  red  front 
and  22  feet  in  height;  it  is  visible  6  miles.  (For  arc  of  visibility, 
see  Light  list  and  chart.) 

A  fixed  green  light  with  white  sector,  visible  3  miles,  and  exhibited 
from  a  cast-iron  pillar,  has  been  established  at  Marina  Corta,  located 
on  a  small  bank  about  1,760  yards  193°  from  the  occulting  red  light 
at  Pignataro.  The  light  is  exhibited  20  feet  above  the  sea  from  an 
iron  column. 

Mooring  buoys. — There  is  a  mooring  buoy,  in  25  fathoms  water, 
about  200  yards  northeastward  of  Punta  Scaliddi  and  another  in 
about  33  fathoms  405  yards  154°  from  the  occulting  red  light  at 
Pignatoro. 


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574  THE   NORTH   AND  EAST  COAST  OF   SICILY. 

Anchorages. — The  water  off  the  town  is  very  deep,  there  being 
from  30  to  50  fathoms  close  in,  except  in  front  of  the  beach  north- 
ward of  the  town,  where  there  is  a  reef  with  3^  fathoms  water  over 
it,  between  which  and  the  castle  small  vessels  lie  with  anchors  in 
12  or  14  fathoms  water,  and  stern  fasts  to  the  shore.  The  small  crafi 
of  the  island  moor  southward  of  the  castle,  off  the  pratique  office 
mole,  and  fishing  boats  are  hauled  on  the  beach  in  the  cove  a  littte 
farther  southward.  At  the  head  of  the  bight  is  the  anchorage  of 
Casa  Bianca,  which  may  be  used  by  large  vessels;  the  bottom  is  good^ 
but  the  anchorage  is  exposed  to  southeasterly  winds.  A  notice  board 
points  out  the  anchorage  prohibited  on  account  of  the  telegraph  cable. 

Town. — The  town  of  Lipari  stands  on  a  steep  declivity  on  the 
southern  side  of  the  bay;  it  is  crowded,  irregular,  and  dirty,  with 
narrow  streets  and  ruinous  public  edifices,  of  which  last  the  finest  arc 
the  Capuchin  Convent,  a  hospital,  a  nunnery,  and  the  bishop's  palace. 
The  castle,  which  incloses  the  cathedral  and  some  other  edifices,  is 
erected  in  a  commanding  situation  on  the  summit  of  a  huge  volcanic 
rock.  There  is  a  college,  and  under  its  superintendence  are  several 
schools  in  different  parts  of  the  islands.  The  population  is  about 
15,400.  Lipari  is  a  penal  settlement ;  about  400  convicts  are  generally 
stationed  there. 

Commiinication. — Steamers  run  daily  to  Milazzo  and  Salina; 
twice  a  week  to  Messina  and  Stromboli ;  and  fortnightly  to  Filicudi ; 
there  are  also  frequently  steamers  to  Naples ;  telegraphic  communica- 
tion with  all  parts.     The  telegraph  office  is  open  till  9  p.  m. 

Supplies  of  fresh  provisions  in  very  limited  quantities  may  be  pro- 
cured, and  water  is  scarce,  every  house  having  its  own  cistern. 

Hospitals. — There  is  a  civil  and  a  military  hospital. 

Trade. — Two  large  but  unequal  plains  are  well  cultivated,  pro- 
ducing fine  fruit,  cotton,  pulse,  olives,  and  vegetables,  besides  a  three 
months'  supply  of  corn  for  the  island.  The  malmsey  wine  from  these 
plains  is  well  known  for  its  delicious  flavor.  Lipari  has  an  active 
trade  with  the  other  islands,  also  with  Messina,  Palermo,  Naples,  etc 
The  principal  exports  are  ground  pumice  stone,  cloth,  wine,  fruit, 
and  vegetables. 

Submarine  telegraph  cables  are  laid  from  Lipari  to  Salina, 
Vulcano,  and  Panaria. 

Vulcano  (ancient  Hiera  or  Vulcania),  lying  about  800  yards  to 
the  southward  of  Lipari,  is  4J  miles  in  len^h,  2  miles  in  breadth, 
with  an  irregular  outline  of  14  miles,  and  is  elevated  1,601  feet  above 
the  sea.  It  is  wonderfully  marked  by  volcanic  action,  and  contains 
a  variety  of  pumices,  salts,  and  sulphur  in  all  its  different  states, 
with  lavas  and  vitrifications.  The  interior  is  mostly  a  sterile  valley 
of  powdered  cinders,  much  too  warm  for  cultivation.     A  large  por- 


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THE    NORTH   AND  EAST   COAST  OF   SICILY.  575 

tion  of  the  eastern  coast  is  a  precipitous  mass  of  lava,  scoriae,  pumice, 
and  ashes,  of  the  most  sterile  and  forbidding  aspect. 

Near  the  western  side  of  the  island  is  Monte  Saraceno,  the  highest 
part  of  the  island,  and  1  mile  northward  of  it  is  Solfatare,  the  great 
active  crater,  which  is  separated  from  the  neighboring  hills  by  a  deep 
valley. 

Monte  Vulcanello,  the  northern  part  of  the  island,  forms  a  penin- 
sula, and  is  connected  to  the  main  portion  by  a  low,  rocky  formation 
of  its  own  lava,  with  a  bay  on  each  side.  This  piece  of  land  is  said 
to  have  emerged  from  the  sea  about  180  years  B.  C. ;  it  has  two 
craters,  neither  of  them  large;  one  is  extinct  and  fast  filling  up, 
but  from  the  other  a  rumbling  noise  is  sometimes  heard  and  it  fre- 
quently emits  smoke. 

The  southern  coasts  of  the  island  yield  grapes,  flax,  barilla,  vege- 
tables, pulse,  and  fruit,  and  the  best  com  in  the  islands,  except  that 
of  Alicudi.  As  the  land  rises  to  the  acclivity  of  the  mountain,  a 
slight  vegetation  of  lichens  and  dwarf  shrubs  affords  food  to  sev- 
eral lar^e  flecks  of  goats.  There  is  a  spring  of  good  water  about 
the  middle  of  this  ground.  On  Punta  Santa  Eosario,  about  700 
yards  westward  of  the  present  lighthouse,  is  the  old  lighthouse, 
about  460  feet  above  the  sea. 

Light. — On  Punta  Praia  dei  Porci,  south  coast  of  Vulcano,  an 
octagonal  tower,  surmounting  a  dwelling,  134  feet  in  height  exhiibts, 
at  an  elevation  of  148  feet  above  the  sea,  a  flashing  white  light.  It 
is  visible  18  miles.    (For  arc  of  visibility,  see  Light  list  and  chart.) 

Submarine  telegraph  cable. — A  telegraph  cable  connects  Vul- 
cano and  Lipari. 

Anchorages. — The  western  bay  of  Vulcanello,  or  Porto  di  Po- 
nente,  is  picturesque,  and  affords  anchorage  for  small  vessels  in  2^ 
fathoms  water,  over  black  sand,  but  it  is  exposed  to  northwest  winds 
which  in  winter  gales  send  in  a  heavy  sea.  There  is  a  rock  on  the 
western  side  of  the  entrance.  One  mile  westward  of  the  port  is 
Capo  Grosso,  an  abrupt  mass  of  lava  with  10  fathoms  water  close  to 
it.  Between  this  point  and  that  of  Monaco  is  a  cove,  with  a  rock 
in  the  center,  resorted  to  by  fishermen  during  scirocco  or  southerly 
winds.  Thence  the  coast  southward  is  irregular,  bold,  and  craggy. 
At  IJ  miles  beyond  Punta  Monaco  is  a  steep,  detached  rock  with 
deep  water  between  it  and  the  land. 

When  a  northwest  wind  sets  into  Porto  di  Ponente  a  vessel  can 
easily  shift  round  to  Porto  di  Levante,  on  the  eastern  side  of  Vul- 
canello, where  she  can  lie  in  security  nearly  under  the  small  crater. 
In  this  bay  are  a  few  cottages  and  a  chapel.  At  the  anchorage  in 
the  eastern  bay  internal  rumblings  like  distant  thunder  m^y  be 
heard,  and  on  these  occasions  the  clouds  arise  from  the  great  crater 
with  greater  activity  and  density. 

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576  THE   NORTH   AND  EAST  COAST   OF  SICILY. 

Soundings. — Deep  water  surrounds  both  Vulcano  and  Lipari; 
above  1  mile  northward  of  the  latter  there  is  a  depth  of  26  fathoms, 
with  a  bottom  of  rock  and  coral ;  1  etween  it  and  the  shore  there  is  a 
depth  of  above  TO  fathoms,  and  off  the  eastern  side  of  the  islands, 
and  to  the  south  and  west  of  Vulcano  there  are  from  200  to  300 
fathoms,  at  about  1  mile  off.  There  are  the  same  depths  westward 
of  Secca  di  Bagno,  decreasing  toward  the  passage  of  Salina. 

The  channel  between  Lipari  and  Vulcano  is  800  yards  wide,  and 
has  fr  )m  13  to  25  fathoms  water  in  midchannel. 

Panaria  (ancient  Euonymus)  lies  east-northeastward,  distant  9J 
miles  from  the  northeastern  point  of  Salina,  is  U  miles  in  length  in 
a  northeastein  and  southwestern  direction,  1  mile  in  breadth,  and 
1,480  feet  above  the  sea:  its  form  is  oval,  with  a  coast  of  41  miles  in 
circuit.  The  island  had  warm  baths  named  Thermisia  by  the  Eo- 
mars.  and  the  numerous  vestiges  prove  it  to  have  been  a  place  of 
consideration;  it  has  a  population  of  about  1.000. 

The  Foil  is  rich  and  well  cultivated,  particularly  on  the  east  side, 
and  produces  wheat,  barley,  fruit,  oil,  wine,  pulse,  and  soda.  Fishing 
'  is  a  profitable  employment.  There  is  a  church  and  village  on  the 
eastern  coast,  and  on  the  southeastern  side  of  the  island  a  chapel  and 
a  fmall  bay  with  a  beach  of  yellow  sand,  the  only  sand  of  the  kind  in 
all  the  islands. 

The  coast  around  Panaria  is  bold;  Scoglio  della  Nave  lies  a  short 
distance  off  the  northern  end,  and  round  to  the  westward,  at  1  mile 
from  the  shore,  the  depth  is  over  60  fathoms. 

Commiinication. — There  is  telegraphic  communication  with  all 
parts  at  limited  hours. 

Supplies. — A  number  of  cattle  are  bred  on  the  island,  and  fresh 
provisions  may  be  procured  in  small  quantities,  also  a  very  limited 
supply  of  water  from  cisterns;  there  is  a  mineral  spring  near  San 
Pierto  church. 

Submarine  telegraph  cables  are  laid  to  Lipari  and  to  Stromboli. 

Scoglio  Formiche,  nearly  awash,  lies  nearly  i  mile  off  the  center 
of  the  eastern  side  of  the  island,  or  1  mile  eastward  from  Punta 
Milazzese,  its  southern  point. 

Anchorage. — Vessels  may  anchor  either  northward  or  southward 
of  Scoirlio  Formiche  in  from  10  to  15  fathoms  water,  over  good  hold- 
ing ground,  but  must  be  prepared  in  winter  for  onshore  winds. 
Small  vessels  find  snug  anchorage  in  the  sandy  bay  before-named. 

Basiluzzo. — About  2  miles  to  the  eastward  and  northeastward  of 
Panaria  is  a  cluster  of  islets  and  rocks;  the  northeasternmost  and 
largest  of  which,  named  Basiluzzo,  about  1  mile  in  circumference,  is 
shaped  like  a  wedge  with  steep  sides  on  the  westward.  Off  its  west- 
em  side  is  Spinazzola,  an  islet  with  a  tabled  surface,  tolerably  culti- 


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THE   NORTH   AND  EAST   COAST  OF   SICILY.  577 

vated,  producing  corn,  flax,  and  vegetables,  and  having  on  it  ves- 
tiges of  ancient  buildings. 

DattilOy  about  1  mile  eastward  of  Panaria,  is  a  white  steep  rock 
of  lava,  in  a  state  of  partial  decomposition.  In  this  curious  mass 
there  are  many  little  cavities,  in  which  the  inhabitants  of  Panaria 
place  their  rude  but  profitable  beehives;  the  channel  l)etween  Dattilo 
11  nd  Panaria  has  from  20  to  30  fathoms  in  it. 

Close  to  the  northeastward  of  Dattilo  is  a  cluster  of  black  rocks, 
ranied  Pjinarelli;  and  beyond  them,  i  mile  from  Dattilo,  is  a  rocky 
shoal  on  which  is  23  fathoms  water. 

Lisca  Bianca  is  a  rocky  islet  of  a  light  color,  about  1 J  miles  east- 
ward of  Panaria,  and  though  small  is  partially  cultivated.  On  its 
southwest  are  Bottaro  and  Lisca  Nera,  islets  with  shallow  water 
between  and  around  them.  Between  Lisca  Bianca  and  the  islet  next 
to  the  southwestward,  Capt.  Smyth,  in  April,  1815,  found  a  strong 
smell  of  sulphur,  and  in  two  places  were  springs  of  sulphureous  gas, 
the  bubbles  of  which  rose  in  quick  and  constant  succession  to  the  ur- 
face,  and  where  they  have  been  known  to  flame  on  bursting  into  the 
atmospheric  air.  Rocks  with  3  feet  water  on  them  lie  about  350 
yards  to  the  southeastward  of  Lisca  Nera. 

Secca  dei  Pescl,  a  rocky  bank  with  from  17  to  30  fathoms  water 
over  it,  lies  southeastward,  distant  3  miles  from  Punta  Milazzese, 
Panaria. 

Stromboliy  the  ancient  Strongyle,  and  the  northeastern  island  of 
the  .T^]olian  group,  lies  10  miles  northeastward  of  Panaria,  or  7^ 
iiiiles  from  Basiluzzo.  It  is  about  8  miles  in  circumference,  conical, 
•and  rises  3,035  feet  above  the  sea,  and  from  every  indication  seems 
to  be  the  entire  product  of  subterranean  fires.  The  crater,  which 
faces  the  northwest,  is  about  one-third  down  the  side  of  the  moun- 
tain, and  continually  burning,  with  frequent  explosions,  and  a  con- 
stant ejection  of  fiery  matter;  it  is  of  a  circular  form,  and  about 
170  yards  in  diameter. 

Even  with  this  stupendous  volcano  existing,  Stromboli  is  ex- 
tremely fertile,  having  a  fine  verdure  in  the  cultivated  parts,  and 
these,  on  one  side,  extend  high  up  the  mountain.  The  soil  is  a  black 
mould,  composed  of  argillaceous  tufa,  scoria?,  pozzolana,  and  sand. 
The  hedges  are  of  cane  reeds,  which  when  sufficiently  strong  are  cut 
down,  and  used  as  supporters  for  the  vines.  The  products  are  some 
of  the  finest  wines  in  the  Mediterranean,  and  a  moderate  quantity  of 
wheat,  barley,  cotton,  raisins,  currants,  and  figs;  the  population  is 
itbout  4,000. 

Anchorage. — Temporary  anchorage,  in  a  depth  of  12  fathoms, 
can  be  found  in  the  channel  between  Stromboli  and  Stromboli cchio. 

Towns. — There  are  three  towns  or  villages,  viz,  San  Vincenzo, 

(^SSr>(>— 17 37 


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578  THE   NORTH  AND  EAST  COAST  OF   SICILY. 

at  the  northeastern  extremity  of  the  island;  San  Bartolomeo  on 
the  north  coast;  and  Ginostra  on  the  southwestern  side.  The  houses 
are  generally  low,  with  flat  roofs,  though  there  are  a  few  of  two 
stories,  and  even  vestiges  of  ancient  buildings  and  sepulchers 
may  still  be  seen.  San  Vinoenzo  is  the  most  important  town  and 
the  beach  below  the  houses  is  a  black  shining  sand,  terminating 
in  a  rocky  point,  where  there  is  a  large  cavern,  named  the  Grotta 
delle  Bovi  Marini,  or  seal's  cave,  which  is  86  feet  long,  35  feet  at  the 
entrance,  and  7  feet  high. 

Commuiiication. — Steamers  from  Messina  and  JLiipari  call  weekly 
and  fortnightly,  respectively.  Telegraphic  communication  with  all 
parts  at  limited  hours. 

Supplies. — ^Moderate  supplies  of  fresh  provisions  and  water  may 
be  procured,  the  latter  being  purchased  from  private  cisterns. 

Submarine  telegraph  cables. — Stromboli  is  connected  with  Pa- 
naria  by  a  telegraph  cable. 

Coasts. — ^The  northern  extremity  of  the  island  is  formed  of  rug- 
ged lava  and  a  little  to  the  southwestward  of  it  there  are  some  rocks 
awash,  but  close  in.  The  northwestern  side  of  the  island  forms  a 
slight  bay,  where,  immediately  under  the  crater,  incessant  showers 
of  red-hot  stones  from  the  volcano  frequently  fall.  The  western 
coast  of  the  island  is  of  rugged  lava,  and  here  will  be  seen  the  village 
of  Ginostra,  with  a  few  houses  and  a  church. 

Punta  del  Monaco,  the  southern  extremity,  is  a  low  shingle  point, 
and  along  the  coast  thence  to  San  Vincenzo  there  are  several  caves. 
One  of  these  a  little  way  up  the  hill  above  Pimta  del  Uomo,  is  re- 
markable as  the  place  where  the  bright  and  beautiful  mineral  named 
specular  iron  is  found.  There  are  no  outlying  hidden  dangers  around 
the  island,  and  except  at  the  northeastern  extremity  the  water  is 
everywhere  deep  close  in.  There  is  a  depth  of  from  100  to  200 
fathoms  within  i  mile  of  the  coast. 

StrombolicchiOy  about  1,800  yards  northeastward  of  Punta  della 
Lena,  the  northeastern  point  of  Stromboli,  is  a  steep  rock  or  mass  of 
indurated  pozzolana,  164  feet  above  the  sea,  which  appears  from  a 
distance  like  a  ship  with  studding  sails  set.  There  are  from  7  to  35 
fathoms  water  between  it  and  Stromboli. 

Current. — In  the  channel  between  Stromboli  and  Basiluzzo  a  cur- 
rent setting  to  the  westward  at  the  rate  of  1  mile  an  hour  has  been 
experienced,  a  moderate  northeasterly  breeze  blowing  at  the  time. 

North  Coast  of  Sicily.— The  north  coast  of  Sicily  is  generally 
free  from  hidden  danger;  the  prevailing  winds  are  between  south- 
west and  northwest,  and  are  preceded  by  a  swell;  the  gales,  when 
they  occur,  blowing  home.  During  fine  weather,  the  current  usually 
sets  to  the  westward  at  the  rate  of  ^  to  f  knot  an  hour,  and  is  stronger 


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THE   NORTH  AND  EAST  COAST  OF   SICILY.  579 

near  the  shore  than  in  the  offing;  at  other  times  the  current  is  much 
influenced  by  the  wind. 

Coast. — From  Capo  Peloro,  the  north  coast  of  Sicily  as  far  as 
Capo  Rasocolmo,  C^  miles  distant,  is  a  sandy  beach;  at  intervals 
there  are  towers  and  other  buildings,  and  on  the  spur  of  a  ridge  over 
Pantano  Piccolo  is  Spuria  semaphore,  already  mentioned.  These 
towers  are  erected  at  intervals  on  prominent  points  all  round  the 
coast,  and  were  formerly  for  observation  and  defense ;  they  are  about 
50  fe^t  high,  generally  square,  with  turrets  at  the  angles.  Toward 
the  western  part  of  this  coast  are  several  rivulets,  the  chief  of  which 
is  the  Corsari.  Acquarone  Village  is  situated  to  the  eastward  of  the 
entrance. 

Modeste  Bank. — For  1^  miles  from  Capo  Peloro  the  beach  is  bor- 
dered by  a  bank,  at  the  distance  of  about  400  yards,  but  from  the 
village  of  Mortelle,  the  edge  of  the  bank  trends  in  a  north-northwest- 
ward direction,  gradually  increasing  its  distance  from  the  shore  to 
li  miles.  The  general  depths  on  the  bank  (except  near  the  shore) 
are  from  3^  to  5  fathoms,  but  near  the  outer  edge  there  are  two 
patches  with  2^  and  8  fathoms  water  over  them. 

Modeste  Shoal  (Secca  di  Itasocolino)^  the  northern  patch,  with 
2i  fathoms  water  over  it,  is  nearly  200  yards  in  extent,  aiid  lies  1.2 
miles  58°  from  Acquarone  Village.  Along  the  edge  of  the  bank  out- 
side these  shoals  there  are  depths  of  from  10  to  24  fathoms.  Capo 
Peloro  lighthouse  bearing  southward  of  130°,  or  the' lighthouse  in 
range  with  Torre  Cavallo  (if  visible)  on  the  Calabrian  coast,  or,  at 
night,  Punta  Mazzone  light  in  sight  leads  to  the  northward  of  these 
dangers. 

Anchorage. — Off  the  fishing  village  of  Acquarone  it  is  said  there 
is  good  anchorage;  i  mile  to  the  northwestward  there  are  5  fathoms 
water,  and  at  1  mile  in  the  same  direction  depths  of  from  12  to  20, 
over  stiff  muddy  bottom;  the  position  will  be  further  identified  by 
a  high  mound  of  white  sand,  a  little  eastward  of  the  village. 

Capo  BasocolmOy  about  6^  miles  west-northwestward  of  Capo 
Peloro,  is  the  eastern  termination  of  fertile  tableland  of  moderate 
elevation,  with  several  sandhills  under  it,  and  some  low  rocks  (Pietra 
del  Rais)  at  its  base;  on  the  extremity  of  the  point  are  the  remains 
of  a  Saracenic  tower.  The  steep  shore  is  fronted  by  a  marg^in  of 
sand,  and  may  be  approached  from  the  northward  and  westward  to 
within  i  mile,  where  a  depth  of  5  fathoms  will  be  found;  at  1  mile 
off,  in  the  same  direction,  there  are  26  fathoms;  and  at  4  miles,  from 
100  to  150  fathoms,  over  sand  and  mud. 

Coast. — The  range  of  hills,  the  foot  of  which  recedes  from  the 
coast  to  the  westward,  as  also  near  the  outlet  of  some  of  the  lar^jer 
torrents,  slopes  from  elevations  of  from  1,000  to  1,200  feet  above 
the  sea,  and  is  broken  by  numerous  watercourses  and  studded  with 

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580  THE    NORTH   AND  EAST  COAST  OF   SICILY. 

small  towns  and  villages,  around  which  is  much  rich  and  beautiful 
cultivation. 

On  the  slope  of  the  hill,  4J  miles  southwestward  of  Torre  di  Kaso- 
colmo,  is  the  town  of  Gesso.  On  the  coast,  about  8  miles  from  Capo 
Rasocolmo,  is  the  beautifully  situated  town  of  Spadafora  (Spada- 
foro  San  Martino),  with  its  palace,  and  2  miles  westward  is  the  large 
Torrente  Xocito,  about  which  is  a  quantity  of  marshy  land,  and  the 
low  ground  increases  hence  to  the  peninsula;  2^  miles  farther  is 
Torrente  Santa  Lucia  (del  Mela),  whence  a  low,  sandy  coast  curves 
for  If  miles  to  the  neck  of  Penisola  di  Milazzo. 

Communication. — There  is  a  telegraph  station  at  Spadafora. 

Supplies. — Moderate  supplies  of  fresh  provisions  may  be  pro- 
cured; water  is  abundant  but  not  very  good. 

Anchorage. — There  is  temporary  anchorage  off  Spadafora  old 
palace,  in  about  11  fathoms  water,  over  sand  and  mud,  at  about  1.400 
yards  from  the  shore;  a  small  vessel  may  go  closer  in  with  3  fathoms 
about  700  to  SOO  yards  from  the  shore. 

Baia  di  Milazzo. — Penisola  di  Milazzo,  which  projects  more  than 
3^  miles  to  the  northward.  ai)i)ears  from  a  distance  like  an  island, 
the  isthmus  connecting  it  with  the  mainland  being  low  and  level. 
The  distance  across  the  isthmus  is  about  700  yards:  the  peninsula  is 
backed  by  Mount  TKinn,  and  the  high  range  of  hills  running  along  the 
northern  side  of  Sicily.  Baia  di  Milazzo  is  the  bight  on  the  south- 
eastern side  of  the  i)eninsula. 

The  citadel,  367  feet  above  the  sea,  on  a  rocky  elevation  at  the 
south  end;  Monte  Trino,  483  feet,  a  round,  thickly- wooded  hill  in 
the  middle:  and  the  lighthouse,  with  several  towers  and  a  mill,  show 
conspicuously  above  the  rest  of  the  land,  which  is  level,  thickly 
wooded  with  olive  trees,  and  well  cultivated,  with  vineyacds.  On  a 
nearer  approach  the  houses  of  the  lower  town  on  the  eastern  side  of 
the  isthnuis  and  south  of  the  citadel,  the  mole  lighthouse,  a  high 
chimney  southward  of  it.  and  the  numerous  towns  and  villages  on  the 
northern  spurs  of  the  Sicilian  hills,  come  into  view. 

The  coasts  of  the  peninsula  are  steep,  and  in  parts  precipitous,  the 
eastern  side  being  thickly  wooded,  and,  except  where  precipitous, 
carefully  cultivated.  On  the  north  and  west  sides  the  coast  is  more 
rocky,  rugged,  and  barren,  but  from  Punta  Fascina  (del  Tono),  i 
mile  south  of  Monte  Trino,  a  steep  pebble  beach,  with  deep  water 
close-to,  on  which  a  heavy  sea  sets  in  with  westerly  winds,  extends  to 
the  south-southwestward. 

Light. — The  lighthouse,  near  Capo  Milazzo,  at  the  northern  ex- 
tremity of  the  peninsula,  and  on  an  eminence  slightly  elevated  above 
the  surrounding  land,  is  a  white  circular  tower,  34  feet  in  height,  and 
adjoining  a  dwelling;  it  exhibits,  at  an  elevation  of  294  feet  above 
the  sea,  an  alternating  fixed  white  and  flashing  red  light,  visible  14 
miles. 

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THE    NORTH   AND  EAST   COAST   OF   SICILY.  581 

Beacon  Rock  (Croce  di  Mare)  is  the  extreme  rock  of  a  ledge 
extending  40  yards  from  a  point  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  peninsula, 
inmiediately  northward  of  the  town.  The  rock  is  4  feet  above  the 
sea,  and  has  a  small  white  building  (shrine)  on  it,  which  shows 
clearly  as  the  anchorage  is  approached. 

Shoal. — A  shoal  with  4J  fathoms  over  it  lies  on  the  southern  side 
of  the  bay,  about  500  yards  from  the  shore,  and  1,400  yards  eastward 
of  the  entrance  to  the  port. 

Tunny  fisheries. — Tunny  nets  are  laid  out  during  the  season, 
from  March  to  November,  from  the  eastern  coast  of  the  peninsula, 
as  follows: 

Frcm  the  northern  part  of  the  small  bight  southward  of  Beacon 
Rock,  eastward,  for  a  distance  of  300  yards. 

From  Punta  Belvedere,  1,600  yards  northward  of  Beacon  Rock, 
eastward,  for  a  distance  of  400  yards. 

From  Punta  Ruolo  (Punta  Ponte  delle  Scale),  eastward,  for  a 
distance  of  600  yards. 

The  outer  end  of  these  nets  is  marked  by  day  with  a  buoy  sur- 
mounted by  a  cylindrical  topmark  with  black  and  white  stripes,  and 
at  night  by  a  red  light  over  a  white  light.     (See  Caution,  p.  60.) 

Anchorage. — xVn  outer  anchorage  may  be  taken  uj)  in  16  fathoms 
water,  over  muddy  bottom,  about  300  yards  northeastward  of  the 
north  molehead.  The  sandy  beach  forming  the  shore  irum  Milazzo 
eastward  may  be  approached  to  a  prudent  distance,  the  r)-fathom 
curve  being  within  J  mile  of  the  shore,  and  from  25  to  30  fathoms  at 
the  distance  of  J  mile;  the  coas^t  of  the  peninsula  northward  of  Punta 
Belvedere  should  not  be  approached  within  400  yards. 

In  the  winter  several  torrents  discharge  their  thick,  muddy  waters 
along  the  coast,  but  owing  to  the  water  being  deep  nearly  close-to, 
there  is  little  or  no  shallow  deposit  at  their  mouths.  The  anchorage 
is  well  protected  from  all  but  northeasterly  winds,  which,  however, 
do  not  blow  home  with  much  force,  but  the  wind  from  the  above 
quarter  sends  in  a  ccmsiderable  sea,  which  is  accompanied  by  an  off- 
shore swell. 

The  appeanince  of  the  Marina,  which  is  only  3  or  4  feet  above  the 
level  of  the  sea,  would  suggest  that  no  very  heavy  sea  breaks 
against  it. 

A  sailing  vessel  seeking  shelter  in  a  southwest  gale  may  anchor  in 
from  10  to  11  fathoms  water,  over  sand,  east-southeastward  of  Punta 
Battista  (Mazza)  with  the  lighthouse  bearing  278^. 

Current. — The  current  sets  around  the  bay,  from  the  eastward, 
past  the  mole  and  Beacon  Rock,  to  the  northward. 

Port. — The  port,  near  the  southern  end  of  the  peninsula,  is  formed 
by  a  small  mole,  which  projects  about  400  yards  to  the  southeastward 


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582  THE   NORTH  AND  EAST  COAST  OP  SICILY. 

and  about  100  yards  in  an  easterly  direction ;  it  is  also  sheltered  by  a 
mole  which  extends  in  a  46°  direction  from  the  shore  near  Tonnara 
San  Giovanni  for  a  distance  of  250  yards.  This  mole  affords  pro- 
tection against  the  swell  which  rolls  along  the  coast  with  strong* 
northeastly  winds. 

Depths. — Tli  .»re  is  a  depth  of  from  12  to  30  feet  in  the  entrance 
to  the  port.  In  the  port  there  is  a  general  depth  of  from  20  to  30  feet, 
except  in  the  southern  comer,  where  a  bank  with  from  3  to  10  feet 
over  it  extends  from  the  elbow,  formed  by  the  south  mole,  into  the 
harbor  for  a  distance  of  about  250  yards. 

Light. — A  flashing  green  light  is  exhibited  on  the  extremity  of  the 
north  mole.  The  light  is  exhibited  23.4  feet  above  high  water  and 
visible  7  miles.  The  height  of  the  structure  from  base  to  vane  is  25J 
feet. 

Buoy. — A  spherical  iron  buoy  is  moored  in  22  fathoms  water,  300 
yards  27°  from  the  mole  lighthouse. 

Mooring  buoys. — About  400  yards  278°  from  the  mole  lighthouse 
is  a  red  cask-shaped  buoy  for  the  use  of  the  coastal  line  of  steamers ; 
there  are  also  two  other  red  mooring  buoys  in  the  port,  one  of  which 
is  moored  (as  shown  on  the  chart)  close  to  a  3-f athom  shoal. 

Submarine  telegraph  cable. — A  telegraph  cable  is  laid  between 
Milazzo  and  the  island  of  Lipari ;  its  direction  will  be  seen  from  the 
chart,  and  is  also  pointed  out  by  a  notice  board,  and  vessels  are  pro- 
hibited from  anchoring  in  its  vicinity. 

Town. — The  town  of  Milazzo  (ancient  Mylro)  is  divided  into 
upper  and  lower  towns,  both  of  which  are  irregularly  built;  and 
though  it  has  a  number  of  large  edifices,  none  of  them  are  remarkable. 
The  churches,  with  the  exception  of  that  of  San  Francesco,  are  gen- 
erally mean,  and  the  convents  poor ;  the  population  is  about  16,200. 

The  town  is  principally  distinguished  by  its  fortifications,  being 
strong  by  nature  and  art,  as  besides  the  subordinate  fortifications, 
the  citadel,  on  the  highest  part  of  the  southern  end  of  the  promontory, 
conmiands  the  town  and  port ;  beneath  it  is  a  spacious  grotto,  named 
the  cave  of  Ulysses.  In  the  summer  months  malaria  prevails  in  the 
plains  southward  of  the  town. 

Communication. — There  is  a  daily  service  of  steamers  to  Lipari, 
railroad  communication  with  Palermo  and  Messina,  and  telegraphic 
communication  with  all  parts.  The  telegraph  office  is  open  till  mid- 
night. 

Coal  and  supplies. — About  3,000  tons  of  coal  are  usually  kept 
in  stock.  Vessels  are  coaled  at  the  wharf,  alongside  which  there  is  a 
depth  of  22  feet. 

Supplies  of  fresh  provisions  are  sufficient,  and  good  water  is  sup- 
plied in  tank  boats. 


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THE   NORTH  AND  EAST   COAST  OF  SICILY.  683 

Hospital. — ^There  is  a  hospital,  wliich  admits  strangers  at  a  fixed 
charge. 

Pilots  may  be  obtained. 

Trade. — The  district  of  Milazzo  produces  grapes,  wines,  olives, 
olive  and  solfuro  oil,  oranges  and  lemons,  and  the  tunny  fishery  is  an 
important  industry;  the  fish,  when  preserved  in  oil,  being  chiefly 
exported  to  Genoa.    There  are  also  several  flour  mills. 

Six-fathom  Becky  600  yards  344^  from  Punta  Mizzanisi  (Gamba 
di  Donna),  the  northwestern  extremity  of  the  cape,  is  a  6- fathom 
rocky  patch,  with  deep  water  all  around  it;  with  this  excepti6n  there 
are  no  dangers,  and  the  shore  may  be  approached  to  J  mile. 

Baia  Sant'  Antonio^  on  the  western  side  of  Penisola  Milazzo, 
affords  well-sheltered  anchorage,  with  easterly  winds,  in  from  10  to 
15  fathoms  water,  over  sandy  bottom.  Close  to  the  western  ex- 
tremity of  the  bay,  and  about  200  yards  southward  of  Punta  Miz- 
zanisi, are  Scogli  Porcelli,  the  largest  being  30  feet  above  the  sea. 
The  10-fathom  curve  passes  about  200  yards  from  Punta  Mizzanisi, 
which,  together  with  the  rocks,  may  be  rounded  at  an  equal  distance. 

Within  I  mile  northward,  and  the  same  distance  from  both  sides 
of  the  peninsula,  the  depths  are  about  50  fathoms  over  a  bottom  of 
sand  and  mud. 

Tunny  fisheries. — Tunny  nets  are  laid  out  during  the  season, 
from  March  to  November,  in  Baia  Sant'  Antonio,  southward  of  the 
lighthouse,  they  extend  about  200  yards  in  a  southerly  direction ;  nets 
are  also  laid  out  at  1,400  yards  southward  of  Punta  Fascina  (del 
Tono),  extending  about  1,000  yards  in  a  westerly  direction. 

The  outer  ends  are  marked  by  day  with  a  buoy  surmounted  by  a 
cylindrical  topmark,  with  black  and  white  stripes,  and  at  night  by 
a  red  light  over  a  white  light.    (See  Caution,  p.  61.) 

Oolfo  di  Patti. — From  Capo  Milazzo  Lighthouse,  Capo  Calavi, 
the  next  most  northerly  projection,  lies  westward,  distant  15f  miles; 
the  indentation  between,  named  Golfo  di  Patti,  is  7  miles  deep,  and 
bold  to  the  sandy  shore  upon  the  eastern  side.  It  is  divided  by  Capo 
Tindaro  into  two  bays,  Oliveri  and  Patti. 

From  the  inner  end  of  Penisola  Milazzo  to  the  village  of  Oliveri, 
is  a  steep  shingly  beach,  fronted  by  deep  water,  and  on  which  the  sea 
breaks  heavily  during  westerly  gales.  The  coast  is  bordered  by  a 
fertile  plain,  which  is  broken  by  several  torrents;  slightly  elevated, 
at  distances  of  1^  and  2  miles,  are  the  towns  and  villages  of  Meri, 
Barcellona,  and  Fumari. 

Castroreale,  the  capital  of  the  district,  situated  in  a  central  posi- 
tion about  &i  miles  from  the  coast,  and  built  on  the  summit  of  a  wall- 
sided  hill,  1,330  feet  above  the  sea,  is  conspicuous  from  seaward,  and 
appears  in  the  midst  of  several  sharp  peaks.  Upon  the  coast  to  the 
westward  of  this  portion  of  the  gulf  are  two  lowers.  Forte  and  Con- 

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584  THE   NORTH   AND  EAST  COAST  OF   SICILY. 

fone,  besides  fishing  villages  including  that  of  Falcone,  1  mile  east- 
ward of  Oliveri. 

Commuiiication. — There  is  a  station  at  Barcellona,  on  the  rail- 
road between  Messina  and  Palermo,  and  telegraphic  communication. 

Baia  di  Oliveri. — In  Baia  di  Oliveri,  which  is  protected  by  Capo 
Tindaro  from  the  westward,  there  is  excellent  anchorage  in  about  15 
fathoms  water,  over  stiff  mud,  about  i  mile  from  the  shore ;  the  best 
berth  is  with  Castello  di  Oliveri  in  range  with  the  western  part  of 
the  village,  bearing  about  226^. 

This  anchorage  may  be  advantageously  resorted  to  by  sailing  ves- 
sels when  obliged  to  bear  up  from  the  heavy  westerly  gales  of  winter, 
as  it  can  always  be  fetched;  whereas  from  the  length  of  the  prom- 
ontory of  Milazzo  (exclusively  of  its  being  so  much  farther  to  lee- 
ward) vessels  on  rounding  Capo  Milazzo  and  being  unable  to  fetch  a 
proper  berth  to  the  eastward  of  the  promontory  have  in  consequence 
often  been  under  the  necessity  of  keeping  away  for  the  Strait  of 
Messina. 

Baia  di  Oliveri  is  in  some  degree  sheltered  by  the  .Eolian  Islands, 
and  by  Secca  di  Tindaro,  from  the  northerly  sea,  but  should  be 
quitted  directly  the  wind  shifts  to  the  eastward  of  north.  The  small 
fishing  village  of  Oliveri,  with  a  castle  and  a  tunny  factory,  is  situ- 
ated at  the  head  of  the  bay. 

Tunny  fishery. — Tunny  nets  are  laid  out  during  the  season, 
from  March  to  November,  a  little  to  the  northward  of  Oliveri  vil- 
lage; they  extend  about  1,600  yards  from  the  shore  in.  a  northeastern 
direction.  The  outer  end  of  the  nets  are  marked  by  day  with  a  buoy, 
surmounted  by  a  cylindrical  topmark,  with  black  and  white  stripes, 
and  at  night  by  a  red  light  over  a  white  light.     (See  Caution,  p.  01.) 

Capo  Tindaro. — From  1  mile  beyond  Oliveri  the  coast  becomes 
high  and  cliffy  to  Capo  Tindaro  or  Tyndaris,  conspicuous  1^  miles 
to  the  northwestward;  upon  a  summit  are  some  ancient  vestiges,  a 
monastery,  920  feet  above  the  sea,  and  a  tower  near  the  extremity  of 
the  point. 

Secca  di  Tindaro. — The  outer  part  of  this  shoal  extends  eastward 
1,200  yards  from  Capo  Tindaro,  and  has  depths  of  from  2  to  3 
fathoms  over  sand.  The  sharp  cone  of  Rocca  Novara  open  eastward 
of  the  village  of  Falcone,  bearing  158°,  leads  eastward  of  the  shoal. 

Porto  Madonna  is  formed  by  a  dry  sand  spit  extending  from  the 
eastern  side  of  Capo  Tindaro.  It  consists  of  a  basin  about  60  yards 
in  diameter,  has  a  depth  of  6  feet,  and  is  thus  only  suitable  for  boats. 
Northeast  gales  are  said  to  cause  a  temporary  closing  of  the  entrance. 

The  sands  of  Secca  di  Tindaro  and  Porto  Madonna  owe  their  for- 
mation to  the  currents  that  set  past  the  cape.  With  northwesterly 
gales,  the  waters  driven  round  the  shores  of  Patti  are  charged  with 
sand,  which,  meeting  with  the  eddy  from  Oliveri,  is  deposited  on 
the  bank. 

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THE   NORTH   AND  EAST   COAST  OF   SICILY.  585 

Baia  di  Patti. — Between  Capo  Tindaro  and  Capo  Calavd,  6^ 
miles  to  the  northwestward,  is  Baia  di  Patti,  the  shore  of  which  may 
be  approached  by  the  lead ;  the  water  is  deep  with  regular  somidings, 
over  a  bottom  of  sand  and  clay.  Near  the  center  of  the  bay  i  mile 
north  of  the  Fiumara  Tinieto,  is  a  large  conical,  brown  rock,  Pietra 
di  Patti,  45  feet  above  the  sea,  with  a  rock  awash,  Scogli  di  Patti, 
200  yards  eastward  of  it. 

The  channel  between  the  rocks  and  beach  has  a  depth  of  14  fathoms 
and  affords  summer  anchorage.  It  is  necessary,  however,  to  sight 
the  anchor  every  third  or  fourth  day,  as  the  sand  is  apt  to  bank  up, 
particularly  after  a  breeze. 

La  Marina  di  Patti  is  a  large  village  consisting  of  a  long  stretch 
of  houses  on  the  seashore,  and  is  a  dependency  of  the  town  of  Patti, 
which  stands  on  an  eminence  at  the  base  of  a  kind  of  mountainous 
amphitheater,  in  a  picturesque  country  at  the  head  of  the  bay,  and 
contains  a  population  of  about  10,000.  The  town  is  tolerably  well 
built,  has  the  remains  of  a  Norman  castle,  and  a  cathedral;  there 
is  a  manufactory  of  earthenware,  a  fishery,  and  westward  of  the 
houses  of  La  Marina  a  steam  mill,  which  is  a  conspicuous  red  build- 
ing with  a  large  chimney. 

Light. — At  La  Marina  di  Patti,  and  about  70  yards  from  the 
coast,  a  fixed  red  light  is  exhibited  at  an  elevation  of  17  feet  above 
the  sea  from  a  white  column  11  feet  in  height;  it  indicates  the  an- 
chorage and  is  visible  3  miles. 

Sock. — A  rock  awash  lies  f  mile  to  the  northwestward  of  Patti 
Lighthouse  and  150  yards  from  the  shore. 

Another  rock,  with  3  feet,  is  reported  to  lie  near  this  rock  awash 
and  67  yards  from  the  shore. 

Buoy. — A  white  mooring  buoy  lies  in  8  fathoms  water  abreast 
the  lighthouse  for  the  use  of  the  mail  steamers. 

Anchorage. — A  vessel  may  anchor  off  any  part  of  this  coast  in 
10  fathoms  water,  over  sand  and  mud.  The  soundings  are  regular, 
deepening  gradually  to  100  fathoms  at  2  miles  distant. 

Cominuiiication. — ^There  is  a  railroad  station  at  Patti,  on  the 
line  between  Messina  and  Palermo,  and  telegraphic  communication 
at  limited  hours. 

A  fine  road  leads  from  La  Marina  di  Patti  to  pass  among  the  hills, 
named  Scala  di  Tindaro,  on  the  summit  of  which  are  the  remains  of 
the  ancient  city  of  Tyndaris,  and  thence  down  the  hill  to  the  village 
of  Oliveri. 

Supplies  of  fresh  provisions  can  only  be  obtained  in  small  quan- 
tities, but  an  abundance  of  good  water  may  be  procured  from  a  public 
fountain. 

Capo  Calav&y  the  western  boundary  of  the  Golfo  di  Patti,  is  a 
sharp,  bold  projection  from  a  ridge,  which  at  a  distance  of  about 

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586  THE   NORTH  AND  EAST  COAST  OF  SICILY. 

1  mile  falls  from  Monte  Pezzecatori,  an  elevation  of  1,742  feet  above 
the  sea.  A  short  distance  off  the  cape  and  to  the  eastward  are  a 
few  rocks  above  water,  and  on  the  western  side  is  a  sandy  bay.  The 
water  deepens  to  100  fathoms  at  ^  mile  distant. 

Tunny  fishery. — ^Tunny  nets  are  laid  out  during  the  season, 
March  to  November,  from  the  mouth  of  a  torrent  about  1  mile  south- 
estward  of  Capo  Calavi;  they  extend  for  a  distance  of  about  1,000 
yards  in  a  northesterly  direction.  The  outer  end  of  the  net  is  marked 
by  day  with  a  buoy  surmounted  by  a  cylindrical  topmark  with  black 
and  white  stripes  and  at  night  by  a  red  light  over  a  white  light.  (See 
Caution,  p.  61.) 

Coast. — The  coast  between  Capo  Calava  and  Capo  Orlando,  a 
distance  of  8  miles,  is  high,  broken  by  many  torrents  and  streams; 
there  is  some  well-cultivated  ground  and  several  villages  on  the 
coast,  including  that  of  Gioiosa  Marea,  1^  miles  westward  of  the 
cape.  About  a  third  of  the  distance  from  Capo  Calavi  is  Punta 
Piraino,  upon  which  is  Torre  Ciavoli;  a  short  distance  within,  on 
an  elevation  1,365  feet  above  the  sea,  is  the  town  of  Piraino,  exporting 
oil,  wine,  and  corn. 

Brolo  castle  and  village  is  1 J  miles  farther  westward,  near  a  stream 
of  the  same  name;  the  castle  is  a  ruinous  structure  on  a  steep  cliff  in 
a  fertile  valley. 

Scoglio  di  BrdlOy  about  i  mile  from  the  shore,  abreast  of  the 
castle,  is  about  16  yards  in  circumference  and  45  feet  above  the  sea, 
with  9  fathoms  water  between  it  and  the  shore;  but  the  passage 
should  not  be  used,  as  there  is  a  reef  awash  and  a  sandbank  to  the 
westward  of  the  rock,  about  half  way  to  the  shore. 

Punta  di  Testa  di  Monaco,  2  miles  westward  of  Sroglio  di  Brolo,  is 
fringed  by  rocks  to  a  distance  of  400  yards. 

Anchorage. — In  this  locality  good  riding  has  been  found  even 
in  winter;  although  it  is  exposed  from  northwest  to  northeast,  the 
most  troublesome  winds  are  those  from  the  southward,  and  they 
blow  with  great  violence  from  the  height  on  which  stands  the  town 
of  Piraino. 

San  Gregorio. — ^A  short  distance  to  the  eastward  of  Capo  Orlando 
are  two  small,  projecting  rocks,  jutting  out  like  moles,  where  small 
country  vessels  at  times  anchor.  In  the  bight  beyond  it  is  the  village 
of  San  Gregorio,  a  landing  place  for  timber,  with  anchorage  toler- 
ably protected  from  westerly  winds,  but  open  to  the  northward.  To 
the  eastward  the  country  is  more  mountainous  but  not  less  pleasing 
and  fertile. 

Naso. — ^The  walled  town  of  Naso  stands  on  the  site  of  the  ancient 
Agathymum,  a  hill,  1,630  feet  above  the  sea,  about  3  miles  to  the 
southeastward  of  the  cape,  in  a  fine  wooded  neighborhood,  with  some 


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THE   NORTH   AND  EAST   COAST  OF   SICILY.  587 

houses  on  the  coast  below  it.  The  Fiumara  di  Xaso,  dry  in  summer, 
is  crossed  by  two  bridges. 

Cominuiiicatioii. — There  is  a  railroad  station  at  Naso,  ou  the  line 
between  Messina  and  Palermo,  and  telegraphic  communication. 

Tunny  fishery. — Tunny  nets  are  laid  out  during  the  season, 
March  to  November,  at  San  Gregorio,  about  1,600  yards  southeast- 
ward of  Capo  Orlando;  they  extend  1^  miles  in  a  northeasterly 
direction  from  the  shore.  The  outer  end  of  the  nets  are  marked  by 
day  with  a  buoy,  surmounted  by  a  cylindrical  topmark  with  black 
and  white  stripes,  and  at  night  by  a  red  light  over  a  white  light. 
(See  Caution,  p.  61.) 

Capo  Orlando^  328  feet  above  the  sea,  is  steep,  rugged,  and  coni- 
cal, with  a  church  and  old  place  of  interment  pn  it,  resembling  a 
castle.  It  terminates  in  rocks,  and  a  dangerous  reef,  just  above 
water,  extends  westward  of  it  i  mile.  Between  the  reef  and  beacli 
the  bottom  is  foul  and  affords  no  anchorage,  and  this  locality  is  re- 
markable for  sudden  squalls  and  heavy  swells.  A  small  village  lies* 
near  the  coast  a  little  westward  of  the  cape. 

Light. — On  Capo  Orlando  a  flashing  white  light  is  exhibited,  at 
an  elevation  of  88  feet  above  the  sea,  from  an  octagonal-shaped  tower 
surmounting  a  yellow  dwelling,  the  whole  being  35  feet  in  height, 
visible  12  miles. 

Coast* — From  Capo  Orlando  to  the  westward  the  coast  is  an 
extensive  bold,  sandy  beach.  A  round  peak,  named  Marco,  about  3 
miles  to  the  southwestward  of  Capo  Orlando,  and  1,030  feet  above 
the  sea,  is  conspicuous. 

The  town  of  Sant'  Agata  di  Militello,  with  a  population  of  about 
7,600,  stands  on  the  beach  of  a  level,  fertile  country,  and  7  miles  south- 
westward  of  Capo  Orlando,  eastward  1^  miles  of  it  is  the  Fiumara 
Rosmarino,  a  beautiful  torrent,  the  banks  of  which  are  covered  with 
mulberries,  oleanders,  and  myrtles.  Higher  up  in  its  course  are  the 
remains  of  a  massive  Roman  bridge.  There  are  several  other  streams, 
and  the  towns  of  Rosmarino,  San  Marco  d'Alunzio,  and  Frazzano  are 
on  the  hills.  Fiumara  Rosmarino  is  f  mile  broad  at  its  mouth  and  is 
conspicuous. 

Communication. — ^There  is  a  railroad  station  at  Sant'  Agata  di 
Militello,  on  the  line  between  Messina  and  Palermo,  and  telegraphic 
communication  at  limited  hours. 

Supplies. — Ordinary  supplies  of  fresh  provisions  may  be  pro- 
cured. 

Caution. — ^All  the  fertile  plains  on  this  part  of  the  coast  are  much 
subject  to  miasma. 

None  of  the  streams  afford  water  fit  for  drinking;  they  are  all 
polluted  by  various  causes,  such  as  dye  works,  etc. 


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588  THE   NORTH   AND  EAST  COAST  OF   SICILY. 

Caronia. — From  Sant'  Agata  di  Militello  a  coast  of  similar  char- 
acter continues  for  9  miles  in  a  westerly  direction  to  the  low,  broad, 
projection  lying  between  La  Marina  di  Caronia  and  the  river  of  the 
same  name.  The  little  town  of  Caronia  is  on  the  summit  of  a  rugged 
hill,  990  feet  above  the  sea;  it  lies  on  the  skirts  of  a  forest  and  is 
protected  by  a  castle. 

Cominunieation. — There  is  a  telegraph  station  at  La  Marina  di 
Caronia,  and  the  office  is  open  at  limited  hours. 

Supplies. — Small  supplies  of  fresh  provisions  may  be  obtained. 

Scogli  Bidozza  and  Chiappa,  distant  3  and  1^  miles,  respec- 
tively, eastward  of  Caronia,  consist  of  several  rocks  above  water,  but 
all  are  close  inshore. 

The  10-fathom  curve  between  Capo  Orlando  and  Caronia  extends 
about  f  mile  from  the  beach,  and  the  50-fathom  curve  which  lies  i 
mile  from  Capo  Orlando  gradually  extends  to  5  miles  off  Caronia; 
on  the  edge  of  the  50  fathoms,  5^  miles  northeastward  of  Caronia,  is 
Secca  di  Caronia,  a  bank  with  a  least  depth  of  38  fathoms  over  it. 

San  Stefano  di  Camastra,  situated  4J  miles  westward  of  Caro- 
nia, has  a  remarkable  municipal  palace,  situated  on  a  green  eminence 
of  vines  and  olives,  to  the  eastward  of  the  houses  which  form  the 
marina. 

Communication. — There  is  a  station  on  the  railroad  between 
Messina  and  Palermo,  and  telegraphic  communication.  The  tele- 
grap  office  is  open  until  9  p.  m. 

Supplies  of  fresh  provisions  are  very  limited,  but  good  water  may 
be  obtained  from  a  fountain  near  the  railroad  station. 

Tusa. — Punta  Tusa,  4J  miles  westward  of  San  Stefano  di  Camas- 
tra  is  of  rugged  rocks  jutting  from  the  shore;  it  is  foul  for  100  yards 
distant.  The  Fiumara  di  Tusa,  1  mile  eastward  of  the  point,  is 
crossed  by  a  bridge  of  masonry,  and  the  Fiumara  di  PoUina,  3^  miles 
westward,  by  a  similarly  constructed  bridge  with  five  arches.  Near 
La  Marina  di  Tusa  is  a  tower,  and  2  miles  within  is  the  town  of  Tusa. 

Capo  Finale^  5  miles  westward  of  Punta  Tusa,  is  a  prominent 
headland,  upon  which  is  a  tower ;  around  its  base  are  a  few  rocks,  but 
the  w^ter  is  deep  a  short  distance  out,  with  from  20  to  30  fathoms  1 
mile  off.  The  village  of  Finale  standing  on  the  shore,  f  mile  east- 
ward, and  Castello  de  Pollina  upon  a  commanding  eminence,  2,080 
feet  above  the  sea,  2^  miles  to  the  southward  of  the  cape,  has  a  con- 
spicuous tower  northeastward  of  the  houses,  and  forms  a  good  mark. 

Coast. — Between  Capo  Finale  and  Capo  Cefalu,  a  distance  of  5^ 
miles,  deep  valleys  break  through  the  highland  of  the  interior,  down 
which  flow  many  torrents,  the  chief  of  which  are  those  of  Malpertuso 
and  Carbone,  about,  1  mile  upon  each  side  of  a  central  projection, 
named  Punta  Sant'  Ambrogio.    Sailing  vessels  near  this  part/of  the 


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THE   NORTH   AND  EAST   COAST  OF   SICILY.  589 

coast,  with  offshore  winds,  should  be  prepared  for  squalls  through 
the  valleys.  The  Malo  Pertuso,  or  Bad  Hole,  one  of  these  gorges, 
from  which  the  gusts  rush  with  much  force,  is  the  outlet  of  the  Car- 
bone  before  named,  2  miles  southeastward  of  Capo  Cef alu. 

Capa  Cef  alu  is  low,  and  projects  from  a  high  conical  mount,  upon 
which  are  the  ruins  of  an  old  castle;  to  the  eastward,  about  i  mile, 
is  a  sharp,  steep  projection.  Capo  Caldura.  surmounted  by  Torre 
Caldura,  and  in  the  small  bay  between,  some  shelter  is  afforded  to 
coasters. 

The  fortified  seaport  of  Cef  alu  (the  ancient  Cephaloedium)  lies 
upon  the  western  extremity  of  the  head:  it  is  surrounded  by  walls 
of  immense  blocks  of  stone  and  contains  a  cathedral,  and  several 
churches.  The  rocky  heights  of  Monte  Sant'  Angelo  rise  to  an  ele- 
vation of  3,480  feet  above  the  sea,  at  about  3J  miles  south  of  the 
town. 

A  small  mole  is  built  on  the  rocky  point  at  the  northwestern  ex- 
tremity of  Capo  Cefalu  and  affords  partial  shelter  to  boats.  Nearly 
400  yards  northwestward  of  the  molehead  is  a  rock  with  8  feet  water 
over  it. 

Light. — From  a  white  octagonal  tower,  surmounting  a  white 
house  86  feet  high,  erected  on  the  northeastern  extremit}"  of  Capo 
Cefalu,  is  exhibited  a  flashing  white  light  elevated  262  feet  above 
the  sea,  and  visible  22  miles. 

Anchorage. — Vessels  wishing  to  communicate  with  Cefalu  should 
anchor  midway  between  the  town  and  Punta  Santa  Lucia,  in  a  depth 
of  8  fathoms. 

Cominunication. — The  line  of  steamers  between  Palermo  and 
Brindisi  call  weekly:  there  is  a  station  on  the  railroad  between 
Messina  and  Palermo,  and  telegraphic  communication.  The  tele- 
graph office  is  open  till  9  p.  m. 

Supplies  of  fresh  provisions  may  be  obtained,  but  only  a  limited 
quantity  of  water :  an  abundant  supply  of  good  water  may,  however, 
be  procured  near  Caldura. 

Coast. — Punta  Plaia,  about  8i  miles  westward  of  Cefalu,  is  cliffy; 
the  coast  between  is  bold,  indented  by  several  rocky  bays,  and  the 
dangers  do  not  extend  far  off,  there  being  depths  of  from  20  to  30 
fathoms  at  about  1  mile  from  the  shore.  Upon  the  nearest  western 
point  from  Cefalu  is  the  town  of  Santa  Lucia. 

The  Fiumara  Orande.  one  of  the  largest  streams  in  Sicily,  is  nearly 
7  miles  westward  of  Punta  Plaia,  and  midway  is  Torre  Rocella, 
which  is  square  and  in  a  good  state  of  preservation.  The  seaport  of 
Termini  Imerese  is  5J  miles  farther  on  in  the  same  direction.  Except 
to  within  about  2  miles  of  the  latter,  the  coast  is  level  and  bordered 
by  a  sandy  beach  clear  of  danger,  a  few  rocks  projecting  from  the 


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590  THE   NOETH   AND  EAST  COAST  OF  SICILY. 

shore  eastward  of  Termini  Imerese.  Monte  Calocero  (Calogero),  a 
conspicuous  mountain  4,350  feet  above  the  sea  lies  about  2J  miles 
southeastward  of  Termini  Imerese. 

Termim  Imerese. — The  town  of  Termini  Imerese  (ancient  Hi- 
mera),  picturesquely  situated  on  the  declivity  of  a  hill  rising  from 
the  sea,  is  surrounded  by  an  old  wall  and  defended  by  a  castle  on  a 
high  rock.  The  streets  are  in  general  narrow  and  dirty,  but  there  are 
some  tolerably  good  buildings,  among  which  are  several  churches  and 
convents,  a  royal  college,  hospitals,  and  warm  mineral  springs, 
whence  it  derives  its  ancient  name,  etc.  The  population  is  about 
20,600. 

Breakwater. — A  breakwater  extends  in  an  easterly  direction  from 
the  point  northward  of  the  town.  The  breakwater  extends  over 
Secca  di  San  Giovanni  to  within  about  75  yards  of  its  designed 
length  (1,365  yards.)  The  space  southward  of  the  breakwater  has 
depths  of  from  2  to  4J  fathoms. 

Depths. — From  recent  surveys  it  is  foimd  that  the  shore  adjoining 
the  city  has  extended  considerably,  and  the  depths  in  the  port  have 
decreased. 

Light. — Near  the  head  of  the  breakwater  an  iron  support  19  feet 
in  height  surmounting  a  white  shed  exhibits,  at  an  elevation  of  28 
feet  above  the  sea,  a  fixed  white  light. 

liightbuoy. — A  buoy  exhibiting  a  flashing  green  light  is  moored 
at  a  distance  of  720  yards  112°  from  the  breakwater  lighthouse. 
Vessels  should  always  pass  to  the  eastward  of  the  lightbuoy  to  «void 
the  breakwater  extension  works.     (See  Chart.) 

Caution. — The  lightbuoy  is  liable  to  be  washed  away,  and,  in  its 
absence  mariners  are  cautioned  to  approach  at  night  with  great  care, 
keeping  at  a  distance  of  at  least  700  yards  from  the  breakwater  light. 

Mooring  buoys. — There  are  four  mooring  buoys  in  the  harbor;* 
they  lie  in  an  eastward  and  westward  direction,  about  267  yards 
southward  of  the  breakwater,  and  a  small  cask  buoy  for  small  craft 
inside  of  them. 

CommiLnication. — ^There  is  a  weekly  steamer  to  Marseille  and 
Venice;  railroad  communication  with  Palermo  and  Messina,  and  tele- 
graphic communication  with  all  parts.  The  telegraph  office  is  open 
till  midnight. 

Supplies. — Fresh  provisions  of  good  quality  are  plentiful,  and 
excellent  water  may  be  obtained  from  a  fountain  near  the  harbor 
mastei-'s  office  at  the  commencement  of  the  breakwater. 

Trade. — The  principal  exports  are  cereals,  sulphur,  olive  oil, 
sumach,  wine,  and  salt  fish. 

Coast. — The  Fiiime  Milicia  flows  into  the  sea  8  miles  to  the  north- 
westward of  Termini  Imerese,  thence  a  rocky  coast,  broken   into 


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THE   NORTH  AND  EAST  COAST  OP  ftlCILY.  591 

several  small  bays,  trends  2^  miles  to  the  northward,  to  the  bold 
head  of  Capo  Zaffarano.  Scattered  along  the  coast  are  some  towers, 
mills,  and  villages,  and  the  town  of  Trabia,  Altavilla  Militia,  Castel- 
daccia,  and  Bagheria,  interspersed  by  many  small  streams  and 
watercourses;  a  range  of  rocky  heights  slopes  down  from  Monte  S. 
Onofrio  (elevated  about  2,600  feet  above  the  sea  and  2^  miles  from 
the  shore) ,  for  4  miles  toward  the  outlet  of  the  Fiume  San  Michele ; 
the  coimtry  is  generally  fertile.  A  conspicuous  mark  for  this  part  of 
the  coast  is  Pizzo  di  Cane,  a  peak  4,020  feet  high  and  about  4^  miles 
inland. 

Trabia  (in  approximately  lat.  38^  0'  K,  long.  18^  40'  E.),  situ- 
ated on  the  coast  at  the  foot  of  a  lofty  cliff,  contains  a  baronial  castle 
and  a  fish-curing  establishment ;  Capo  Grosso  is  surmounted  by  a  re- 
markable castle. 

Cominuiiicatioii. — ^There  is  a  railroad  station  at  Bagheria  and 
Santa  Flavia  on  the  line  between  Messina  and  Palermo,  telegraphic 
communication  there,  and  also  at  Casteldaccia  at  limited  hours. 

Supplies  of  fresh  provisions  may  be  obtained  at  Casteldaccia. 

Tunny  fisheries. — ^Tunny  nets  are  laid  out  during  the  season, 
March  to  November,  from  the  following  places  on  the  coast  between 
Termini  Imerese  and  Cape  Zaffarano. 

At  Trabia,  2J  miles  westward  of  Termini  Imerese,  extending  2 
miles  in  a  north-northeastern  direction. 

At  San  Nicola,  4J  miles  westward  of  Termini  Imerese,  extending 
1  mile  in  a  north-northeastern  direction. 

From  in  front  of  the  castle  at  Solanto,  near  Capo  Grosso,  for  a  dis- 
tance of  1,800  yards  in  an  east-northeastern  direction. 

At  Capo  Sant'  Elia,  IJ  miles  to  the  northward  of  Capo  Grosso  for 
a  distance  of  1,800  yards  in  an  east-southeastern  direction. 

The  outer  ends  of  these  nets  are  all  marked  by  day  with  a  floating 
beacon  surmounted  by  a  mast,  and  at  night  by  lights;  Trabia  and 
San  Nicola  nets  have  a  white  light,  and  Solanto  and  Sant'  Elia  have 
three  colored  lights.    (See  Caution,  p.  61.) 

Capo  Zaffarano. — A  bold  but  rocky  coast,  forming  two  small 
bays,  trends  northward  1^  miles,  and  terminates  in  Capo  Zaffarano ; 
cliffy  heights  rise  to  an  elevation  of  above  1,000  feet  a  short  distance 
within.  The  cape  is  a  high,  isolated,  rocky  pyramid  with  a  tower, 
and  being  separated  by  low  land  from  the  rugged  mass  of  Monte 
Montalfano,  1,227  feet  above  the  sea,  appeara  at  a  distance  like  an 
island.  A  little  off  the  head  is  an  islet  20  feet  high,  and  several 
rocks,  with  3  fathoms  between,  and  at  ^  mile  from  the  shore  there  are 
depths  of  from  35  to  45  fathoms. 

Light. — A  white  octagonal  tower,  36  feet  in  height,  with  a  dwell- 
ing adjoining,  and  situated  on  Capo  Zaffarano,  exhibits,  at  an  ele- 


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592  THE   NORTH   AND  EAST  COAST  OF   SICILY. 

vation  of  111  feet  above  the  sea,  a  group  flashing  white  light,  visible 
16  miles.     (For  arc  of  visibility  see  Light  List.) 

A  subsidiary  light  is  shown  from  Capo  Zaffarano  Lighthouse, 
which  shows  in  a  sector  over  the  Scoglio  di  Formica.  The  light  is 
exhibited  93  feet  above  high  water  and  visible  4  miles.  (For  sector 
see  Light  List.) 

Scoglio  di  Formica,  situated  143°,  distant  If  miles  from  Capo 
Zaffarano  Lighthouse,  are  two  ledges,  one  awash  and  one  1  foot  above 
water,  but  which  is  sometimes  covered,  about  i  mile  in  length  in  an 
easterly  and  westerly  direction,  and  steep-to;  there  are  from  7  to  12 
fathoms  water  around ;  45  fathoms  about  i  mile  northward  and  east- 
ward of  them,  and  from  7  to  27  fathoms  between  them  and  the 
coast.  Secca  di  Chianca,  with  7  fathoms  water  over  it,  is  about  5 
mile  northward  of  Scoglio  di  Formica. 

Beacon. — A  beacon,  consisting  of  an  iron  staff  painted  in  red  and 
black  bands,  surmounted  by  a  red  ball,  stands  on  Scoglio  di  Formica. 

Note. — Carried  away  in  1914. 

Anchorage. — Southward  of  Capo  Grosso  is  Porto  d'Espagna  (di 
Spagna),  where  vessels  unable  to  reach  Palermo,  during  westerly 
gales,  will  find  good  anchorage  in  12  and  15  fathoms  water,  about  1 
mile  from  the  beach. 

Capo  Mongerbino. — From  Capo  Zaffarano  a  bold  coast,  bordered 
by  steep  cliffs,  trends  in  a  northwestern  direction  for  about  1^  miles 
to  Capo  Mongerbino,  which  is  a  projection  from  Monte  di  Aspra, 
1,171  feet  above  the  sea,  and  about  i  mile  to  the  southward;  the  cape 
is  surmounted  by  a  tower,  and  a  rock,  10  feet  high,  lies  100  yard? 
off  it. 

Bay  of  Palermo. — Between  Capo  Mongerbino  and  Capo  Gallo, 
which  latter  bears  about  11  miles  312°  from  the  fonner,  the  coast 
recedes  about  4  miles,  and  forms  the  Bay  of  Palermo,  having  a  bold 
shore,  and  a  depth  of  80  fathoms  at  about  1  mile  distant.  Between 
the  hills,  whose  summits  are  from  1,970  to  2,549  feet  above  the  sea, 
and  the  steep  falls  of  which  are  from  1  mile  to  IJ  miles  from  the 
shore,  are  villages,  scattered  farms,  and  well-cultivated  land.  The 
Fiume  Oreto,  on  the  southern  side  of  Palermo,  is  crossed  by  a  bridge 
with  two  arches  near  the  mouth. 

About  2  miles  northward  of  Palermo  is  Monte  Pellegrino,  rugged, 
and  elevated  1,988  feet  above  the  sea,  and  remarkable  from  its  iso- 
lated position;  upon  it  are  a  disused  signal  tower  and  the  large 
statue  of  Santa  Rosalia.  Between  the  craggy  mass  which  forms  Capo 
Gallo  and  this  mountain  is  the  valley  of  Conca  d'Oro,  which  termi- 
nates in  a  sandy  beach  J  mile  in  extent,  named  Baja  di  Mondello. 

Porto  di  Palermo. — ^To  the  northward  of  the  city,  and  6^  miles 
westward  of  Capo  Mongerbino,  is  the  arsenal,  from  which  the  north- 


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THE   NORTH  AND  EAST   COAST  OF   SICILY.  593 

ern  mole  extends  in  a  southerly  direction  a  distance  of  700  yards,  and 
in  a  southeasterly  direction  160  yards,  into  10  fathoms  of  water,  pro- 
tecting from  the  eastward  an  area  sufficiently  large  for  commercial 
purposes. 

The  southern  mole  extends  from  the  southeastern  side  of  Porto 
Felice,  in  a  northeasterly  direction,  a  distance  of  160  yards,  and 
thence  in  a  northerly  direction  a  distance  of  450  yards,  leaving  an 
entrance  between  it  and  the  northern  mole  about  400  yards  in  width. 

The  space  thus  inclosed  is  much  obstructed  by  shoal  flats,  over 
which  the  depths  are  from  1  fathom  to  3  fathoms,  which  extend 
from  200  yards  to  500  yards  from  the  shore.  Vessels  moor  with  an 
anchor  to  the  westward  and  the  stern  secured  to  the  mole.  The 
customhouse  and  a  health  office  are  situated  at  the  northeastern  cor- 
ner of  the  port. 

A  mole  extends  eastward  from  Santa  Lucia,  on  the  western  side  of 
the  northern  part  of  the  port,  for  a  distance  of  400  yards,  and  at 
70  yards  northward  of  Santa  Lucia  another  mole,  parallel  with  it, 
forming  the  railroad  jetty,  extends  the  same  distance. 

Porto  Felice,  a  cove  i  mile  deep  and  200  yards  wide,  is  situated  on 
the  southeastern  side  of  the  citadel,  at  the  southeastern  angle  of  the 
city.  On  its  southeastern  side  is  a  health  office  and  landing  place, 
and  on  the  northwestward  a  watering  place. 

Depths. — There  is  a  depth  of  8  to  10  fathoms  in  the  entrance  to 
the  port,  from  3^  to  8  fathoms  in  the  northern  part  of  the  port,  from 
3^  to  6^  fathoms  in  the  southern  part,  and  3^  to  4  fathoms  in  Porto 
Felice.    A  30-foot  channel  has  been  dredged  to  the  dry  dock. 

Vessels  can  go  alongside  in  the  north  basin,  where  the  depth  is  23 
feet;  also  alongside  the  north  pier,  in  depths  of  from  23  to  30  feet. 

The  railroad  company's  goods  jetty  has  a  depth  of  23  feet,  and  the 
quays  at  the  northern  portion  of  the  basin  have  a  similar  depth 
alongside. 

Breakwater. — A  new  breakwater  is  under  constniction,  isolated 
from,  and  opposite  to,  the  entrance  to  Palermo  Harbor.  The  progress 
of  the  work  is  marked  by  spar  buoys  painted  in  red  and  white  hori- 
zontal bands,  moved  as  necessary.  Several  cylindrical  mooring  buoys 
painted  red  are  also  moored  along  the  site  of  the  new  work  for  the  use 
of  the  vessels  employed  in  the  construction. 

Lightboat. — A  lightboat,  exhibiting  a  fixed  green  light,  is  an- 
chored near  the  southern  extremity  of  the  isolated  breakwater  under 
construction. 

Directions. — Vessels  entering  Port  di  Palermo  must  pass  between 
the  lightboat  and  the  head  of  the  South  Mole. 

Lights. — ^At  360  yards  from  the  extremity  of  the  North  Mole  a 
white  circular  tower,  65  feet  in  height,  and  surmounting  a  fort,  ex- 
68850—17 38 


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594  THE   NORTH   AND  EAST  COAST   OF   SICILY. 

hibits,  at  an  elevation  of  95  feet  above  the  sea,  a  fixed  and  flashing 
white  light  visible  16  miles.    (For  arc  of  visibility,  see  Light  List) 

Near  the  extremity  of  the  North  Mole  an  iron  staff,  surmounting  a 
white  pillar  and  shed,  the  whole  23  feet  in  height,  exhibits,  at  an  ele- 
vation of  31  feet  above  the  sea,  an  occulting  green  light  visible  10 
miles. 

An  occulting  red  light  is  shown  at  an  elevation  of  30  feet  above  the 
sea  from  a  masonry  structure  21  feet  in  height  and  situated  near  the 
extremity  of  the  South  Mole,  visible  10  miles. 

From  the  outer  extremity  of  Santa  Lucia  Mole  are  exhibited  two 
fixed  lights,  vertical,  6  feet  apart,  the  upper  red,  and  the  lower  green. 

Buoys. — ^The  bank  off  Forte  di  Castellamare  on  the  southwestern 
side  of  the  harbor  is  marked  on  its  eastern  and  southeastern  side  by 
four  black  spar  buoys. 

Two  red  spar  buoys  mark  the  edge  of  the  bank  southward  of  Santa 
Lucia  Pier. 

A  mooring  buoy  is  moored  about  midway  between  the  railroad  and 
S.  Lucia  Piers  and  220  yards  inside  the  heads  of  the  piers. 

Two  mooring  buoys  are  moored  northward  of  the  railroad  pier. 

Harbor  regulations. — For  half  an  hour  before  the  time  of  arri- 
arrival  or  departure  of  the  mail  steamer  to  Naples,  and  until  she  has 
completed  maneuvering,  vessels  are  prohibited  from  entering  the 
port  or  moving  in  any  way  from  their  moorings. 

During  the  time  of  prohibition  the  commercial  code  signal  M  L 
will  be  hoisted  at  the  port  office  on  North  Mole. 

Beacon. — ^The  outer  edge  of  the  shoal  southward  of  Santa  Lucia 
Mole  is  marked  by  a  red  wooden  beacon,  situated  450  yards  255° 
from  the  lighthouse  on  the  extremity  of  the  North  Mole. 

Pilots. — Pilots  may  be  obtained ;  their  boats  are  distinguished  by 
the  letter  P  on  their  sails. 

Anchorages. — A  good  anchorage  outside  the  port  is  with  the 
lighthouse  on  the  South  Molehead  bearing  about  270°  distant  300 
yards  in  16^  fathoms  water  over  a  bottom  of  stiff  mud,  or  farther 
out  with  the  North  Mole  Lighthouse  bearing  315°,  about  i  mile  dis- 
tant, in  19  or  20  fathoms  over  a  similar  bottom. 

Sailing  vessels  approaching  the  anchorage  should  be  prepared  for 
squalls  in  passing  Baja  di  Mondello  with  fresh  westerly  winds. 

Though  a  heavy  sea  sets  in  with  winds  from  seaward  in  winter, 
the  anchorage  does  not  appear  to  be  dangerous,  provided  precaution- 
ary measures  are  adopted. 

Vessels  anchoring  inside  the  port  should  be  careful  to  have  the 
anchors  buoyed,  as  several  cases  of  injury  to  vessels'  bottoms  have 
occurred  through  the  projecting  flukes  of  anchors. 


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THE   NORTH   AND  EAST   COAST  OF   SICILY.  595 

With  offshore  winds  anchorage  may  also  be  found  in  the  eastern 
part  of  the  Bay  of  Palermo  in  9  or  10  fathoms  water,  between  Torre 
Corsaro  and  Aspra  Village. 

City. — Palermo  (ancient  Panormus),  the  largest  city  in  Sicily, 
and  the  capital  of  a  Province,  stands  in  a  plain  which,  from  its  luxu- 
riance, and  from  being  surrounded  by  mountains  on  three  sides,  has 
been  termed  the  "  conca  d'oro,"  or  the  golden  shell.  It  was  originally 
founded  by  the  Phoenicians,  passed  into  the  possession  of  the  Car- 
thaginians, and  from  them  to  the  Romans  254  years  B.  C.  It  was 
afterwards  taken  by  the  Saracens,  and  again  by  the  Nonnans  in  1072. 

In  front  of  the  city,  the  numerous  steeples,  cupolas,  and  towers  of 
which  give  it  a  noble  appearance  from  the  sea,  is  La  Marina,  extend- 
ing nearly  1  mile  along  the  bay.  At  the  southern  end  of  the  walk.  La 
Flora,  a  public  ga,rden  with  walks,  is  interspersed  with  statues,  foun- 
tains, and  summer  houses.  Palermo  is  regularly  built;  two  fine 
streets,  each  upward  of  1  mile  in  length,  intersect  each  other  at  right 
angles,  dividing  the  city  into  four  equal  parts,  each  leading  to  one 
of  the  four  principal  gates. 

These  streets  are  well  paved  with  large  flat  blocks  of  lava,  and  are 
faced  throughout  their  whole  length  with  handsome  buildings;  there 
are  numerous  squares,  public  edifices,  convents,  and  churches.  The 
cathedral,  erected  about  the  year  1180,  is  externally  of  Gothic  archi- 
tecture. The  Royal  Palace  is  a  spacious  building  of  mixed  Arabic 
and  Norman  architecture ;  on  its  summit  is  the  observatory  erected  in 
1748. 

The  Tribunal  of  Justice  and  the  customhouse  occupy  a  large  edifice 
on  La  Marina,  formerly  the  Palace  of  the  Inquisition,  abolished  in 
1782.  The  prison,  the  Jesuits'  college  (a  magnificent  building),  the 
university,  the  archbishop's  palace,  with  several  ill-constructed  thea- 
ters, are  among  the  remaining  remarkable  buildings.  The  city  is 
surrounded  by  an  old  wall,  and  defended  by  a  citadel  and  several 
other  forts,  and  it  is  lighted  by  electricity.  The  population  in  the 
year  1911  was  341,656. 

Communication. — Steamers  daily  to  Naples;  twice  every  week 
to  Ustiea;  weekly  to  Marseille,  Malta,  Fiume,  Trieste,  Trapani, 
Tunis,  Messina,  Venice,  Biindisi,  Cagliari,  Port  Empodocle,  and  to 
Catania  and  Syracuse;  fortnightly  to  England,  Salonica,  Constan- 
tinople, Genoa,  Smyrna,  and  Odessa ;  monthly  with  New  York ;  there 
are  also  periodical  steamers  to  Bristol,  Amsterdam,  Hamburg,  and 
New  Orleans. 

Railroad  communication  with  Messina,  Catania,  and  Trapani; 
telegraphic  communication  with  all  lines,  and  electric  tramways  in 
the  streets,  and  telephone  throughout*  the  city.  On  payment  of  a 
small  sum  the  telephone  company  will  put  a  telephone  on  board 
any  vessel  in  the  port.     The  central  telegraph  office  is  always  open. 

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596  THE   NORTH   AND  EAST  COAST  OF   SICILY. 

Badio  station. — There  is  a  radio  station  at  Sferracavallo,  west- 
ward of  Capo  Gallo,  open  to  the  public  from  sunrise  to  sunset;  call 
letters  M  P  P. 

Coal  and  supplies. — About  18,000  tons  of  coal  are  kept  in  stock 
amongst  a  number  of  firms;  from  600  to  800  tons  could  be  put  on 
board  in  24  hours,  but  none  on  Sundays.  There  are  over  300  lighters, 
39  of  which  are  of  about  30  tons. 

No  winds  prevent  coaling  in  the  port,  but  strong  northeast,  south, 
and  southeast  winds  prevent  coaling  outside. 

Supplies  of  fresh  meat,  bread,  and  vegetables  are  plentiful  and 
very  good,  but  a  few  days'  notice  of  requirement  should  be  given; 
water  is  supplied  from  a  contractor's  water  tank  in  the  city;  it  is 
brought  from  Scillato  in  the  Madorne  Mountains,  a  distance  of  44 
miles;  this  water,  from  analysis  in  London,  is  reported  as  irre- 
proachable in  quality. 

Dock  and  patent  slip. — There  is  a  dry  dock  in  the  northeastern 
corner  of  the  port  and  a  patent  slip  in  Porto  Felice.  (For  particu- 
lars, see  Appendix  I.) 

Repairs. — Large  repairs  to  machinery  can  be  executed;  there  is 
a  20-ton  crane  on  North  Mole,  a  3-ton  crane  on  Santa  Lucia  Mole, 
a  40-ton  steam  crane  near  the  docks,  two  2-ton  and  two  5-ton  cranes 
on  the  railroad  pier,  and  several  smaller  ones;  there  is  an  8-ton  steam 
hammer.     Two  divers  may  be  obtained. 

Chronometers  can  be  rated  at  the  observatory. 

Hospital. — ^There  is  a  hospital,  which  receives  strangers  at  a  fixed 
charge. 

Trade. — The  principal  exports  are  wines,  oranges  and  lemons, 
sumach,  sulphur,  grain,  olive  oil,  almonds,  and  nuts;  and  imports, 
petroleum,  wine  and  spirits,  tobacco,  herbs,  timber,  coal,  and  grain. 

Consul. — The  United  States  is  represented  by  a  consul  and  vice 
consul. 

Tugs. — Four  tugs  are  available  in  fine  weather. 

Capo  GallOy  the  northwestern  extremity  of  the  Bay  of  Palermo, 
is  the  northeastern  termination  of  the  mountain  of  the  same  name, 
which  rises  immediately  over  it  to  an  elevation  of  1,886  feet  above 
the  sea,  distinguished  by  dark  red  patches,  and  at  a  distance  appear- 
ing like  an  island. 

About  1  mile  southeastward  of  Capo  Gallo  is  Punta  Mondello,  low, 
projecting  and  surmoimted  by  a  tower;  upon  the  southern  side  of  it 
is  a  battery,  and  others  are  erected  on  points  1  and  2  miles  farther  in; 
thence  the  coast  trends  to  the  southward,  about  3^  miles,  to  Porto  di 
Palenna 

Light. — On  Capo  Gallo,  a  white  circular  tower,  25  feet  in  height, 
and  with  a  white  detached  dwelling,  exhibits  a  group  flashing  white 


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THE   NORTH   AND  EAST  COAST  OP   SICH^Y.  597 

light  at  an  elevation  of  133  feet  above  the  sea,  which  is  visible  12 
miles.    (For  arc  of  visibility  see  Light  List.) 

Signal  station — Semaphore. — Vessels  can  communicate  with  a 
semaphore,  situated  about  700  yards  southwestward  of  the  lighthouse 
at  an  elevation  of  1,886  feet  above  the  sea. 

Secca  la  Barra^  a  bank  about  1  mile  long  east  and  west,  and  hav- 
ing a  least  depth  of  43  fathoms  over  it,  lies  4i  miles  northeastward  of 
Capo  Gallo,  and  is  just  inside  the  100  fathoms  extending  from  the 
coast. 

Anchorage. — In  Baja  di  Mondello,  off  the  sandy  beach,  there  is 
anchorage  with  westerly  winds  in  from  10  to  1-2  fathoms  water,  but 
heavy  squalls  at  times  blow  down  the  valleys. 

Rock. — ^A  pinnacle  rock,  with  a  depth  of  6  feet  over  it,  lies  with 
Torre  Mondello,  bearing  359°,  distant  750  yards. 

Submarine  telegraph  cable. — Palermo  is  connected  with 
Naples  via  the  island  of  Ustica  by  a  telegraph  cable.  The  cable 
house  (with  the  inscription  "  Cavo  sottamarino  ")  is  situated  in  Baja 
di  Mondello,  about  54  yards  from  the  sea.  Two  white  frame  balls 
indicate  the  direction  (48°)  of  the  first  portion  of  the  cable. 

On  the  seaward  side  of  the  cable  house  a  notice  prohibiting  anchor- 
age is  affixed. 

Coast. — From  Capo  Gallo  an  indented  rocky  coast  trends  in  a 
westerly  direction  for  3|  miles  to  a  low  projection,  and  at  2  miles  is  a 
small  bay  named  Sferracavallo,  which  has  a  small  extent  of  sandy 
beach  and  is  frequented  as  a  bathing  place. 

Badio  station. — ^There  is  a  radio  station  in  Sferracavallo  Bay, 
open  to  the  public  from  sunride  to  sunset.    The  call  letters  are  M  P  P. 

Communication. — Sferracavallo  has  telephonic  communication 
with  Palermo. 

Supplies. — Small  supplies  of  fresh  provisions  and  water  may 
be  obtained. 

Isola  delle  Femmine,  about  i  mile  off  the  low  eastern  point  of 
the  bay,  is  low  and  rocky,  with  a  square  tower  on  its  siunmit.  The 
islet  is  steep-to  on  the  northern  side,  but  between  it  and  the  shore 
there  is  only  a  boat  passage. 

Baja  di  Carini,  between  Isola  delle  Femmine  and  Torre  Orsa,  is 
an  indentation  of  the  coast  1^  miles  deep,  along  the  eastern  portion  of 
which  is  a  sandy  beach ;  the  remainder  is  a  rocky,  broken  shore,  and 
on  several  of  the  points  to  the  westward  are  signal  stations.  The  bay 
is  surrounded  by  high  land  at  about  3  miles  from  the  beach,  Monte 
Castellaccio,  over  the  village  of  Capaci  on  the  east,  attaining  an  eleva- 
tion of  3,145  feet,  and  Montaniello  (over  Carini  upon  the  west),  3,160 
feet  above  the  sea. 


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598  THE   NORTH   AND  EAST  COAST   OF   SICILY. 

The  small  town  of  Capaci  is  at  the  foot  of  the  steep  slopes,  ]  mile 
from  the  shore,  and  the  town  of  Carini  (ancient  Hycara),  2^  mili-> 
inland  from  the  western  side  of  the  bay ;  it  has  a  gothic  castle,  several 
churches,  convents,  etc.,  and  a  population  of  about  12,000.  Beyond 
the  mouth  of  Fiume  della  Grazia,  where  the  rocky  coast  takes  a 
northerly  trend  for  about  1  mile,  is  Torre  Muzza. 

(communication. — ^There  is  a  telegraph  station  at  Capaci,  and  a 
railroad  station  at  Carini  on  the  line  between  Palermo  and  Trapani. 

Anchorage  may  be  taken  up  in  the  bay  with  the  town  of  Capaci 
bearing  133°  in  from  8  to  19  fathoms  water,  or  southeastward  of 
Torre  Muzza  in  4^  fathoms  about  400  yards  from  the  shore. 

Tunny  fishery. — Tunny  nets  are  laid  out  during  the  season, 
March  to  November,  about  1  mile  eastward  of  Punta  Raisi;  they 
extend  for  2  miles  in  a  northerly  direction  from  Torre  Orsa.  The 
outer  end  of  the  nets  is  marked  by  day  with  a  floating  beacon,  sur- 
mounted bv  a  mast,  and  at  night  with  a  white  light.  (See  Caution, 
p.61.)- 

Oolfo  di  Castellamare. — Punta  Raisi  is  the  northern  extremity' 
of  a  low  rocky  and  foul  shore  fronting  the  high  land  before  men- 
tioned, together  with  that  of  Monte  Palmito  to  the  southwestward, 
1,700  feet  above  the  sea.  Between  Punta  Raisi  and  Capo  San  Vito 
the  coast  forms  Golfo  di  Castellamare,  an  indentation  about  10  miles 
deep,  named  after  the  town  at  the  head. 

Depths  oftshore. — Except  off  the  rocky  points  at  both  extremities 
the  bay  is  generally  clear  of  danger,  deepening  gradually  to  100 
fathoms  at  4  miles  distant,  which  depth  will  be  found  at  less  than  1 
mile  along  the  western  shore:  the  eastern,  however,  is  less  precipi- 
tous; the  bottom  is  generally  of  mud;  in  the  center  of  the  bay  the 
depths  are  about  350  fathoms,  over  mud. 

Coast. — On  the  eastern  side  of  the  bay  from  Capo  Rama,  which  is 
bold,  clear  of  danger,  and  surmounted  by  a  tower,  the  coast  is  com- 
posed of  cliffs  from  80  to  100  feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea,  and 
trends  in  a  southerly  direction  for  a  distance  of  3}  miles  to  the 
mouth  of  Fiume  Poddastci ;  the  rocks  are  perforated  with  some  cav- 
erns or  grottoes,  and  on  the  slope  of  the  mountains  are  a  few  houses 
and  castellated  buildings;  on  the  banks  of  the  river  are  several  mills. 
The  large  town  of  Partinico  lies  at  the  foot  of  Monte  Cesaro,  1,485 
feet  above  the  sea,  and  about  4  miles  from  the  coast.  The  town  has 
an  export  trade  in  Avine  and  oil,  and  manufactures  of  woollen  and 
silk  fabrics. 

Communication. — There  is  a  railroad  station  on  the  line  between 
Palermo  and  Trapani  at  Partinico,  also  telegraphic  communication. 

Coast. — From  Fiume  Poddastci  a  sandy  beach  stretches  for  9 J 
miles  in  a  west-southwestern  direction  to  Casteflamare,  and  at  2^  and 


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THE   NORTH   AND  EAST   COAST  OF   SICILY.  599 

4  miles,  respectively,  are  the  villages  of  Trappeto  and  Balestrate; 
the  railroad  skirts  the  beach  from  Trappeto  to  Castellamare. 

CasteUamaxe  del  Golfo^  a  seaport  situated  in  the  southwestern 
comer  of  the  bay,  affords  but  little  accommodation  except  for  small 
coasters  and  fishing  boats;  it  stands  iYi  a  cove  rather  more  than  a 
cable  wide,  at  the  head  of  which  small  vessels  haul  up  on  a  beach. 
The  town  is  small  and  dirty,  and  on  a  rocky  tongue  of  land  which 
forms  the  eastern  side  of  the  cove  is  a  dilapidated  castle.  The  ex- 
ports are  wine,  cotton,  fruit,  manna,  and  sumac,  and  the  population 
about  15,300. 

Steep,  cliffy  ridges  rise  immediately  over  the  town  and  extend  some 
distance  southward;  Monte  Inice,  elevated  3,546  feet  above  the  sea, 
lies  2  miles  to  the  southward,  and  about  6  miles  from  the  town,  in 
the  same  direction,  is  the  ruin  of  a  beautiful  temple  and  other  ves- 
tiges of  Segesta  (ancient  Segestoe),  near  which  is  the  town  of  Cala- 
iafimi. 

Light. — ^An  occulting  white  light  is  exhibited,  at  an  elevation  of 
50  feet  above  the  sea,  from  a  small  masonry  tower,  46  feet  in  height, 
on  the  western  side  of  the  entrance  to  the  port;  it  is  visible  9  miles. 

Shoal. — A  shoal,  with  11  feet  water  over  it,  lies  867  yards  343° 
from  the  castle. 

Mooring  buoy. — A  red  mooring  buoy,  with  "Boa  di  Castella- 
mare" upon  it,  is  moored  in  the  roadstead  off  Castellamare  in  a 
depth  of  39  feet.     (Carried  away  in  1914.) 

Communication. — Kailroad  conmiunication  with  Palermo  and 
Trapani,  the  railroad  station  being  at  San  Bartolomeo,  about  2^ 
miles  to  the  eastward. 

Supplies  of  fresh  provisions  and  water  are  scarce. 

Tunny  fisheries. — Tunny  nets  are  laid  out  during  the  season, 
March  to  November,  near  Castellamare  at  the  following  places: 

About  2^  miles  eastward  of  the  town  for  a  distance  of  about  1^ 
miles  in  a  northerly  direction. 

Southward  of  Porto  Point  in  a  north-northeastern  direction  for 
a  distance  of  1  mile. 

The  outer  ends  of  the  nets  are  marked  by  day  with  a  floating 
beacon  surmounted  by  a  mast,  and  at  night  with  a  white  light. 
(See  Caution,  p.  61.) 

Coast. — A  rocky  coast,  bordered  by  steep  cliffs,  trends  in  a  north- 
erly direction  for  1^  miles  from  Castellamare  to  two  salient  points, 
the  southern  named  Porto  Point  (Punta  la  Porto) ;  on  the  western 
side  of  the  other  is  a  bay,  open  to  the  northeastward.  The  general 
direction  of  the  coast  (which  is  broken  and  rocky)  is  about  north- 
westward for  2^  miles  to  Torre  Scopello.  About  2^  miles  westward 
of  the  tower  is  Monte  Sparagio  (3,637  feet),  the  range,  of  which  it 


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600  THE   NORTH  AND  EAST  COAST  OP  SICILY. 

is  the  southern  termination,  extending  across  to  Monte  Cof  ano  on  the 
western  coast  of  Sicily,  and  also  to  the  northward  toward  Capo  San 
Vito. 

Shoal. — ^To  the  southward  of  Torre  Scopello  are  several  rocks ;  a 
shoal,  with  3^  fathoms  water  on  its  extreme  edge,  extends  about  600 
yards  from  the  point  under  Torre  Scopello;  there  are  20  fathoms 
just  outside  it,  and  with  northeast  winds  the  sea  breaks  heavily  on 
this  shoal. 

Punta  Solanto,  named  also  Monaca,  7  miles  to  the  north-north- 
westward of  Torre  Scopello,  has  a  fringing  shoal  which  extends  sea- 
ward 300  yards.  All  along  tliis  part  of  the  coast  the  water  is  deep, 
100  fathoms  being  obtained  in  some  places,  within  i  mile  of  the  rocks. 

Tunny  fisheries. — ^Tunny  nets  are  laid  out  during  the  season, 
March  to  November,  at  the  following  places  on  the  coast  between 
Porto  Point  and  Punta  Solanto: 

From  near  Torre  Scopello,  for  a  distance  of  about  1,650  yards  in  a 
northeasterly  direction. 

At  about  1  mile  southward  of  Punta  Solanto  in  an  east-southeast- 
erly direction  for  a  distance  of  about  600  yards. 

The  outer  ends  of  the  nets  are  marked  by  day  with  a  floating 
beacon  surmounted  by  a  mast,  and  at  night  with  a  white  light.  (See 
Caution,  p.  61.) 

Baia  di  San  Vito. — Capo  San  Vito  lies  about  1^  miles  westward 
of  Punta  Solanto,  and  has  a  lighthouse  on  its  extremity.  The  point 
on  which  the  lighthouse  stands  forms  the  western  side  of  a  small 
bay,  at  the  head  of  which  is  the  little  village  of  San  Vito. 

Anchorage. — ^There  is  good  anchorage  in  the  bay  with  west- 
erly winds,  in  6  or  7  fathoms  water,  over  mud,  with  the  lighthouse 
bearing  330°,  and  Torre  del  Roccazzo,  a  town  on  the  shoulder  of  the 
first  rise  of  land  inside  Capo  San  Vito,  in  range  with  a  small  tower 
near  the  beach,  northward  of  the  village,  about  240°.  The  south 
shore  of  the  bay  is  shallow. 

Tunny  fishery. — ^Tunny  nets  are  laid  out  during  the  season, 
March  to  November,  in  Baia  di  San  Vito ;  the  nets  extend  in  a  north- 
easterly direction  for  IJ  miles  from  the  head  of  the  bay.  The  outer 
end  is  marked  by  a  floating  beacon  surmounted  by  a  mast  by  day  and 
a  white  light  at  night.    (See  Caution,  p.  61.) 

Communication. — ^There  is  a  good  carriage  road  to  Trapani,  and 
telegraphic  communication  at  limited  hours. 

Supplies. — Fresh  beef  in  a  limited  quantity  may  be  obtained, 
but  sheep  and  goats  are  plentiful ;  water  is  not  go<5d. 

The  description  of  this  coast  from  Capo  San  Vito  westward  is 
given  at  page  505. 


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APPENDIX  II. 


LIST  OP  PRINCIPAL  PORTS,  SHOWING  PARTICULARS  OF 

DEPTHS,  ETC. 


Port. 


AJacdo 

Arand 

Aufusta    (Porto 

Cagllari 


(^atania. 


Genoa 

Leghorn.. 


Maddalena. 
MaUa 


Marmarlce. 
MarselUe... 
Messina 


Naples. 
Oran... 


Palermo.. 


Speiia 

Taranto 

Tarragona.. 


Terranova . 


Depth  at  L.  W.  O.  S. 
in  channel  of  ap- 
proach. 


Deep  water 

Deep 

10  to  20  fathoms 

Harbor  entrance,  25 
feet. 

Harbor  entrance,  5 
to  8  fathoms. 


Deep  water.. 


4  to  10  fathoms 

26i  feet  north  en- 
trance. 

5  fathoms  south  en- 
trance. 

0  to  8  fathoms 


10  to  12  fathoms. 


Deep  water 

Harbor      entrance, 

30  fathoms. 

Deep  water 

Harbor  entrance,  6 

fathoms. 


Harbor  entrance,  8 
to  10  fathoms. 


Pabna Harbor  entrance,  24 

I     feet. 


6  to  7  fathoms 

Deep  water 

Harbor  entrance  26 
to  30  feet. 


24  to  29  feet,  19  feet 
in     cliannel,     to 
town   and    rorto 
Romano. 
Toulon Deep  water 


Depth  at  L.  W.  O.  S. 
in  anchorage. 


5  to  15  fothoms. 
8  to  ISfothoms. 
8  to  11  fathoms. 


Roads,  6i  to  10  fath- 
oms; harbor,  21  to  27 
feet. 

L'Avamporto,  4  to  8 
fathoms:  Porto 
Nuovo,  3J  to  8  fath- 
oms: Porto  Vecchio, 
22  to  27  feet. 

6  to  10  fathoms 


41  to  5|  fathoms. 
4|  to 9 fathoms... 


22  to  26  feet. 


5  to  12  fathoms:  8  to 
20  fathoms  in  Rada 
di  San  Htefano. 

Grand  Harbor,  5  to 
13  fathoms;  Marsa 
Musciet,  12  to  16 
fathoms. 

7  to  20  fathoms 

14  to  18  fathoms 

Harbor.  10  to  36 
36  fathoms. 

7  to  14  fathoms 

L'Avant  Port,  3  to  8 
fathoms;  Vieux  Port, 
3i  to  3f  fathoms. 


Rise  of  tide. 


Remarks. 


Nil 

4 to  15 inches..!  Rise  of  tide  is  much 
I     affected  by  wind. 


The  tides  are  influenced 
by  the  winds. 


Port   Vlttorio    Eman- 

uele. 
Inner  port. 
Leghorn  Road. 

Outer  port. 


Nil. 


Springs,  10  to 
14  inches 
(approxi- 
mately). 


No  regular. . . 

iiiC'.V.'.V.V.. 


I 


Harbor,  3}  to  8  fath- 
oms: Porto  Felice, 
3^  to  4  fathoms. 

Harbor,  13  to  26  feet; 
Roads,  7  to  8  fath- 
oms. 

5i  to  7  fathoms 

7  to  16  fathoms 

Outer  harbor  12  to  22 
feet;  inner  harbor, 
24  to  30  feet. 

22  to  28  feet,  20  feet  off 
town,  20  to  25  feet  in 
Porto  Romano. 

6  to  13  fathoms. 


-do., 
.do.. 


Nil. 


.do. 


T 


Outer  port. 

Westerly  winds  raise 
the  level  of  the  water 
in  the  port;  easterly 
winds  lower  it,  the 
difference  between 
the  two  levels 
amounts  to  about  2 
feet. 


Mar  (Jrande. 

A  depth  of  29  feet  can 

be  carried  into  the 

inner  harbor. 


603 


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APPENDIX  III. 


CAUTION  TO  BE  OBSERVED  WHEN  APPROACHING  BRITISH 

PORTS. 

PART  I— CLOSING  OF  PORTS. 

(1)  As  circumstances  may  arise  in  which  it  will  be  necessary  on 
accoimt  of  periodical  exercises,  maneuvers,  or  otherwise  to  forbid 
all  entrance  to  certain  ports  of  the  British  Empire,  on  approaching 
a  port  a  sharp  lookout  should  be  kept  for  the  signals  described  in  the 
following  paragraph  and  for  the  vessels  mentioned  in  paragraph  (5), 
Part  II,  of  this  notice,  and  the  distinguishing  and  other  signals 
made  by  them.  In  the  event  of  such  signals  being  displayed,  the 
port  or  locality  should  be  approached  with  great  caution,  as  it  may 
be  apprehended  that  obstructions  may  exist. 

(2)  If  entrance  to  a  port  is  prohibited,  three  red  vertical  lights 
by  night  or  three  red  vertical  balls  by  day  will  be  exhibited  in  some 
conspicuous  position  in  or  near  to  its  approach,  which  signals  will 
also  be  shown  by  the  vessels  indicated  in  paragraph  (5),  Part  II, 
of  this  notice. 

If  these  signals  are  displayed,  vessels  must  either  proceed  to  the 
position  marked  "  Examination  anchorage  "  on  the  charts  and  anchor 
there  or  keep  the  sea. 

(3)  At  all  the  ports  or  localities  at  home  or  abroad  searchlights 
are  occasionally  exhibited  for  exercise. 

Instructions  have  been  given  to  avoid  directing  movable  search- 
lights during  practice  onto  vessels  under  way,  but  mariners  are 
warned  that  great  care  should  be  taken  to  keep  a  sharp  lookout  for 
the  signals  indicated  in  paragraph  (2)  above  when  searchlights  are 
observed  to  be  working. 

PART  II— EXAMINATION  SERVICE. 

(4)  In  certain  circumstances  it  is  also  necessary  to  take  special 
measures  to  examine  vessels  desiring  to  enter  the  ports  or  localities 
at  home  or  abroad. 

(5)  In  such  case  vessels  carrying  the  distinguishing  flags  or  lights 
mentioned  in  paragraph  (7)  will  be  charged  with  the  duty  of  exam- 
ining vessels  which  desire  to  enter  the  ports  and  of  allotting  positions 
in  which  they  shall  anchor.  If  Government  vessels,  or  vessels  be- 
longing to  the  local  port  authority,  are  found  patrolling  in  the  offing, 
merchant  vessels  are  advised  to  communicate  with  such  vessels  with 
a  view  to  obtaining  information  as  to  the  course  on  which  they  should 

604 

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APPENDIX  III.  605. 

approach  the  examination  anchorage.  Such  communication  will  not 
be  necessary  in  cases  where  the  pilot  on  board  has  already  received 
this  information  from  the  local  authorities. 

(6)  As  the  institution  of  the  examination  service  at  any  port  will 
never  be  publicly  advertised,  especial  care  should  be  taken  in  ap- 
proaching the  ports,  by  day  or  night,  to  keep  a  sharp  lookout  for 
any  vessel  carrying  the  flags  or  lights  mentioned  in  paragraph  (7) 
and  to  be  ready  to  "  bring  to  "  at  once  when  hailed  by  her  ot  warned 
by  the  firing  of  a  gun  or  sound  rocket. 

In  entering  by  night  serious  delay  and  risk  will  be  avoided  if 
four  eflBcient  all-round  lamps,  two  red  and  two  white,  are  kept 
available  for  use. 

(7)  By  day  the  distinguishing  flags  of  the  examination  steamer 
will  be  a  special  flag  (white  and  red  horizontal  surrounded  by  a  blue 
border)  and  a  blue  ensign;  also  three  red  vertical  balls  if  the  port 
is  closed. 

By  night  the  steamer  will  carry  "  three  red  "  vertical  lights  if  the 
port  is  closed  and  "  three  white  "  vertical  lights  if  the  port  is  open. 

The  above  lights  will  be  carried  in  additional  to  the  ordinary  navi- 
gational lights  and  will  show  an  unbroken  light  aroimd  the  horizon. 

(8)  Masters  are  warned  that  when  approaching  a  British  port 
where  the  examination  service  is  in  force  they  must  have  the  dis- 
tinguishing signal  of  their  vessel  ready  to  hoist  immediately  the 
examination  steamer  makes  the  signal. 

(9)  Masters  are  warned  that  before  attempting  to  enter  any  of 
these  ports  when  the  examination  service  is  in  force  they  must,  in 
their  own  interests,  strictly  obey  all  instructions  given  to  them  by 
the  examination  steamer.  In  the  absence  of  any  instructions  from 
the  examination  steamer,  they  must  proceed  to  the  position  marked 
"  Examination  Anchorage  "  on  the  charts  and  anchor  there  or  keep 
the  sea. 

While  at  anchorage  in  the  examination  anchorag;e  masters  are 
warned  that  they  must  not  lower  any  boats  (except  to  avoid  acci- 
dent), communicate  with  the  shore,  work  cables,  move  the  vessel,  or 
allow  anyone  to  leave  the  vessel  without  permission  from  the  exami- 
nation steamer. 

(10)  In  case  of  fog,  masters  of  vessels  are  enjoined  to  use  the 
utmost  care,  and  the  Examination  Anchorage  itself  should  be  ap- 
proached with  caution. 

(11)  Merchant  vessels  when  approaching  ports  are  specially  cau- 
tioned against  making  use  of  private  signals  of  any  description, 
either  by  day  or  night.  The  use  of  them  will  render  a  vessel  liable 
to  be  fired  on. 

(12)  The  pilots  attached  to  the  ports  will  be  acquainted  with  the 
regulations  to  be  followed. 

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APPENDIX  IV. 


MALTA. 

HARBOR  REGULATIONS. 

Foreign  naval  vessels  and  transports. — (1)  Unarmed  sailors 
and  soldiers  from  foreign  naval  vessels  and  transports  may,  as  a  gen- 
eral rule,  be  landed  on  shore  leave  without  the  necessity  of  previously 
obtaining  the  formal  permission  of  the  Governor.  It  is  requested, 
however,  that  on  occasions  when  it  is  desired  to  land  large  numbers 
of  men,  or  bodies  in  military  formation,  or  imarmed  pickets  to  assist 
the  local  police,  application  may  be  made  beforehand,  in  order  that 
all  possible  facilities  may  be  given. 

(2)  Applications  for  permission  to  land  armed  parties  in  connec- 
tion with  funerals,  or  to  take  part  in  public  ceremonies  of  an  excep- 
tional nature,  should  also  be  addressed  to  the  (xovemor  through  the 
usual  channel. 

PORT  REGULATIONS. 

(1)  No  vessel  arriving  at  these  islands  from  any  place  beyond  seas 
shall  enter  any  port  in  these  islands  other  than  the  -Great  Harbor  of 
Valletta  or  the  Quarantine  Harbor. 

If  any  such  vessel  shall  enter  any  such  other  port,  the  master  shall 
forfeit  a  sum  of  money  not  greater  than  $250  and  not  less  than  $10. 

When  a  naval  vessel  is  entering  or  leaving  Grand  Harbor  a  red 
flag  is  hoisted  at  Castille  signal  station,  customhouse  flagstaff,  or 
Palace  Tower  flagstaff.  While  this  red  flag  is  hoisted  vessels  are  not 
permitted  to  leave  their  berths  or  enter  the  harbor. 

(2)  No  master  of  a  merchant  vessel  shall  moor  his  vessel  betAveeii 
the  mouth  of  the  Great  Harbor  and  the  point  of  Senglea,  or  keep 
the  said  vessel  at  anchor  there  for  a  time  longer  than  necessary  to 
approach  the  Marina  or  some  mole,  or  to  depart  from  thence;  or 
moor  the  said  vessel  in  the  places  where  the  passage  boats  usually  dis- 
embark their  passengers,  or  otherwise  obstruct  the  passage  of  such 
boats. 

(3)  No  steamer  shall  be  allowed  to  drop  or  weigh  anchor  without 
a  pilot  in  the  area  within  two  lines,  the  one  drawn  from  Galea  ra  Gate 
landing  place  to  Isola  Point,  and  the  other  from  the  police  station 
outside  advanced  right  Marina  gate  to  Ras  Hanzir. 

(4)  No  master  of  a  merchant  vessel  shall  make  fast  any  chain  or 
rope  to  any  of  the  buoys  laid  down  for  the  use  of  the  British;  or 

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APPENDIX  IV.  607 

careen  his  vessel  except  in  one  of  the  places  established  for  that  pur- 
pose by  the  collector  of  customs;  or  melt  pitch,  tar,  resin,  or  other 
'  inflammable  substance  on  the  moles,  or  in  a  boat,  or  in  close  proxim- 
ity to  any  vessel,  or  in  places  not  selected  for  that  purpose  by  the  said 
collector  of  customs. 

(5)  The  master  of  mail  and  other  steamers  having  passengers  on 
board  shall,  with  the  least  possible  delay,  cause  all  available  accom- 
modation ladders  to  be  lowered  on  both  sides  of  the  vessel. 

(6)  No  master  of  a  merchant  vessel  shall  fasten  his  vessel  any- 
where but  to  the  bollards  or  rings  intended  for  that  purpose;  or 
fasten  with  chains  the  vessel  to  the  said  bollards  without  using  a  mat 
or  such  other  means  as,  in  the  opinion  of  the  said  collector  of  cus- 
toms, may  be  sufficient  to  prevent  the  chain  from  damaging  the 
wharf. 

All  merchant  vessels  lying  at  anchor  shall  have  their  anchors  and 
chains  so  as  not  to  come  in  contact  with  the  anchor  and  chains  of 
other  vessels  when  in  boisterous  weather  they  loosen  their  hawsers 
from  the  land. 

Every  vessel,  anchored  or  moored  in  any  part  of  the  harbor,  shall 
keep  her  jib  boom  and  flying  jib  boom  thoroughly  rigged  in. 

Every  master  or  owner  of  a  merchant  vessel  shall  during  the  night 
keep  a  guard  on  board  of  the  said  vessel;  and  shall  keep  any  boat 
belonging  to  the  said  vessel  moored  and  without  oars. 

(7)  No  master  shall  permit  any  boat  to  approach  his  vessel,  except 
pilot  boats  and  steam  tugs  seeking  hire,  before  the  officer  charged 
with  such  duty  by  the  said  collector  of  customs  shall  have  visited  the 
vessel;  or  any  person  to  disembark  before  the  vessel  shall  have  re- 
ceived pratique. 

(8)  Every  master  of  a  merchant  vessel  shall  prevent  any  smoking 
or  any  fire  being  kept  alight  on  board  while  in  the  act  of  loading  or 
unloading  hemp,  esparto  grass,  or  other  merchandise  of  an  inflam- 
mable nature  until  the  hatches  shall  have  been  secured. 

(9)  Every  master  of  a  merchant  vessel  shall  declare  to  the  said 
collector  of  customs  the  quantity  of  gunpowder  which  he  may  have 
on  board  and  shall  not  approach  the  mole  to  unload  any  merchandise 
before  having  deposited  such  gunpowder  in  the  place  pointed  out  by 
the  said  collector  of  customs;  and  in  case  he  has  more  than  three 
barrels  of  gunpowder,  he  shall,  on  entering  the  port,  extinguish  all 
fires,  except  steaming  fires,  and  shall  anchor  the  vessel  in  the  place 
which  shall  be  pointed  out  by  the  said  collector  of  customs.  He  shall 
keep  a  red  flag  at  the  mainmast  head  until  such  powder  shall  have 
been  deposited,  and  previously  to  commencing  to  deposit  the  san)e 
he  shall  expressly  warn  the  vessels  lying  near. 

(10)  It  is  prohibited  to  throw  into  the  ports  anything  which  might 
cause  deposits  of  mud  or  in  any  other  way  alter  the  bottom  of  the 


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608  APPENDIX  IV 

port  or  obstruct  the  mouths  of  the  public  sewers  which  discharge 
into  the  sea ;  or  to  leave  in  the  ports  or  on  the  moles  any  merchandise 
or  other  rotten  or  unwholesomfe  thing  which  might  be  prejudicial  to 
the  public  health  or  give  rise  to  a  nuisance. 

(11)  It  is  prohibited  to  the  owner,  consignee,  agent,  master,  or 
other  person  in  charge  of  any  vessel  arriving  in  Malta  from  any  place 
out  of  these  islands  to  land,  or  permit  to  land,  without  the  permis- 
sion in  writing  of  the  collector  of  customs,  any  person  who  has 
secreted  himself  and  arrived  in  such  vessel. 

(12)  The  use  of  the  steam  whistle,  foghorn,  or  siren  is  confined  to 
vessels  under  way,  for  the  puri)ose  of  safe  navigation.  Vessels  lying 
at  anchor  or  moored  in  the  harbors  ai-e  not  to  use  the  steam  whistle, 
foghorn,  or  siren  for  an}^  purpose  whatever. 

(13)  Every  master  of  a  merchant  vessel  must  exactly  follow  any 
instructions  which  the  superintendent  of  the  ports  may  give  in  regard 
to  the  place  where  his  vessel  is  to  lie  and  in  regard  to  the  position 
of  the  said  vessel. 

(14)  Commanders  or  masters  of  vessels  are  hereby  warned  that^ 
owing  to  the  large  number  of  small  craft  plying  in  the  harbor  at  all 
hours,  strict  attention  should  be  paid  to  moorings  to  prevent  their 
being  tampered  with. 

In  the  event  of  any  suspicious  circumstances,  such  as  boats  without 
lights  approaching  during  the  night,  the  police  should  be  at  once 
communicated  with,  a  message  being  sent  to  the  customhouse,  if 
necessary. 

(15)  No  goods  shall  be  discharged  on  Sundays  or  public  holidays, 
or  on  other  days  except  between  the  hours  of  0  a.  m.  and  0  p.  m. 
from  April  1  to  September  30,  inclusive;  and  between  7  a.  m.  and 
5  p.  m.  from  October  1  to  March  31,  inclusive,  unless  by  special 
permission  of  the  collector  of  customs. 

Pilots  are  absolutely  precluded  from  making  any  private  arrange- 
ments with  masters  of  vessels  or  agents,  and  from  receiving  any 
pecuniary  or  other  remuneration  in  excess  of  the  established  tariff. 
Should  it,  however,  under  very  extraordinary  circumstances,  be 
considered  desirable  to  offer  a  gratuity  to  any  member  of  the  pilot 
service,  such  gratuity  may  be  received  by  special  permission  of  the 
collector  of  customs. 

Any  complaints  against  pilots  should  be  made  in  writing  and 
addressed  to  the  collector  of  customs. 


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APPENDIX  V. 


FRENCH  PORTS. 

Regulations. — The  following  regulations  respecting  navigation 
in  time  of  war,  have  been  issued  by  the  French  Government,  and  if 
necessary  they  may  be  brought  into  force  during  a  period  of  political 
tension : 

1.  No  vessel,  other  than  French  naval  vessels,  may  approach  the 
French  coast  within  a  distance  of  3  miles  without  special  permission. 

2.  Between  sunrise  and  simset  vessels  are  to  exhibit  their  national 
flags  and  numbers  by  international  code,  directly  they  come  within 
signalling  distance. 

If  wishing  to  enter  the  prohibited  zone,  they  are  to  hoist  the  pilot 
signal  and  remain  outside  the  3-mile  limit  until  signalled  to  enter 
from  a  signal  station  or  examination  vessel. 

3.  From  sunset  to  sunrise  vessels  approaching  the  coast  are  to 
exhibit  their  national  flags  and  navigational  lights. 

If  wishing  to  enter  the  prohibited  zone,  they  are  to  bum  Bengal 
lights  and  sound  blasts  on  the  siren,  remaining  outside  the  3-mile 
limit  until  permission  to  enter  is  given  from  the  examination  vessel. 

4.  Any  vessel,  summoned  by  the  firing  of  a  blank  charge,  is  to  stop 
and  check  her  way ;  if  this  warning  be  disregarded,  after  an  interval 
of  two  minutes  a  shot  will  be  fired,  and  at  the  expiration  of  a  further 
two  minutes  fire  will  be  opened  upon  her. 

In  case  of  urgency  the  warning  by  blank  charge  may  be  omitted, 
and  at  night  any  vessel  approaching  within  the  3-mile  limit  is  liable 
to  immediate  destruction. 

5.  In  military  ports  and  roadsteads  no  boats,  other  than  those 
belonging  to  French  naval  vessels,  are  allowed  to  be  under  weigh 
between  sunset  and  sunrise. 

Between  sunrise  and  sunset  boats  are  allowed  to  be  under  weigh  if 
provided  with  a  special  permit,  and  under  certain  restrictions. 

In  commercial  ports  the  same  regulations  will  hold  good,  but  so 
arranged  as  to  interfere  as  little  as  possible  with  commercial  interests. 

6.  All  vessels  permitted  to  enter  harbor  are  to  take  up  their 
allotted  anchorages,  and  may  not  leave  or  shift  billet  without  per- 
mission. 

See  Appendix  IV,  H.  O.  No.  151,  Mediterranean  Pilot,  volume  1, 
1916. 

68850—17 39  609 

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APPENDIX  VI, 


REGULATIONS  CONCERNING  THE  TEMPORARY  CLOSING  OF 
FRENCH  PORTS  FOR  EXERCISES,  MANEUVERS,  ETC. 

Access  to  French  ports  may  be  forbidden  or  subjected  to  certain 
regulations  on  account  of  naval  maneuvers,  exercises,  or  for  any 
other  cause. 

Under  these  circumstances: 

1.  A  warning  signal  will  be  made  from  a  conspicuous  point,  con* 
sisting  of  three  balls,  one  above  the  other,  by  day,  and  three  red 
lights,  one  above  the  other,  by  night. 

2.  The  same  signal  will  be  shown  from  the  watch  vessel. 

8.  Any  vessel  wishing  to  go  into  or  out  of  French  waters  when  one 
of  the  above  signals  is  made  should,  by  day,  hoist  the  pilot  flag,  and 
await  the  arrival  of  the  watch  vessel ;  -by  night,  bum  one  or  more 
Bengal  lights,  accompanied  by  the  whistle  or  siren,  and  await  the 
arrival  of  the  watch  vesseL 

4.  At  the  challenge  or  a  warning  shot  from  the  watch  vessel  every 
vessel  must  stop  or  heave  to. 

5.  Vessels,  in  this  case,  will  be  subject  to  a  visit  by  the  watch  vessel, 
which  will  give  them  instructions  as  follows: 

(a)  If  a  special  examination  service  is  established,  where  it  will  be 

found. 
{by  If  the  entrance  to  the  port  is  closed,  and  for  how  long. 
(c)  If  any  special  instructions  exilst  for  the  navigation  of  a  fixed 

region. 

6.  For  vessels  leaving  the  port  the  required  instructions  will  be 
given  in  the  port  by  the  maritime  authorities. 

7.  Vessels  which  disobey  the  above  instructions  will  do  so  at  their 
own  risk  and  peril,  and  will  be  obliged  to  make  good  any  damage 
they  are  the  cau»  of. 

610 


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APPENDIX  VII- 


REGULATIONS  AND  SIGNALS  RELATIVE  TO  FRENCH 
SUBMARINES. 

1.  General  regiilations. — 1.  When  meeting  other  vessels,  and, 
except  in  the  case  hereafter  mentioned  (when  flying  diving  flag), 
submarines  navigating  on  the  surface  must  conform  to  the  usual 
Kule  of  the  road. 

When,  on  the  contrary,  submarines  are  navigating  submerged, 
all  other  vessels  should  give  them  a  wide  berth. 

2.  The  presence  of  submarines  submerged  is  indicated  by  a  square 
flag,  with  one  yellow  and  one  red  horizontal  stripe,  hoisted  at  any 
signal  station,  lighthouse,  fort,  etc.,  in  sight  of  which  the  submarines 
are  maneuvering,  or  by  a  vessel,  torpedo  boat,  or  tug  accompanying 
them. 

3.  When  a  vessel  is  navigating  in  a  neighborhood  where  sub- 
marines are  signaled  submerged,  the  master  must  station  special 
lookouts  to  watch  the  surface  of  the  sea  and  report  all  floating 
objects. 

The  periscopes  (optical  tubes  of  submerged  submarines)  are  dis- 
tinguished from  other  objects  usually  met  with,  in  that  they  appear 
like  a  round  post  standing  vertically  out  of  the  water. 

4.  Although  submerged  submarines  may  be  met  in  all  French 
waters,  masters  of  vessels  should  be  particularly  on  the  lookout  for 
them  in  the  neighborhood  of  Toulon  and  Ajaccio,  where  submarine 
flotillas  are  stationed. 

5.  In  order  to  give  every  convenience  to  vessels  making  or  leaving 
the  ports  frequented  by  submarines,  zones  have  been  fixed  which  are 
forbidden  to  submerged  submarines.  Masters  frequenting  these  ports 
are  strongly  advised  to  navigate  in  these  zones. 

II.  Begulations  and  sign^als  relative  to  submerged  subma- 
rines.— 1.  The  signal  stations  hoist  the  flag  (one  red  and  one  yellow 
horizontal  stripe)  to  warn  vessels  near  the  coast  that  submarines 
are  submerged  in  the  neighborhood. 

2.  Every  vessel  convoying  a  submarine  carries,  as  distinctive  sig- 
nal, the  aforesaid  flag  forward  and  a  white  ball  aft  in  place  of  the 
national  ensign. 

Every  vessel  observing  these  distinctive  signals  should  steer  to  pass 
at  least  i  mile  astern  of  the  convoying  vessel. 

611 
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612  APPENDIX  vn, 

3.  During  submerged  exercises  the  submarines  carry  forward  the 
red  and  yellow  flag  and  aft  the  national  ensign. 

Every  vessel  observing  these  signals  should  give  a  wide  berth  to 
the  submarine,  which,  even  should  she  be  momentarily  on  the  surface, 
is  considered  as  exempt  from  Kules  of  the  road. 

III.  Begulations  relative  to  firing  torpedoes  from  sub- 
merged submarines. — 1.  The  target  vessels  or  vessels  towing  a 
target  for  submerged  submarine  torpedo  practice  carry  during  the 
firing  exercises,  besides  the  ordinary  large  red  firing  flag,  a  large  flag 
(one  ried  and  one  yellow  horizontal  stripe),  hoisted  in  a  clearly 
visible  place. 

2.  Vessels  should  give  the  route  of  the  target  a  wide  berth,  passing 
at  least  |  mile  from  it. 

3.  When  the  target  or  towing  vessel  sees  a  vessel  standing  on  a 
course  dangerous  to  the  submarine,  it  may  hoist  the  International 
code  signal  M  N  (Stop  immediately)  and  fire  a  gun  if  necessary. 

The  vessel  signaled  should  immediately  obey  this  signal. 

The  signal  M  H  of  the  same  code  intimates  that  she  may  continue 
her  course. 

The  vessels  convoying  submarines  may  also,  in  case  of  urgency, 
make  use  of  these  signals. 

4.  When  possible  the  target  vessel  is  accompanied  by  a  swift 
dispatch  boat,  ready  to  convey  Ut  vessels  in  sight  any  order,  by  voice 
or  by  aid  of  a  blackboard. 

IV.  Beg^ulations  and  signals  relating  to  the  protection  of 
submarines  at  moorings. — 1.  All  vessels  and  boats  are  forbidden 
to  go  alongside  submarines  anchored  or  moored  in  ports  or  road- 
steads without  a  special  permit. 

2.  By  night  the  submarines  anchored  or  moored  in  ports  or  road- 
steads carry,  in  addition  to  the  ordinary  anchor  lights,  three  lights 
vertical  (two  red  above  one  white)  and  distant  6  feet  apart. 


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APPENDIX  VIII. 


ITALIAN  PORTS. 

Regulations. —  (A)  The  following  regulations  for  foreign  naval 
vessels  anchoring  in  Italian  ports  have  been  issued  by  the  Italian 
Government : 

1.  Foreign  naval  vessels  can  not  remain  at  fortified  ports  for  a 
period  of  more  than  eight  days,  and  not  more  than  three  vessels  of 
the  same  flag  may  assemble  at  these  anchorages,  unless  formal  per- 
mission, which  must  be  applied  for  through  a  diplomatic  channel, 
has  been  received. 

2.  The  following  are  the  fortified  ports  in  the  limits  of  this  vol- 
ume: Vado  (Savona),  Genoa,  Spezia,  Mount  Argentario,  Talamone, 
Gaeta,  Taranto,  and  anchorages  on  both  sides  of  Messina  Straits. 

The  following  fortified  ports  are  to  be  saluted  by  naval  vessels: 
Genoa,  Spezia,  Gaeta,  Taranto;  also  Naples  and  ports  where  an 
Italian  naval  vessel  capable  of  returning  the  same  may  be  lying. 

3.  Foreign  naval  vessels  anchored  in  any  of  the  abo\'e-mentioned 
places  must  leave  at  any  time  if  requested,  and  at  the  expiration  of 
the  period  stated  in  Article  I. 

4.  The  naval  authorities  will  probably  send  an  officer  to  point  out 
the  anchorage  assigned  to  the  vessel,  but  in  the  event  of  this  not  being 
done  anchorage  may  be  taken  up  as  convenient. 

5.  Should  pratique  be  refused,  the  medical  officer  of  the  vessel 
should  be  sent  to  the  local  sanitary  office  to  ascertain  the  treatment 
to  which  the  vessel  or  vessels  are  to  be  subjected,  and  all  port  regu- 
lations must  be  carried  out. 

6.  No  surveying  or  hydrographic  operations  are  to  be  carried  on 
without  special  permission  from  the  Government,  and  the  following 
are  also  forbidden  within  the  territorial  waters:  (a)  The  execution  of 
a  death  sentence,  (h)  Vessels  carrying  on  hostilities  with  each  other, 
or  bringing  prizes  or  searching  vessels,  (c)  Landing  to  execute 
maneuvers  on  or  gim  practice  w^ithin  gun  range  from  the  coasts, 
without  special  permission. 

7.  With  the  exception  of  officers  and  petty  officers  the  crew  of  a 
foreign  naval  vessel  must  always  land  unarmed,  and  should  it  be 
wished  to  send  an  armed  funeral  party,  permission  must  be  obtained. 

613 


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614 


APPENDIX   Vra. 


(B)  The  following  regulations  are  to  be  observed  in  time  of  war: 

(1)  Every  vessel  approaching  a  fortified  harbor  by  day  must  hoist 
the  flag  6t  her  nationality  before  coming  within  range  of  artillery 
fire,  and  must  remain  outside  the  range  of  the  guns  of  the  fort  while 
signals  are  exchanged,  and  until  permission  to  enter  the  port  is 
granted. 

The  failure  to  comply  with  this  regulation  will  cause  first  blank 
cartridge  and  afterwards  shot,  if  necessary,  to  be  fired  at  the  vessel 
from  the  nearest  fort. 

No  vessel  may  enter  a  fortified  harbor  at  night. 

(2)  The  movement  of  boats,  belonging  to  neutral  naval  vessels, 
within  the  area  of  fortified  harbors,  is  absolutely  prohibited,  both  by 
day  and  by  night,  but  vessels  anchored  in  the  harbors  may  communi- 
cate with  the  shore  during  the  day  in  accordance  with  rules  laid 
down  by  the  commandants,  and  in  cases  of  urgency  a  boat,  belong- 
ing to  the  fortress,  may  be  obtained  to  communicate  at  night,  by 
signaling  the  request. 

(3)  Vessels  wishing  to  anchor  in  any  of  the  naval  or  fortified 
ports  of  Italy,  a  list  of  which  and  of  their  signal  stations  is  given 
l^elow,  must  not  approach  such  ports  within  a  distance  of  5  miles,  and 
must  ask  for  anchorage  by  means  of  hoisting,  in  addition  to  the 
name  of  the  vessel,  the  International  Pilot  signal,  or  the  International 
Code  signal  P  D,  "  Permission  is  urgently  requested  to  enter  harbor." 


Port  or  anchorage. 


I 


Locality. 


Spotomo Gulf  of  Genoa 

Vado do 

Savona do 

Sestri  Ponenti do 

Genoa do 

Stiirla do 

Bopliasco do 

Sori do 

Levant©  and  Monterosso ' do 

Portovenere |  Italy,  west  coast.. 

Spezia  and  Lerici do.. 


Bo<'cadI  Magra do.. 

Marina  dl  Avenza *. do 

Talamone do 

Port  Santo  Stefano do 

Port  Eroole : | do 

Oa  ta. I do 

Formia | do 

Maddalena  Road  and  approaches Sardinia 

Messina i  Sicily 

Milizzo do 

Villa  San  Giovanni I  Italy,  west  coast.. 

Reggio do 

Taranto ItAly ,  south  coast . 

Ancona ,  Italy,  Adriatic 

Port  Nuovo I do 

Brindisi do 

Port  Corsini *. . .  do 

PortChioggIa do 

Venice  and  approaches do 


Signal  stations  with  which 
vessels  must  communicate. 


Cape  Noli. 

Do. 

Do. 
Cape  San  Benigno. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 
Palmarialslan 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 
Mount  Argentario. 

Do. 

Do. 
Orlando  Tower. 

Do. 
Cape  Ferro. 
Fort  Spuria. 
.     Do. 
Capo  d'Anni. 

Do. 
Cape  San  Vlto. 
Mount  Coppucoini. 

Do. 
Fort  Mare. 
Port  Corsini. 
SottomarinsL 

Pilot  tower    Sao  Nicole  d 
Lido. 


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APPENDIX  IX 


REGULATIONS  WITH  REGARD  TO  VESSELS  APPROACHING 
FORTIFIED  PORTS  IN  A  STATE  OF  WAR. 

1.  The  military  commander  of  a  fortified  port  in  a  state  of  war 
may,  if  the  circumstances  so  require,  order  all  foreign  naval  vessels, 
as  well  as  foreign  and  Italian  merchant  vessels,  anchored  within  the 
fortified  zone,  to  proceed  to  sea  or  move  elsewhere,  leaving  the  waters 
adjacent  to  the  port  free  for  a  distance  of  10  miles.  Vessels  receiv- 
ing such  directions  are  bound  to  move  within  a  maximum  period  of 
12  hours  from  the  time  the  order  is  delivered  on  board  their  vessels. 
The  military  commander  will  provide  tugs  for  such  vessels  as  are 
not  in  a  state  to  put  to  sea  within  the  limits  of  time  specified,  and 
will  conduct  them  to  some  other  place,  according  to  the  exigencies 
of  the  port.  In  the  event  of  a  refusal  to  leave  the  port  the  military 
commander  may  have  recourse  to  such  means  as  the  necessities  and 
urgency  of  the  case  may  require. 

2.  Any  vessel  which  approaches  during  the  day  any  fortified  port 
in  a  state  of  war,  either  for  the  purpose  of  approaching  it  or  merely 
because  her  track  leads  within  the  10-mile  limit,  is  to  take  steps  to  in- 
sure her  recognition,  and  is  not  to  proceed  toward  the  anchorage 
within  the  fortified  port  without  having  previously  received  the  per- 
mission of  the  military  commander  through  one  of  the  semaphore 
stations  included  in  the  list  given  in  article  10. 

3.  In  order  to  obtain  permission  to  enter,  vessels  must  first  be  com- 
pletely recognized.  In  which  case  they  may  proceed  toward  the 
space  comprised  within  the  limits  specified  in  the  list  given  in  article 
10,  but  must  stop  when  within  sight  of  the  defense  works,  and  keep 
flying  in  an  elevated  position  the  national  flag  and  the  vessel's  name 
in  the  International  Code,  to  which  is  to  be  added  the  pilot  flag  and 
the  International  Code  signal  P  D,  "I  request  permission  to  enter." 
Permission  may  also  be  asked  by  radio,  but  this  does  not  relieve  a 
vessel  of  the  necessity  of  stopping  on  arriving  at  the  limits  herein- 
after described  and  waiting  for  a  reply. 

4.  The  military  commander  will  decide  whether  or  not  permission 
to  enter  is  to  be  given  to  vessels  which  have  complied  with  the  fore- 
going article,  and  is  to  take  into  consideration  that  the  presence  of 
such  vessel  within  the  port  is  not  to  be  allowed  to  subsequently  inter- 
fere with  or  obstruct  its  means  of  defense. 

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616  APPENDIX  IX. 

5.  The  semaphore  station  which  shall  have  received,  by  means  of 
radio  or  other  signals,  the  request  to  enter,  will  give  immediate  notice 
to  the  military  commander,  notifying  him  of  such  information  as  the 
oflScer  in  charge  of  the  station  may  deem  useful,  such  as  the  name  of 
the  vessel,  nationality,  distance,  bearing,  etc. 

If  the  military  commander  does  not  consider  it  convenient  for 
authorization  of  entry  to  be  given,  he  will  cause  the  signal  "USX" 
to  be  made :  "  Sorry  I  am  unable  to  comply  with  request." 

The  above  reply  may  also  be  sent  by  radio  if  the  request  has  been 
made  in  a  similar  way. 

If  consent  is  given  a  pilot  will  be  sent.  An  official  will  also  be 
sent  in  the  case  of  neutral  naval  vessel  or  suspected  vessels,  such  offi- 
cial being  specially  charged  with  the  duties  of  recognizing  the  vessel 
by  inspection  and  by  boarding  her.  In  such  cases  the  inspecting 
officer  is  given  authority  to  give  or  refuse  leave  to  enter,  according 
to  the  results  of  his  visit.  If  the  foregoing  visit  can  not  be  made  on 
account  of  the  state  of  the  sea,  right  of  entry  will  be  refused  to  neu- 
tral naval  vessels  or  to  foreign  or  Italian  merchant  vessels,  unless 
they  are  in  obvious  danger.  Under  the  authorization  of  the  military 
commander  a  special  system  of  signals  will  be  drawn  up,  whereby 
the  inspecting  officer  or  the  pilot  may  send  through  the  semaphore 
station  such  information  as  may  be  useful  or  urgent.  One  of  these 
signals  is  that  the  vessel  has  been  subjected  to  a  visit,  and  another 
that  the  pilot  has  gone  aboard,  but  the  signal  indicating  that  a  vessel 
has  received  permission  to  enter  and  proceed  to  her  anchorage,  which 
signal  varies  from  day  to  day,  will  be  hoisted  without  fail  in  an  ele- 
vated position  from  which  it  is  easily  visible  to  semaphore  stations 
and  defense  vessels. 

6.  By  night  all  entry  into  maritime  ports  is  absolutely  forbidden. 
Permission  is  only  granted  to  Italian  naval  vessels  and  to  vessels  of 
an  allied  power  under  the  following  circumstances : 

(a)  Pursuit. 

(b)  Grave  damage  to  the  hull  or  vital  parts. 

(c)  Stress  of  weather.  . 

7.  During  the  hours  of  night,  the  movements  of  all  boats  of  foreign 
naval  vessels,  or  of  Italian  or  foreign  merchant  vessels  which  happen 
to  be  within  a  maritime  port  in  a  state  of  war,  is  absolutely  forbidden, 
and  they  are  not  to  communicate  with  the  shore  without  previous 
permission  from  the  military  commander.  In  cases  of  urgency,  when 
a  vessel  is  under  the  necessity  of  communicating  with  the  shore  with- 
out having  the  necessary  permission  from  the  military  commander, 
the  means  to  do  so  may  be  provided  on  the  conventional  signal  of 
requesting  permission  to  do  so  being  made. 

Any  other  form  of  signaling  is  prohibited. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


APPENDIX  IX. 


617 


The  aforementioned  vessels  may  communicate  with  the  shore  dur- 
ing the  hours  of  daylight  by  means  of  their  boats,  but  these  must 
follow  the  most  direct  track  from  their  vessels  to  such  landing  place 
as  they  may  have  been  instructed  to  use  in  such  cases. 

8.  In  the  event  of  vessels  contravening  the  foregoing  regulations, 
the  requisite  signals  from  the  semaphore  stations  will  be  hoisted  and 
a  blank  shot  will  be  fired  from  one  of  the  batteries  charged  with  such 
duties.  In  any  case  where  such  warning  may  prove  ineffective,  five 
ijiinutes  after  the  blank  charge  a  ball  shot  will  be  fired  about  half  a 
cable  ahead  of  the  vessel's  bows.  If,  after  this  latter  measure,  the 
vessel  still  shows  reluctance  to  obey  the  regulations,  she  will  be  fired 
upon  and  all  means  taken  to  ensure  her  obedience.  In  urgent  cases 
the  firing  of  a  blank  shot  may  be  omitted. 

9.  For  the  purposes  of  the  examination  service  the  change  of  hours 
of  night  into  hours  of  day,  and  vice  versa,  is  fixed  in  all  places  at  sun- 
rise and  sunset. 

10.  The  following  is  a  list  of  fortified  ports  included  in  this  volume, 
and  of  such  other  places  as  are  not  to  be  approached  without  permis- 
sion when  in  a  state  of  war,  as  well  as  a  list  of  the  coastal  limits  of 
the  areas  of  water  comprised  within  them,  anchorages,  and  the  sema- 
phore stations  to  which  the  request  for  permission  to  approach  must 
be  made. 


Locality. 


Maddalena. 
Messina 


Vado. 


Spezia. 


Coastal  limits. 


From  Cala  di  Volpe  to  Falcone  Point  — 

From  the  mouth  of  the  Italia  to  the 

mouth  of  the  Mela  (Sicily). 
From  the  mouth  of  the  Vallone  della 

Covaja  to  the  mouth  of  the  Fiume 

Vallanidi  (Calabria). 
From  the  mouth  of  Torrente  Corallo  (at 

Spotomo  to  the  mouth  of  Torrente 

Sansobbia. 

/From  the  mouth  of  Torrente  Delva  to 
\    the  mouth  of  Fiume  Frigldo. 


u^«*»  A  w».«»«..i»  /From  the  mouth  of  Fiume  Ombrone  to 
Monte  Argentario.  A    ^^^  nj^^^jj  ^^  ^^e  Chiarone. 

Gacta I  From  Torre  Capovento  to  Torre  Giano.. 


/Estuario  della  Mad- 
\    dalena. 

/Messina 

tMUazzo 


Anchorages. 


iVlua  San  Giovanni. 

Spotomo 

Vado 

Savona 

Levanto,  Monterosso 

Porto  Venere 

Spetia,  Lerici 

Bocchedi  Magra... 
Marina  di  Carrara. . 

ITalamone 
Porto  Santo  Stefano 
Porto  Ercole 

/Gaeta 

iFormia 


Semaphore  stations 
with  which  vessels 
must  communi- 
cate. 


/Guardia  Vecchia. 
\Cape  Ferro. 

JFort  Spuria. 
}cape  d'Arml. 

apo  di  NoU. 


¥ 


Isola  Palmarla. 


Torre  di  Cala  Grande 
(Ronconali). 


>Torre  Orlando. 


I 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC 


N  D  E  X 


A  •  Page. 

Abbate,  tower 522 

Abbatoggia 405 

Acciarello  village 314 

Acciaroli  village 300 

Accioroli 301 

Accuracy  of  charts 3 

Aci  Castello 551,  552 

Reale 552 

Trezza 552 

Aciajo  Point 334 

Acona  Bay 381 

Acqua  Oalda,  village  of 572 

Acquafredda 303 

Acquarone,  village  of 579 

Admiral  Latouche  Treville 123 

Adventure  Bank 470 

iEgadean  Isles 502 

Africa  Rock 387 

Agay  River 153 

Road 153 

Shoal 153 

Agde 77 

Age,  Mont 163 

Agnamo,  Lake  of 272 

Agnello  Point 1 319,  320 

Agnone 300 

Agoatina  Point 242 

Agra 506 

Agropoli  Bay 299, 305 

village 299 

Agua  River 319 

Aguilia  Cove 348 

Aigue  Douce 90 

Aigues-Mortes  anchorage 86 

Gulf  of 82,  85 

town  of 85 

Aiguiele  de  Menton 171 

Point 154 

Aiguillon,  Cape 154 

Aix 109 

Ajaccio ! 354 

Bay 353 


I  Page. 

Ajaccio  Bay  and  port 355, 356 

,  communication,    repairs,    sup- 

I      plies,  trade 359 

'  Gulf  of 352 

• town  of 357 

Alassio 179 

j  Alban  Mountains 250 

Albegna  River 238 

I  Albenga 179 

I  Albero  Sole,  Monte 498 

j  Albissola  village 184 

Alcantera 550 

!  Fiume 550 

I  Alciolo  Point 370, 371 

Alexandre  Point 151 

Algajola  Bay 368 

i  Rocks,  beacon 368, 369 

town  of 368 

'  Alghero 453 

j  Alicastre,  fort ^ 141 

I  Alicudi 568 

-  Island 566 

Alig(xsta,  Cala 434 

I  Alinuri 291 

Aliso  Bay 373 

I  Alistro  Light 326 

;  River 326 

Alma  River 234 

I  Alon  Shoal 117 

Aloze  Rock  and  Beacon 78 

Alpes  Maritimes 21 

I  Alta  Fiumara 312,  564 

I  Altano,  Cape 445 

Capo,  tunny  fisheries 445 

I  Altavilla  Militia,  town  of 591 

!  Alti  Forni 378 

I  Altissima,  mount 214, 23 

Alto,  mount 23,  292 

Alvo,  Monte 419 

Amalfi,  Porto 296 

village 296 

Amantea,  town  of 306 

619 

Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


620 


INDEX. 


Page. 

American  Shoal 223 

Anacapri 293 

Anapo  Fiume 536 

Andora,  village 178 

A^gitola  River 307 

Ansaldo 185 

Anse  de  Boumandairel 95 

Trara 364 

Vizza 330 

du  Repoe 90 

Martin 97 

Ansedonia  Point 241 

Antibes 21, 161 

Antignana  village 218 

Antigori,  Jorre 430 

Antola,  Monte 192 

Anzio,  port,  beaoon,  buoys,   Ughts, 

etc 250,251 

Apennine  range 217 

Aquila  Point 347 

Aragnon  Islet 94 

Aran,  river  de 118 

Aranci,  Baia  degli 411 

Araso  Point 329 

Arbatax,  chapel 420 

Arbitro  Cove 345 

Mount 345 

Arbus,  Monte 435,438 

Arci,  Monte 447 

Arco,  Cape 383 

Mount 383 

Point 256 

anchorage 326 

Arcuentu,  Monte 447 

Ardenza  village 218 

Arecuentu,  Monte 446 

Arena  Grossa 460 

Maggiore 460 

Point 330 

Puntader 448 

Arenzano,  Cape 185 

Arg^les 74 

Argens  River 151 

Argenterio,  Mount 238,  389 

Promontory .- 388 

Argentarola  Islet 239 

Argentiera,  Capo  dell' 455 

Argentiere  Point 136, 137 

Argentina,  Torre 452 

Arguille  de  Menton 163 

Point 154 

Ariglia  Rock \ 381 

Arma  village 175 

Anne  -finaria 265 


Page. 

Arno  River 214,217 

Arone  Bay 363 

Arosia  River 179 

Arsachena,  Punta 396 

Asinara  Bay 28 

Light 456 

Aspra,  Monte  di 592 

Aspretto 353 

Point 353 

Astrone 272 

Astura  River 252 

Atrani 297 

Atratina,  Monte 259 

Atriversa,  Punta 515 

Aucellara,  Torre 3a5 

Aude 21 

River 21, 75 

Augusta,  port  of 540 

town 544, 545 

Avenza 215 

Avola,  town  of 533,  534, 535 

Avolas,  Torre 542 

Avoltore  Point 240 

Ay  Rock 149 

B. 

Baclaury,  Riviere 70 

Bacoli  village 269 

Bacon  Point 160 

Badine  Point 136 

Road 136 

Badina,  port 257 

Baffe  Point 200 

Bagau  Island 140,142 

Bages 74 

Etangde 75 

Bagheria 591 

Bagnara 311 

Bagnoli 272 

village 272 

Baia 270, 273 

Carbonara 426 

degli  Aranci 411 

deir  Isola  Rosea 432,433 

della  Marza 530 

di  Lognina 535 

Milazzo 580 

Ohveri 584 

Patti 585 

Pellaro 316 

Quartu 426 

Santa  Repacata 391 

Taormina 554 

— —  Mucchi-bianchi 397 

Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


nn>EX. 


621 


Page. 

Baia  Sant  Antonio 583 

Bale  de  Cavali^re 147 

la  Trippe 139 

Bajaccia  Tower 350 

Baja  di  Vermia 506 

Balaguier,  fort  of 124 

Balata  Vecchia 519 

Balaury  Point 151 

Balls  Bank 479 

Bambinella 270 

Banagia,  Torre,  tunny  fishery 506 

Banc  Bay \ 107 

Banco  Benta  Palurano 264 

BandolBay 118 

directions 118 

Island 118 

town 118 

Bandon,  Mont 171 

Banyuls  Bay,  Light 70 

town 70 

Barace  Salt  Lake 455 

Barano,  town  of 266 

Baratti,  port 231 

Barbaro,  Monte 270 

Barbarossa,  Pnnta 456 

Barbi,  Cape 310 

Barbosai,  Mount 158 

Barcaggio,  village 319 

Barcar^s 74 

village 73 

Barcellona  village 583 

Barone,  Punta 506 

Barro,  Secco  la 597 

Baailuzzo 576 

Bassana,  Punta 502 

Basse  Langoustier,  the 140 

Renette 121 

St.  Eat^ve 108 

Basses  de  la  Moulini^re 121 

Moutte 148 

Bassin  Aubran ^ 93 

Bastardo  dell  Montante 311 

Bastia 322 

approach,  fairway  reserved,  sub- 
marine vessels  exercising 322 

buoys,  directions,  pilots 324 

lights 325 

Batiguier  Point 157 

Shoal 157 

Batteria  Point 235 

Batterie  des  Mantes 138 

Battista  (mazza),  Punta 581 

Battistone,  Punta 397 

Bauzeli  hill 84 


Page. 

Baydha  Basil 474 

Bay.    See  proper  name. 

Beacon  Rock 581 

B^ar,  Cape 70 

redoubt 71 

Beau  Massals,  Pointe  de 90 

Beaudoc  Point 87 

Beauduc,  or  Tignes  tower , 86 

Point,  ancjiorage i 87 

Beaulieu  Point 168 

Beaumette  Point 153 

Bee  de  L'Aigle 110, 115 

Becche  Point  Light 339 

Becchi,  Punta 461 

Belice  River 516 

Bellavista,  Capo 420 

Light 421 

Belraonte,  town  of 306 

village 305 

Benat,  (ape 137, 139 

Benedetto  Bank 329,  330 

Point 329 

Bengemma  Hills 476 

Benuarrat 481 

Beppe  Tuccio,  Punta 497 

Bergegge  Islet 180 

Bernarda,  Punta 534 

Berta,  Cape 176 

Bertaud  Point 150 

Bianca,  Isola 414 

laolotto 413 

Point 213, 215,  253, 366 

Punta 216,522 

Bianco,  Cape 319,341,373 

Capo 518 

Shoal 378 

Bic  del  Gazo 185 

Biddlecombe  Patch . . ., 467 

BighiBay 483 

Biguglia  Lagoon 326 

Binghaisa  Patch 491, 492 

Point 491 

Reef 491 

Biot,  village 162 

Bisagno  Stream 195 

Biscie,  Isola 398 

Secca  delle 398 

Black  Rock 363 

Blanc,  C-ape 336 

Blanche  Point 137 

Blanqui^res  Bank 122 

Boa  da  Ornieggio 269 

Bocca  Grande 461 

Isolotto 413 

Digitized  byLjOOQlC 


622 


INDKX. 


Page. 

Bocca  Piccola 294 

Bogo,  Rio 198 

Boi,  Cape 426 

Bombardo,  Cape 474 

Bon  Por6 147 

Bon  Renaud  Point 142 

Bonassola  village 200 

Bonico,  Punta 545 

Bonifacio  approach 342 

directions 343 

port 341 

Strait 341,461 

currents 464 

directions  east  to  west 463 

northward 464 

west  to  east 462 

fogs 465 

town 342 

Bonifati,  Capo 304 

Bonifazzina  Punta 400 

Bonne  Terrasse  Point 148 

Boraidote 522 

Bordighera 173 

Borghetto  village 180 

Borgio  village 180 

Bormes  Road 145 

Boron,  mount 166 

Bosa,  Fiume 451 

river 28 

Bosse  Rederis 70 

Bottaro  Islet 577 

Bo t te  Porto 434 

Rock 256 

Bouc,  port 91 

buoys,    communications, 

lights 92 

Benches  du  Rhdne 21 

Boute,  islet 153 

Bove  Point 239 

Brabant,  (  ala 470 

Braccio  di  San  Ranieri 556, 562 

Bracetto  Punta 528 

Brandinchi  Punta 418 

Bravone  River 326 

Br^gancon  fort,  islet 135, 136 

Islet 137 

Brescou,  fort 78 

Ilotde 82 

Islet 77,  78 

Briatico 308 

village 309 

Brigantin  Point 107 

Brigantina,  Cala 433 


P»«e. 

Brolo  castle 586 

Bruccoli  Porto 545 

Brun,  Cape 126, 132 

Bruna  River 236 

Bruncu  de  Sonnus,  Monte 425 

Bruno,  Cape 286 

Brusc,  directions 122 

village 120 

Brusq  Roadstead 121 

Bruzzi  Islets 345 

Point 345 

Budelli  Island 462 

Budello  Torre  del 432 

Buggerru 446 

Bulgaria  Monte 302 

Burlamacca  Canal 216 

Burmola  or  Conspicua,  town  of 485 

Burrona,  Punta 441 

Bussana  Nova  village 175 

Butticino  Rock 358 

C. 

Cabras,  village 448 

Cacao  Point 113 

Porto 352 

Caccia,  Capo 454 

Caderini  Light 537 

Cadiere 117 

Cadimare,  Cala  di 205 

Cove 204 

mooring  buoys 210 

Cadmare  Punta 205 

Cageragas,  Bay  of 450 

Cagliari 429 

Bay 28 

coal,  repairs,  etc 430 

port 428 

Cagnes,  village 162 

Cajeca  Punta 199 

Cala  Brigantina 433 

Buona 452 

Camicia 402, 403 

Camiciotto 403 

(  antaro 452 

(.hiesa 403 

(  imentera 319 

( 'orsara 400 

Creta 499 

d  'A Iga  islet 360 

d'Arga 400 

del  Molo 542, 543 

dollo  Scale 228 

di  Torre  corallo 422 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


IKDEX. 


623 


Page. 

Cala  di  Tiamontana 470 

^Trana 394 

Villamarina 407 

Domestica 445 

Dueira 474 

Falsa 460 

Frana,  torpedo  range 492 

Isoletto 506 

Lisda  di  Vacca 398 

Lunga 441 

Maestra 228,387 

Maladroxia 435, 436 

Marinella  Nuova 410 

Martino 228 

Moresca 411 

piatti  tower 239 

Pietra  Niedda : 452 

Portese 405 

Pozzolana 498 

Sabina 410 

Sapone 439 

Sciro 228 

talihfarBay 490 

taeSclendi 474 

Vall^Alta 460 

Yinagra 440,441 

Volpe 409 

Calabria 563 

,  Mount 23 

Calamita,  Cape 382 

Calamizza,  Punta 316 

Calanca  tai  Patriet 488 

Calangue  de  las  Cala 329 

Calanque  de  la  Catena 342 

I'Arenella 342 

Stentino 336 

del  Gionco 335 

du  Petit  Nid 95 

Calasetta 438 

village 439 

Calata  del  Carbone 182 

Calatafimi,  town  of 599 

Calcara  Creek 483 

Calcarella,  Punta 497 

Calco,  Torre 300,301 

Caldane 27 

Caldano  Point ^ 368 

Pointe 367 

Calerousae  Point 144 

Caletta,  Punta 418 

('allat  Islets 399 

Calocero,  Monte 590 

Calseraigne  Island 112 


Page. 

Caltabellotta,  Monte 518 

Calva  Gavetta 402 

Calvalaire  Bay 146 

,Cape 146 

Calvi,  Gulf  of 366,367 

,  town  of 367 

Camarat,  Cape 147 

Camerina,  Punta 528 

Camize  Islet 409 

Campana,  Mount 319 

Campanella  Point 292 

,  Puntadella 301 

Campania  Rock.. 352 

Campanile  di  Belvedere 186 

Comata 186 

Legnaro 201 

Campese  Gulf 389 

Campo  Bay 381 

Bianco 572 

dell  Oro 353 

diSant'Anna 448 

Campobello,  town  of 516 

Campo— More  Point ,..  348 

Canadell  Islet 69 

Canai  Point 435 

,  Punta 436 

Rock 436 

Torre 436 

Canaille,  Cape 110, 113, 114 

Canal  de  la  Siagnole 152 

Marseille  au  Rh6ne 97 

Martigues 93 

Canale  d'Ichia— ciurents 268 

di  San  Pietro 441 

buoys 442,443 

Un 435 

Canari,  Mount 374 

,  village  of 373 

Cancelle,  crater 376 

Cane,  Punta  del 535 

Canelle  Cove 328 

Canelles  Point 373 

Canet 74 

,  town. 73 

Canier  Point 123 

Canisone  Point 410 

Punta 410 

Cannes,  coal,  supplies,  trade 155 

Portdes 355 

Road 156 

town  of. 154, 155 

(,'anneto,  village  of 572 

Cannitello  village 312,  313,  564 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


624 


INDEX. 


Page. 

Ganonnier,  du  Sud 115 

north 115 

Canonniers,  Lee 115 

Canoubier  Tower 108 

Canoubi^  Bay 149 

anchorage 160 

Cantara,  Fiume 542 

Punta 542,543 

Cantarella  River 453 

Canusco  Point 270 

Canzirri  (Ganzirri) 563 

Point 313 

village 563 

Cap  tal  Baitar 494 

Capaccio  village 305 

Capaci,  town  of 598 

village 597 

Capanne,  Monte 379 

Mount 376 

Cape.    See  proper  name. 

Cape  Sagro 321 

Capicciola  Point 329 

Capicciole,  Pointe 335 

Capicciolo  Point 336 

Capo  Bellavista 420 

Caccia 454 

Calavd 583, 585, 586 

Caldura 589 

Campolato 545 

Carbonara 424 

Ceraso 415 

Cofano 505 

diConca 296 

Pula 431 

Gallo 596 

Granitola 515 

Libani 408 

Monte  di  Fava 459 

Rossi 460 

Orlando 586 

Passaro  (Passero) 531 

■  Rasocolmo 565,  579 

Scalambri 528 

— '-  Scaletta 555 

Sperone 436 

Testa 460 

Zaffarano 591, 592 

Capodimente  Hills 275 

Capoliveri,  village  of 382 

Capon  Point 148 

Capos  Bianco 519 

Rossello 519 

Capparo  Punta 573 


Page. 

Cappuccini,  Islet 3M98 

Capraia 375 

towi\of 375 

Caprara,  Punta 456 

Caprera  Island 238 

Isola 405 

Capri  Island 292 

Porto 293 

town  of 293 

CaragUa,  Cape 274 

Carap^gue,  point  du 107 

Carbonara  Light 425 

Cardicciani  Point 349 

Cardo  village 322 

Carena  Point 294 

Punta 294 

Caresta  Ravine 231 

River 231 

Carestia,  Punta  della 510 

Cargese 363 

Point 363 

Caribici  Punta 519 

Carini,  Baja  di 597 

Carlo  Forte 441-444 

Light 442 

Carloforte,  buo>'8 442,443 

Carmo,  Mount 179 

or  Calvo,  Mount 23 

Caronia 588 

Secca  di 588 

Carpiagne 110 

Carpiece 335 

Carqueiranne  Point 132 

Carqueyranne  Point 124, 132 

Carrara 215 

city  of 214 

quarries 23 

Carrione  River 215 

Carro  Bay 93 

Light 93 

Carry  Bank 96 

plaine  de 95 

port 94 

port  de , 95 

village 94 

Cartoi,  (^ala 420 

Caniso  Point 267 

Casa  Cosenza 290 

ex  Raggia 197 

la  Torre 407 

Macalle 197 

Olivieri 200 

Caaamicciola 267 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


INDEX. 


625 


Page. 

Casamicciola,  village 266 

Casca  Bianca 574 

Casenna  Doganieri 438 

Casserlane  Shoal 121 

Caasibile  Fiume 535 

Cassidaigne  Reef 114 

Casein  Shoal 147 

Cassis,  bay 113 

port 110, 113 

CastagnaBay 204 

Cove 364 

Point 204,  352 

Castagneto 231 

Castel  Arragonese 459 

Dona 460 

Sardo 459 

Castelas  Point 143 

Redoubt 79 

Casteldaccia 591 

Castell,  Cape '. . .     70 

Castellaccio  Monte 597 

Point 362 

Castellamare 288-289 

delGolfo 599 

Golfo  di 598 

Castellana  Monte 214 

Mount 201 

Castellane,  port 71 

Cast^llari 389 

Castellazzo  di  Palma 523 

(^astelle  Rock 121 

Castello  de  Pollina 588 

—    di  Belvedere 555 

d' Ischia 266 

Maniaci 536,  53/,  538 

Mount 375 

Reggio 185 

Schiso 554 

Castelluccio  Punta 536 

Light 537  \ 

Castellucia  Islet 295 

Castel vetrano,  town  of 516 

Castel- Vieil  Point 113 

Castelvoltumo 262  , 

Castiadas  Anchorage 423 

Castiglioncella,  Cape 230 

Castiglione  della  Pescaja 236 

Castroreale  village 

Catania  Bay 545 

city 549,550 

Harbors 546,547,548,549 

68850—17 


Page. 

Caterina  Torre 424 

Cauferat,  Mount ; 166 

Causiniere  Point 168 

(Caution    to    be    observed,    British 

ports 604 

Cauvelle  Islet 120 

Cavallara  Shoal 274 

Cavalli,  Isole 394 

Cavallo  Bianca,  Punta 498, 499 

Cape 231 

Island 339 

Shoal 339 

Cavalo,  Cape 366 

Caveaux.  cape 106 

Cavi 199 

Cavo,  Mount 250 

Cecca  di  Morto 399 

Cecina  River 231 

Cefalu,  Capo 589 

port  of 589 

Celle,  town  of 185 

Cenino,  Cape 364 

Centuri  Bank 374 

Island 373 

Mountain 374 

Port 373 

Cerbere  Bay 69 

Cape : 69 

Cerbicale  Islets 333,  334 

Point 333 

Cerboli 234 

Island 386 

Cercallo,  torrent 180 

Cereste  Roads 117 

Roadstead 117 

Ceriale  village 180 

Cerveteri,  village 245 

Cervo,  Cape 178 

mountain  of,  village 177 

Porto 408 

Cesaro,  Monte'. 598 

Cetraro  Village 304 

Cette 21 

Cape  de 79 

coal,  tugs,  etc 84 

currents 83 

directions 82 

harbor  works 81 

lights 83 

Montde 79 

petrol 82 

port  regulations 81 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


626 


INDEX. 


Page. 

Cette  town 79 

wet  docks 80 

ChAteau  Bezalion 116 

Chambray 474 

Change  in  the  variation  of  the  com- 
pass      17 

Changes  incident  to  war 53 

Chart  on  large  scale 4 

Charts 1 

Ch&teaud'If 108 

Islet 108 

Gabriel 94,95 

Michel 121 

Mount 162, 165 

Napoule 158 

Point 114 

ChenalBank 143 

Ch^vresBank 112 

Chia 431 

Chiaja,  Hill  of 275 

Chianca,  Seccadi 592 

ChiapinoRock ^ 332 

Chiappa,  Mountains  of 177 

Point 195,196,332 

Chiavari 198 

Chiesa  di  San  Giovanni 448 

ChioniBay 363 

ChioseUe , 352 

Chirien,  Monte 572 

Ciant,  Fiume 537 

Ciavoli,  Jorre 586 

Cigliano,  Monte 270 

Cime  al  Area 371 

Ciminiere  Punta 441, 442 

Ciotat 110,114 

Bay 115 

Port  de  la,  buoys,  dock,  sup- 
plies   116 

Roads 116 

Circe,  temple 252 

Circeo,  Cape 252 

Monte 258 

Cirella  Nuova  village 304 

Citadel  Rock  and  Beacon 358 

Citta  Vecchia 476 

Ciuttone  Point 365, 366 

Civitavecchia 242 

directions,  pilots,  etc 244-245 

lights 243 

Clapassude  Islet 120 

Clape,  la  Mountain 75 

Claudius,  port 246 

Climate,  Corsica T. . .     27 


Climate,  France 22 

Italy 22,24 

Coal  supply 61 

Coast  piloting 16 

Cocuzzo  mount 23, 305 

Coda  Cavallo,  Punta .-..  415 

Punta 407 

Cofano,  Monte 506,600 

Coghinas 457 

river 28 

Cogoleto,  village,  birthplace  of  Co- 
lumbus  185 

Colle  Cozzo  Spadaro 531 

Collina  di  Falconara 568 

CoUiome  Bay 72 

Colombargia  tower 451 

Colome,  Punta 440 

Colostrai,  lake 423 

Columbia  School 567 

Comino 475 

Capo 419 

channels 475 

Island 472 

Comminotto  Islet 475 

Compass,  the 11 

ConcaCove 348 

d'Oro 592 

Marini 296 

Point 296 

Congianus  Monte 409 

Conglon^,  Grande 112 

Petite 112 

Conigli  Isola 498 

Connetta  Islet 460 

Contra  di  Li  Scale 393 

Coppuccini  Basso,  fort 211 

CorbelU  Rock 381 

Corbo,  Monto 292 

Corcelli  Islets 400 

Comacchia  Point 267 

Comia  Canal 234 

Comiglia,  village  of 201 

Comigliano 185,186 

Comuta  Islet 329 

j  Corradino  Hill 485 

I  Correnti,  Isola  delle 530 

I  Corrozzieri  Light 537 

I  Corsara,  Secca 462 

i  Corsica 25 

!  population 27 

porta 27 

west  coast 341 

Corso,  cape 319 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


INDEX. 


627 


CoreoRoai  320 

Gorton  Point 114 

Corvo  Point 203,213 

Punta 528 

Co8oia  di  Donna 450 

Punta 455 

Cosica,  east  coast 42 

west  coast 42 

Costa  Point 319 

Rock 320 

Coticcio  Punta 406 

Condon  Mountain 110 

Couduriere,  port  de  la 1 20 

Cougousset  Point 120, 122 

Couronne,  Cape 90,93,95 

Light 94 

Cozzo  Capo 308 

Spadaro 531 

Crena  Point 180 

Crestarella,  Torre 297 

Crevari 185 

Cride  Point,  beacon 1 19 

Cristaux  Islet 137 

Cristo,  Monte 387 

Croce  di  Mare 581 

Mount 180 

Rock 389 

Croisette,  cape 111,112 

Point 154,156 

Croix,  cape  de 107 

delaTrinite 340,461,464 

Cros  Cove,  port 142 

St.  George  Creek 124 

Crovani  Bay 366 

Cuadazzoni,  Monte 422 

Cupabia  Bay 351 

Current  arrows 9 

Currents,  see  location. 

Cyclops 548 

(I.  Cyclopi) 552 

Rock 552 

D. 

d'Agde,  Cape 77,  78 

Mount 77 

d' Aggio,  Cape 168 

Dahletish  Shillip 478 

d'Ail  (d'Aggio),  Cape 168 

d'Alon,  Cape 117 

Danger  angle 13 

Point 241 

Rock 366 

d' Antibes,  Cape 147,  160 

or  Garoupe,  Cape 158 


Page. 

d'Aiguades,  Cape 90,  91 

d'Arme,  Cape 141 

Datier  Rock 146 

Davenson,  cape 113 

Deffend  Point 117 

Deiva  \411age 200 

del  Faro,  Cape 186 

deir  Arma,  Cape 175, 316 

DeHa  Large  Forca 489 

della  Mura,  Monte 455 

Delliraara  Point 491 

deir  Isola  Rossa,  Baia 432, 433 

Dentone  Bay 200 

Depths  offshore,  current,  caution.  . .  470 

Desusino,  Monte 526 

Determination,  value  of  a 10 

Deux  Mers,  canal  des 77 

Diamante  village 304 

Dlano  Marina  village 178 

roadstead .'. 178 

Diego,  Punta 394 

Dlgata,  Punta 409 

Dilliraara  Point 490 

Dingli  village 495 

Dino  Island 303 

Distortion  of  i>rinted  charts 4 

Distress  signals 48 

Dittilo 577 

Dock  accommodation 61 

Doikyard  Creek 483, 484 

Dog  Rock  (Scoglio  del  Cane) 538 

Doglia,  Monte 453 

Donigalla  village 420 

Donna  Lucata 528 

d'Or,Ile 152 

d'Orbera 353 

Doriou,  point 106 

d'Orso,  Capo 396 

Dosne,  cape 70 

d'Ottiolo,  Punta 418,419 

Doubling  the  angle  on  the  bow 12 

Dragut  Point 482 

Shoal 483 

Drammond,  cape 151, 152 

Dria  Stream 317 

Dritta,  Punta 437,444 

Dromo 543 

Drunken  Sea 515 

Dry  docks,  patent  slips 601 

Due  Rami,  Cape,  to  Rome,  buoyage.  247 

d'Uomo,  Cape 237 

Durance  Rock 369 

Durillo,  stream 526 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


628 


INDEX. 


E.  Page, 

Eccica  l8let 348 

Point 348 

ficueil  de  Ciocda 330  ' 

la  Citadelle 355 

Elcueils  de  Porraggia 337 

Edera  Plain 459 

Egg  Rock 538 

Eglandes 107 

Eguillette,  fort 125 

Point 125 

Roadstead 124 

ElPisma 537 

Elba 376 

coal,  communications,  supplies, 

etc 379 

IjSl  Daisena 378 

Elena 259 

Elne,  town 73 

Embiez,  ile  des 119, 120 

Eminence,  fort 142 

Empedocle,  Porto 520 

Empereure  Rocks 115 

Enchetta,  mount 199 

Endoume  Point 108, 109,  111 

Roads 109 

Enfola,  cape 379 

Engra\'ier  Point 117 

Entella  River 198 

Epitaph  Point 270 

Epomeo,  Mount 265, 267 

Ercole,  port 240 

Eecampobariou  Point 132, 133 

EscudeUer  Rock 147 

Espalmador,  anchorage  of 166  | 

Espano  Islet 369 

Point 367,368 

Espiguotte  Point 86 

Esquillade  Rock 144 

Esquillette  Point 138,145 

Esterel,  cape 135 

Esterelle,  moimt 151 

Estissac,  fort 142  ' 

Estuario  della  Madalena 462 

Estuario  della  Maddalena 407 

fitang  de  Balistro 336  , 

Berre 91 

Thau 78 

beacons 79 

Etruscan  Town 232 

E\agno,  moim tains  of 177 

I 

F. 

Falconaia  Point 377 

Punta 526 


Page. 

Falcone,  capo 455 

Punta 392,393,456 

Rock 233 

village 584 

Falema,  village 306 

Falterona,  moimt 217 

Fanal,  Fort 72 

Point  du 71 

Fango  River 365 

Faraglione,  Punta 503 

Faraglioni 293 

I, islets 294 

Rocks 253,254 

Faraman  Light 86,87 

Faro,  El 560 

village  of 563 

Faron,  mount 132 

Fascina  Punta 580, 583 

Fathom  curve  a  caution 4 

Fauconni^ri  Point 115, 117 

Faut^  Point 328 

Favignana 503 

town 504 

Favone,  port 328 

Felice  Porto 593 

Femmine,  Isoladelle 597 

Feno,  cape 344,361,391 

Ferale  Rock 201 

Ferraglione 432 

Ferraio,  Porto 377 

Ferrajone,  cape 376 

Ferrajone,  Punta 375 

Ferrat,  cape 162,167 

Ferrau,  Monte 422 

Ferro,  cape 408 

Capo,  Light 397 

Ferru 455 

Monte 447, 450, 455 

Feto,  Capo 513 

Fetovaja  Point 381 

Fiascarino 213 

Fico,  Punta  della 375 

Monte 405 

Point 252 

Punta 406 

Fienaio  Point 389 

Figarello 411 

Isolattodi,  Light 412 

FigariBay 345 

Capo 410 

Point 345 

Figiera  Islet 361 

Figliera  Point 106 

Figuerette  Bay 154 

Digitized  byLjOOQlC 


INDEX. 


629 


Page. 

Filfola  Island 494, 495 

Filetto  Punta 399 

Filicudi 569 

Island 566 

Finale,  cape 180 

Capo 588 

village  of 588 

Finalemarina 180 

Fino,  cape 382 

Finocchiarola  Islet 320,  321 

Finocchio  Torre 425,426 

Fiopriolo,  Monte 540,  541 

Flora  River. 241 

Fiorita  Islet 434 

Fishing  vessels 59 

Fiumara,  Alta 312,564 

Amendolea 318 

cove 341 

del  Fico 541 

di  Acrifa 318 

Catona 312,  313, 314 

Melito 317,318 

Pollina 588 

SantAgata 316 

Grande 589 

Rosmarino 587 

Tinieto 585 

Fiume  Agregas 520,  522 

Alcantera 553 

Arena 515 

Bosa 451 

carabi 517 

canna 519 

Chia 431 

Coghinas 460 

Diuillo 527 

Flumendoea 422 

Flumentipido 437 

Freddo 553 

Frgido 200 

Grande 248 

Ipari 528 

Lispia 394 

Magra 214 

Marmu 451 

Maroglio 526 

Mogoro 448 

Naio 520,522 

Oliva 307 

Padroj^riano 414 

Palmas 435,  523 

Petrare 310 

Pc^a-^  a 4J8 

8a^8o 525 


Page. 

Fiume  San  Carlo  della  Verdura 518 

Luigi 172 

Savuto 307 

Secco 367 

Sele 305 

Temo 451 

Tirsco 448,449 

Tusciano : 305 

Zapiani 446 

Fiunefreddo 305 

Fiu mi  Lao 304 

Mammella 310 

Sorso 457 

Fiumicino  Channel 248 

Fixing  Position 9 

Flavia  Banks 246 

Flumendosa 28 

Flumini  Maggiore 446 

Focardo,  Fort 382,383 

FocolaraBay 365 

Fog 43 

signals 6 

caution 54 

Fogs,  Bay  of  Marseille 109 

Fort  Carr^ 161 

Folaca  Islet 334 

Follonica 235 

Bay 234 

Fomir  Rieh 495 

Font&naMare 445 

Point 366 

town  of 266 

Fontanelle,  Punta  delle 573 

Fonza,  Cape 381 

Forana  Islet 333 

Forca,  Torre 295 

Force  de  Floranenti 327 

Forio 267 

town  of 266 

Formia 262 

Formica  and  Maraone 507 

Formiche 375 

diGrosseto 388 

Montecristo 387 

vivara 265 

Punta  delle 530 

Rocks 254 

Scoglio 573 

Formico  di  Burano 241 

Formicola  Rocks 306 

Fornaci  village 181 

Fornali  Cove 371 

Point,  Light 373 

Pointe  de 372 

Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


630 


INDEX. 


Page. 

Fomello 345 

Fomo  Cove 237 

Fort  Groeee  Tour : 125 

laMalgue 126 

Manoel 482 

Light 482 

Napoleon 125 

Ricasoli 484 

St.  Afigelo 485 

St.  Elmo,  Light 482 

St.  Thomas 489 

—  ta  Silc 490 

Forte  dei  Marmi 215 

Santa  Sottile 503 

Spuria 564 

Tegge 405 

Fortezza  Vecchia 424, 425 

Fortino  Cinquale 215 

di  Santa  Maria 310 

Prodese 302 

Punta 303 

Four  Maries,  tower 86 

FourasRock 147 

Fourches  Mount 137 

Fourmigue  Islet 145 

Rock 158 

- — Shoals 158 

Fourmiguee  Rocks 134 

Foiunigue  Rocks,  beacon 118 

Foxi,  Torre 426 

Foz,  Gulf  of 90 

town  of 93 

Foza  d*Argro,  Castle  of 555 

Frana,  Cala 491 

France,  south  coast 21 

Francese,  Oala 405, 421,  499 

Isolotta 439 

Franqui 74 

Bank 74 

Frasca,  Cape 447 

Torre 447 

Frasco,  Capo 446 

Fratelli,  Sette 424 

Frazzano 587 

Frederico  Gughelmo,  Ponte 188 

Fr^jus,  Gulf  of 151 

town 151 

French  Creek 483, 484 

ports,  temporary  closing  of 610 

submarines,  regulations 611 

tidal  signals 51 

Frferes  Islets 122, 131 

Frioul.  Port  du 107 


P««e. 

Frontignau,  town  of 84 

Fuente  Point 297 

Fuimicino  Canal 246 

Fume  Point 263 

FumoeaReef 270 

Fungas  Rock 474 

Fumari  village 683 

Fusaro,  Lake 263 

G. 

Gabini^re  Islet 142 

Gaeta 259 

Gulf  of 257 

Gaiola  Rock 274 

Galati 555 

Galera,  Capo 452 

islet  of 309 

Tower 236 

Galore  Point 142,143 

Galere  Rocks 253 

Galeria,  Gulf  of 365 

Gale? 40 

GaletteRock 123,124 

Galiot  Rock 168 

Gallilalet« 295 

Gallia  Hills 523 

Gallico  villaee 314 

Gallinara  Island 179 

Gallo,  Capo....." 592,596 

Fort 37S 

Gapeau  Redoubt 137 

River 135 

(jaravagli,  Monte 198 

Cxard 21 

(jarde-Vieille  Point 122 

GurdioleHill 84 

Gardo,  Cape 382 

Gargalo  Island 365 

Gargur 481 

Gariglio,  Punta  del 302 

Garonne 75 

Garoupe,  Cape 162 

Liuht 160 

Garzia,  Fort 542 

G^  buoys 5 

Gaton  Point 166 

( Jau  Island 120 

GauQfiiano  River 262 

(javazzi,  Punta 567 

Gavetti 337 

Rocks 337 

Gavi  Islet 256 

Gavia  Islet 253 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


INDEX. 


631 


Page. 

Gazzi 555 

Gemini  Island 381 

Genarena,  Punta 544 

General  remarks 21 

Genia 440 

Gennargentu,  Monte 421 

Geno,  the  port 187 

Genoa 186 

aDchoragei  time 191 

huoyp 189 

directions,  pilots 192 

docks,  port  offices,  tugs,  etc 195 

Gulf  of 178 

direction?  for 228 

lights 190 

regulations 193 

Gerino,  Punta 441 

Gessiere,  Punta  delle 454 

GhainTiffha 496 

Ghisonaccia 351 

GholyaBaida 472 

Gholya-ia  Safra 472 

Giano  Point 257 

Giannutri  Islet 389 

Giantar  Jebel 495 

Giardini,  village 554 

Giaretta 550 

Fiame 546 

Giarre 553 

Giene,  gulf 134 

Peninsula  and  road 132, 134 

Giglio 388 

Port 389 

Gigmac,  port  de 95 

Ginostra 578 

Gioja  (GiojaTauro> 310 

Golfo  di 309 

Giraglia  Islands 320 

Point 242 

Girasol  village 420 

Girato,  porto 454 

Girgenti,  port  of 520 

. Punta 522 

.  town  of 521 

GirolataGulf 364 

Port 364 

Giunchi  anchorage 315 

Giunco  Porto 424 

Gizzeria  village 306 

Glossaries,  French VII 

,  Italian VIII 

GolfeJuan 159 

Golfo  Cognena 409 


Page. 

Golfo  deir  Asinara 453,456 

diArsachena 396 

Oagliari 425 

GonglanuB 409 

Palmas 434 

Patti 583 

Orifltano 426,447 

depth 449 

Orosei 419 

Terranova 410 

Tortoli 420 

Marinella 410 

Pevero 408 

Saline 396 

Golo  River 26, 326 

Gorgona  Island 226 

Isola 228 

Punta 228 

Gosso  Punta 666 

Gouron  Bank 146 

Gozo •. 472 

directions 482 

Gradelle  Points 290 

Punta 291 

Graham  ^fcoal 471 

current 471 

Grand  Canoguier,  the 122 

Harbor , . .  483 

Langoustier  Point 140 

Rouveau 120 

Island,  Light 121 

Grand-Salaman*  Islet 107 

Grande  Chandelle 110 

Passe 142 

Roubine  Canal 85 

Torre 448 

Grantello,  port 285-286 

Grassuet  Point 166 

Gran  de  la  Ville  Nouvelle 75 

P^rols 85 

d'Orgon 86 

du  Palavas,  lights 85 

Roi 85 

Roustan 88 

Gravone  River 353 

Grazia  Fiume  della 598 

Graziano,  Capo 570 

Grazie  Bay 204, 210 

Bays 204 

Grazil,  du  Grazil 75 

Great  and  Little  Ribaud 140 

Pass,  target  mooring  buoys. . .  .   142 

Roadstead 124 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


632 


INDEX. 


Page. 

Great  Sanguinaires  Islet 360 

Grecale,  Capo 499 

Greco,  Torre  del 286 

Grenier  Point 117 

Grenille  Shoals 160 

Gros,  Cape 72 

Mourre,  point  le 141 

Seraignet  Islet . . . : 141 

Grosseto,  town  of 237 

Grosso,  Capo 575, 591 

Islet 256 

Mont 367, 538 

Point 268 

Punta 505, 555 

Grotto  delle  Bove  Marini 578 

Marza  Punta , . .  529 

Groticelle 573 

Gruissan,  6tang  de 75 

town 75 

Guagno 27 

Guardia  dei  Mori  Monte 440 

Turchi,  Monte 567 

delTurco 402 

limit      of      Sardinian 

tunny   fisheries 399 

di  Varazza  mount 185 

Piemontese 304 

Point 253,  255, 328 

Preposti 400 

Vecchia 401 

signal  station 404 

Guardianu,  Punta  dell 446 

Guardiola  Point 351, 352 

Guglia,  Punta 420 

GuirdanHiU 472 

Guitera 27 

Guitgia,  Punta 498,499 

Gulf  of  Genoa 41 

currents 46 

Lyons 39, 67 

caution 69 

currents 46 

thunderstorms 41, 43 

Gun  WTiarf  Point 483 

Gzeier 479 

H. 

Hajaris  Sveda 494 

rock 491 

Hamriah  Bank 494 

Hecate  Patch 467 

Hcrault 21 

River 21,  76 


Page. 
Herault  River  pilots,  tidal  signals...    76 

Holare,  pointe 319 

Horre  Giunco 424 

HurdBank 494 

Hybla  Shoals 543 

Hydrographic  bulletins 3 

Hy^res  Islands,  The 140 

gun  practice  areas. . .  139 

Road 135 

town 135 

I. 

IchChirkeuua 497 

Iglesiaa 435, 437, 445 

II  Barca  or  Boat  Rock 424 

campidano  di  cagliari 426 

caricatore  di  mazzjtfelle 528 

catalano 450 

Faraglione 504 

Fliegu    ta   Ghaudesh    (North 

Channel) 474 

Malta 476 

Gzeira  tal  Ghallis 481 

Gzira 489 

HotbatalBies 491 

Jebla  tal  mistra 473 

Marobbio 515 

Mats 475 

Porticciuolo  di  Meta 291 

Porto 468,498 

Taktigha  ta  Masa  Scirocco  Islet .  491 

Toro 436 

Varo 256 

He  Aragnon 95 

d'Or 152 

Rousse 369 

town  of 369,370 

llot  Ficaja 331 

Ziglione 331 

Imperatore  Point 267 

Imperia,  town 176 

Inice  Monte 599 

Innamorata  Cove 383 

Creek 381 

Intermediate  Islands 398 

IrRajel 473 

Ramla  ta  San  Tumas 489 

Irkieka  ta  Kemmuna 475 

Isca 295 

I 

I  Rocks 305 

I  Lschia 265 

, Castle  Point 265 

Channel : 268 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


INDEX. 


633 


Page. 

Ischia  Island 257 

town  of 266 

l8Colelli  Point 302 

Isola  Asinara 455 

Asinelli 506 

Biscie 405,406 

BudeUi 399 

Camize 409 

Cavalli 415 

Cavoli 425 

Colomboia 508 

Correnti 530 

dei  Cavoli 425 

del  Lazaretto 508 

Tino 203 

della  Correnti 530 

Maddalena 401 

di  Capo  Paasaro 531 

China 422 

Lavezzi 461 

— Linosa 497, 498 

_ Razzoli 461 

Sant'Antioco 438 

Grande 511 

Molara 415 

Mortorio 409 

Ortigia 536 

Piana 442 

Point 485 

Porri 455 

Proratora 415 

Rock 308 

Rossa 451 

—  Sacra 247 

Soffi-. 409 

Tavolara 415,416,417 

Isole  dei  Libani 408 

delle  Vacche 393, 394 

MaddaJ  ena 395 

Marmorata 393 

Isolotti  Corcelli 400 

Monaci 406 

Poveri 409 

Isolotto 240 

Avalos 542 

Bianca 414 

Chiesa 402 

radio  station 403 

dei  Topi 442 

del  Ae^iia 441 

di  chia 431 

cirella : 304 

— Ga\'i 200 


Page. 

Isolotto  di  San  Stefano 424 

Foradada 454 

Gallo 440 

Giardinelli 401 

LaVacca 436 

Maddalena 453 

mal  di  Ventre 450 

Pecora 405 

Pori  (meli) 438 

Porri 413 

Renlino 416 

Rock 196,384 

Vendicari 534 

Isopu  Torri  ta 473 

Issambres  Point 151 

Issol,  port 119 

Italy,  communication,  railroads 50 

roads 50 

telegraph 50 

weights  and  measures 51 

west  coast 42 

currents 47 

Izzo,  Punta 541 

J. 

Jaire  Island 112 

Janet,  cape 97 

Jannuzzo 529 

Jebel  San  Pietru 481 

tal  Haifa 473 

Jesuit  Hill 484 

Jezirah  Island 482 

Jneina 496 

Jonquiere  Shoals 157 

Juan,  gulf  of 158 

K. 

Kala  Mistra 480 

Keith  Reef 467 

Kemmuna 475 

Khartibugal  Shoal 469 

Kingdom  of  Italy 22 

L. 

L'Abattoir,  Traverse  de 103 

L'Abeille,  cape 70 

LAgli  River 73 

L'Aigle,  Becde 114 

L'AneBank 126 

Rock 78 

L'Argentelle 366 

L'Aruel 84 

La  Ballata  or  Marina  di  Noto 534 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


634 


INDEX. 


Page. 

La  Botte 368 

— : du  cap  Muro 351 

Islet 361 

Canna 669 

Catena 442 

Ciotat,  Port  de 115 

CitadeUe 355 

Colonna  Shoal 260 

Corba 461 

Dame  Rock 143 

Dareena 537 

Favara 529 

Fossa..-.. 377 

GachoUe,  light 87 

GaUote 168 

Ghingetta 438 

Islet 438,442 

Grenllle  Rock 160 

Lingua 570 

Lioze,  shoal 70 

Madonetta 341 

Maestra 455 

Malfa 570,571 

Malgue,  fort 127 

Marina  d'Alimari 291 

dei  Pioppi 301 

di  Caronia 588 

Patti 585 

Vico  Equense 290 

Moutte  Islet 148 

Nouvelle 7 74 

Paura  Islet 395 

Pecorella 330 

PequeroUe 160 

Peticchia 40 

PilaRock 262 

Hnede 86 

Polla 212 

Porto,  Punta 599 

Punta 301, 441 

Qninzieme 78 

Rocchetta  Mole 233 

Secca 522 

Seyne  Basin :....  126 

Bay 125 

Sirena 294 

Spezia 205 

Tegnosa  Beacon 372 

Tour  du  Chateau  Roy 147 

•  Vacca  Isolatto 436 

Lacco,  town  of 266,267 

Lago  Avemo 270 

Biveri 527 


Page. 

Lago  di  cagliari 428 

Lucrino 270 

Tortoli 420 

Preola 515 

SanTeodoro 418 

Laigueglia,  town  of 179 

Lalonicda  Point 347 

LakeLato 371 

Lucrino 270 

Mflssacruccole 217 

Lampedusa 498 

Lampion  Islet 499 

Lana  Punta 435 

Land  squalls 42 

Langoustier  Point 140 

Languedoc,  Provinces  of 21 

Lardier,  Cape 146 

Larouchefoucauld 156 

Laiu'oso,  Cape 349 

Lava  B  ay 361 

River 361 

Lavagna 198 

River 198 

Lavandon 144 

Lave,  Port  de  la 97 

Lavezzi  Island 339 

-Rock 340 

Shoal 340 

Lavo 328 

Lavoina  Shoal 213 

Lavoir  Point 358 

Layet  Point 145 

Lazaretto  Bay 124 

Creeks 482 

Lazzaro  villt^e 316 

Lazzorai  village 420 

Le  Bastidon 138 

Camere  Islet ". 409 

Ceinturon  Beach 136 

Chiapino 330 

Coudon 22 

GroKe  Point 377 

Oncie 572 

Quin  Point 142 

Veyron 106 

L^ube,  Cape 138 

Islet 138 

Lecques  Bay 117 

Leghorn,  buoyage,  docks,  etc 220 

chronometers 227 

coal,  supplies,  telegraph,  etc....  227 

communication,  trade 218 

directions 225 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


INDEX. 


635 


Page. 

Legjiom,  lights 222 

Livamo 217 

port  regulations 224 

Roadstead 223 

the  port 219 

Lena  Point 179 

Lenti  River 371 

Lentini 627 

Leonardo  Rock 309 

L'EoubeBay 107 

Lerici,  port 212,213 

Lerins  Islands 156 

Lerinus  Islet 156 

Lero  Islet 156 

LeoMoinee 157,346 

Ragues  d*Arnette 94 

Sardineaux 150 

Scoglietti 353 

Lesques  Chapel 117 

L'Estaque,  Port  de 97 

Road 96 

L'Esterel  de,  Cape 136 

Letimbro,  torrent 181 

Leucate,  Cape 73 

Lakede 73 

Levant  Island 140, 144 

Levante,  Cala  di 470 

Levanto * 200 

Levanzo 504 

Lez  River 84 

Liamone  River 362 

Libani,  Capo 408 

Libecdo,  Punta. . : 502 

Liberatore,  Monte 297 

Libron  River 77 

Licata,  Port  of 524,525 

Licola,  Lake 263 

LicosaBank 300 

Islet 300 

Punta ! 300 

Licoso,  Cape 295 

Lieuquai 117 

Ligata,  Punta 409 

Light  list 2 

Lighthouses,  Italian,  signals  for  as- 
sistance      54 

Lightvessels 55, 59 

Lights 5 

France 55 

Ligne  Punta 507 

L^Ilette 158 

LiUbeoCapo 511,512 


Page. 

limbara,  mount 28 

L*Imgherbeb  Point 485 

Linaro,  Cape 241, 245 

Lingua  Point 264,265 

Linguagloesa 550 

Linguella  Peninsula 378 

Linosa 497" 

Village 497 

Lion  de  Mer 151 

Point 151,152 

Lipari 572 

Islands 35,566 

climate 36 

communications 35 

geology 35 

ports 35 

telegraph 36 

trade 35 

iEolian  Islands 566 

Rada  di 573 

town  of 574 

Lisa  Moimt 360 

Lisca  Bianca 577 

Nera 577 

Liscia,  Bay  of 361, 362 

delle  Saline 415 

Porto 394 

Ruja 409 

Little  Passage 202 

Rhdne 86 

Roadstead 124,125 

Sanguinaires 360 

lividonia  Point 238 

Lloyd's  signal  station 54, 469 

signals 106 

Lo  Capo 292, 293, 570 

Loano,  town  of 180 

Local  magnetic  disturbance  of  the 

compass 17 

Locco  Point 362 

Locust  Patch 467 

Lognina  Capo 535 

L'Ognina,  village  and  cove 551 

Longone  Bay 382 

Port 382 

Longosardo,  Porto 392 

Lozzi  Village 363 

Lubrense  Massa 292 

Luna  Bay 253 

Lupo  Torre 565 

Luri,  town  of 321 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


636 


INDEX. 


M.  Page. 

MacaUe  Casa 197 

Macchia  di  San  Guiseppe 544 

Tonda  Banks 245 

Macinaggio 321 

Madalena  Point 481 

Torri 481 

Maddalena  leola 394, 395 

Maddonna  Hill 254 

Madeloc  or  Diable  tower 70 

Madonetta  Point 343 

Madonna  della  Croce 567 

-^-  Point 255 

Porto 584 

Maestro-Maria  Islet 333 

Magazine  Point 484 

Magazzolo  rivers 518 

Maggiore  Punta 419, 439 

Maginetto  Punta 401 

Magnisi 541 

Magno,  Mount 259 

Magnons  Islets 121 

Magot  Cove 132 

Magra,  Gulf  of 214 

River 213, 214 

Maire  Isl^d Ill 

Majori  Village 296, 297 

Malalongue  Point 142, 163, 166,167 

Malapaga  Point 188 

Malconsiglio 508 

Malfalco,  port 371 

Malfatano  Torre 432 

Malmousque  Bay 108 

Malpague  Rock 146 

Malta 476 

artillery  practice,  r^ulations...  476 

caution,  searchlights 477 

Channel,  currents 48 

• winds 44 

directions  westward 500 

harbor  regulations 606 

measured  mile 488 

prohibited  fishing  grounds 488 

southeast  coast 488 

southwest  coast 494 

winds 45 

Maltese  Islands 36, 472 

climate 38 

communications 37 

• flora  and  fauna 36 

geolog\' 36 

money  measures,  weights . .     38 

—  population 37 

ports 37 


Pace. 

Maltese  Islands,  products 37 

railroad 38 

submarine  vessels,  caution    37 

telegraph 38 

time 38 

trade 37 

Malzone 363 

Manara  Point 200 

Mangiabarca  Isolotto 439 

Manichino,  D  'or  cove 328 

Manna  Molina  Point 348 

MannuCapo 450 

Mantineo  Rock 309 

Maralunga  Point 213 

Marargin  Capo 450, 452 

Marceddi  Torre 447 

Marchese  Point 386 

Marco  Peak 587 

Marcu  Torri  San 481 

Mare  Morto 269 

Ubbriaco 515 

Marginetto,  Punta 401 

Mariella  Point 202 

MarifajaRock 363 

Marigot  Point — Beacon 123 

Mariana 184 

corta 573 

d  'Avenza 215 

(dicarrara) 214 

de  Fecajo 371 

Porajola 371 

Sisca 321 

di  Belvedere 304 

Bova 317 

Fuscaldo 304 

Gioja 310 

Scilla 563 

Piccola 294 

Marinella  Vecchia 410 

Mariolo 256 

Rock 256 

Maristes,  coUedge 151 

Maritime 502 

Marks  for  tunny  nets 60 

Marmorata,  Punta 392 

Maro^lio.  stream 526 

Maron,  ^•illage 120 

Marsa  Forno 472 

Musciet 482 

SVala 489 

Srirorco 490 

Harbor 492,493 

village 493 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


INDEX. 


637 


Marsala,  Punta 503 

town 512,513 

Marseille 21, 97 

approach,  submarine  vessels  ex- 
ercising   Ill 

aspect 109 

canal 101 

direction 1 10 

explosives  and  petroleum 99 

harbor  regulations Ill 

trade 98 

signals 105 

lights 103 

pilots 104 

repairs 104 

roads,  anchorage 109 

supplies,  coal 103 

time 106 

Vieux  Port — Basins 100 

Marseille- Veyre,  Mountain 110 

Martigues,  town  of 92 

Martin,  cape 170, 173,  234 

Martino,  (  ala 228 

Hill 275 

Marza,  village  of 530 

Marzamemi  Capo 533 

Massa,  cape 291 

city  of 214 

Matica,  Punta  della 513 

Mattoni  Shoal 254 

Mauda  Shoal 508 

Maupertuis  Point 143, 144 

Maurizio,  Porto 175 

Mazzara 514 

Mazzone,  Punta 564 

Mean  sea  level 8 

Meaning  of  signal 49 

Measured    distance,    Promontoriade 

Portofino 197 

westward  of  Gape  Sorrento.  290 

MMes  Rocks 141 

Medina  Bank 497 

notabile 476 

Megna  Pimta  di 567 

M^jean,  cape 95 

cove 132 

port  de 96 

Mele,  cape 177 

Point 381 

Melito 317 

diPortoSalvo 318 

Melleli,  town 540 

Mellieha  Bay 479 


Page. 

Meloria  Bank  and  tower 221 

shoal 222 

Menato,  St 385 

Menfi,  town  of 516 

Menton,  town  of 171 

Mercator  chart 5 

Meri  village 583 

Meria  Bay 321 

Mesco  Point 200,  201 

Mesfldna 310 

city  of 558, 559 

Porto  di,  directions 556, 557,  568 

Strait  of,  directions 564 

Meta 291 

Mezzo  Isolotto 416 

Schifo 395 

Mezzogiomo  Bank 253, 264 

Middle  Flat 158 

Rock 388 

Midi  canal  du 75,  77 

Mief  Reef 112 

Migliarino 217 

Mignale  Point 371 

Milazzeee  Punta 576 

Milazzo,  capo 580 

town  of 582,583 

Milhand 131 

Milicia  Fiume 590 

Millieu  Reef,  beacon 112 

Minaccia  Bay 361 

Minervia  Point 373 

Mineral  Springs 27 

Miniscola 263 

Minori 297 

\:iUage 296 

Miou,  port 113 

Miranda 272 

Mirevals,  town  of 84 

Miseno,  cape 264 

Mjiar 472 

— --  Bay 474 

ishShini 474 

Modesto  Bank 579 

Shoal  (Secca  di  Rasocolmo 579 

Modica 520 

Modione»  river 516 

Moines 344 

Tower 346 

Mola,  town  of 554 

Molara  Isola 417 

Molarotto  Isolotto 417 

Molenti  Punta  dei 424 

Molini  capo 552 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


638 


INDEX. 


Page.    I 

Molini,  village 552  ^ 

Monaca 600  | 

Monachi  Rocks 344, 346  i 

Monaco,  port 169  I 

pilots,  trade,  etc 170  ] 

Punta 575  | 

Punta  del 578  | 

Table  de 169  | 

Mondello  Bajadi 592,597  i 

Punta 596  I 

village 565  j 

Moneglia 200 

Moneta  Punta 402  ] 

Mongerbino  capo 592 

Monica  Isolotta 392 

Monk  Islets 157 

Mont  agel 169 

Alto 23,292 

Castellaccio 364 

des  Pomets  or  de  Caumee 22 

Redon Ill 

Tocco 197  1 

Montague  de  Saint  Cyr  or  Carpiagne.     22  ; 

SaintPierre 22  | 

Montalban 165  ' 

Montall^TO,  village 519  I 

Montalto,  town  of 241  i 

Montaniello 597  ' 

Fort 163  I 

Monte  Arbus 435  1 

Calvo 175  I 

— -  cannone 416  ' 

Cappello 398  | 

Cigliano 272  ! 

Cinto 26 

— —  Como 23 

deOro 26  , 

del  Gennargentu 28 

della  Guardia 572  I 

—  Madonna  della  Stella 302  | 

Nurra 455  j 

Spina 460  j 

di  Fava,  Capo 460  i 

Epomeo 268,  290  i 

—  Ferru 452 

Giuncana 460 

Grande 522 

Guardi  More 407 

Leone 451 

Maestra 455 

Maladormida 415 

Manruso 306 

Monaco 505 


Page. 

Monte  Montalfano 591 

Montea 304 

Narbona 522 

Poro 310 

Porri 570 

Riciotto 441 

Rosa 572, 573 

Rosso 497 

Rotondo 26 

Sagro • 215 

San  Giuliano 506 

Salvatore 570 

Santo,  Oapodi 420 

Scomunica 455 

Soprano 305 

Taratala 452 

—  Trino 580 

Tutta  vista 420 

Montechiaro,  Punta 523 

Torre 522 

Monteleone 309 

Monteponi 437 

Monterosso,  Punta 393 

Torre 519 

village  of 201 

Montolieu 75 

Montpellier,  town  of 85 

Morelle  Point 241 

Morgiou  Bays 112, 113 

Cape 113 

Morgiret  Bay 107 

Morsetta,  Cape 366 

Morsiglia,  Marine  de 374 

Mount 374 

Mortella  Point 371 

Mortelle  village 579 

Morticino  and  Botte  Canal 257 

Morto  River 216 

Mortola  Point 171, 173 

Pimta 375 

Mortoli  Bay 347 

Point 347 

Mortorio,  Torre  di 426 

Mortoriotto 409 

Morts  Islet 134 

Mosca,  Torre  diCala 427 

Moulin,  Cape 1 17 

Point 143 

Moulins,  anchorage 149,  150 

Mount  ^tna 550 

Altissimo 215 

Ballone 236 

Cherchio 329.333 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


INDEX. 


639 


Page. 

Mount  Circeo 252 

Epomeo 266 

Grosso 385 

Mao 181  , 

Muzzrone 201 

Orcica 369 

Tondo 365  j 

Mourgon  Rock 107 

Mourrepiane,  Pointe  de 97 

Mouton,  Pointe  du 95 

Moutte  Bay 117 

Mulino  Garille 542 

Multedo  village 185 

Munsciar,  outer : 490 

Pass 490 

Rock 490 

Muravera 422 

Muro,  Cape 351 

Murro  di  Porco 535 

Capo 535,536 

Murtas,  Torre 422 

Muzza,  Torre 598 

N. 

Nadur  Tower 476 

villages 473 

Nagel,  Mont 163 

Narina  di  Marciana 380 

Naples,  anchorage 280  , 

Bay 274 

city  of 275 

communication 283 

directions 284 

Gulf  of 268 

lights 279 

port  of 276-278 

regulations 281 

time  ball 282 

Napoule,  Gulf  of 154 

Narbonne 74, 75 

Narcao,  Monte 436 

Naro 522  ! 

NasoBank 369 

town  of 586 

Nassa,  Monte 569 

Naval  dockyards  and  establishments .  61 

Near  objects 10 

Nebi  River 371  I 

N^e,lecol 132  I 

Point 120 

N^et,  Cape 145 

MUl 494 

Negro,  Capo 455,  535 


Page. 

Negro  Point 201 

Negrone  Rock 266 

Nera,  Punta 238,433,442,457 

buoy 404 

di  Ban,  Punta !  421 

Osalla 420 

Nero,  Cape,  light 256,351 

Nervio  Point 145 

Nettuno 252 

Nevola  Point 257 

Nice: 162 

approach,  submarine  vessels  ex- 
ercising   164 

Cape 166 

— —  city  of 165 

oommunication 166 

directions 163 

lights 164 

supplies,  trade 165 

Nichiareto  Bay 366 

Nicola,  Cala ^ 303 

Port 256 

Ventotene  Island 257 

Nicotera ^ 310 

Nida  d'Aquila,  Punta 395 

NielBay 134 

Nigra,  Punta 437 

Nimbaldo  River 180 

Niolon,  Bay  of 96 

Point 96 

Nisida 272 

Island 270 

measured  distance 273 

Nizza 555 

Nocito,  Torrente 580 

Noli,  Cape 179, 18tf 

Village 180 

North  Rock 388 

Testa  Rock 391 

Northwest  Coast  of  Italy 173 

Notaro,  Punta 569 

Notes  on  charts 5 

Noto,  town  of 533,  534 

Notre  Dame  d'Antibes 160 

de  la  Garde 110 

mis6ricorde 93 

Nubia,  Torre 511 

Nuovo,  Monte 270 

O. 

Obelisque,  Port 71 

Odero 185 

Ogliastra 422 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


640 


INDEX. 


Page. 

O^liastra  Isola 420 

Punta  deir 300 

Ogliastro,  Mount 374 

Village 300 

Oliva 456 

Olive  Tower 302 

OliveriBay 583 

village 583 

Ollioules  River 120 

Olmeto,  Great 346 

Mount 345 

Point 345 

Rocks 346 

Ombrone  River 236,388 

Omignia  Point 363 

Oneglia,  Port 177 

town 176 

Onglous 79 

Orb  River 76,327,351 

Orbetello,  Lake 241 

Orbotello 239, 241 

Orchino  Point 363 

Orello,  Monte 377 

Oreto,  Fiume 592 

Orezzo 27 

Orientales 21 

Oristano 28,449 

Orlando,  Cape 290 

,  Capo 587 

,  Mount 260 

Orosei 28,419 

,  Fiume 419 

Orri ,  Monte 436 

Orsa,  Torre 597 

Orso,  Cape 296, 297 

Ortano,  Cape 383 

Ortolo  River 347 

Orzo  Cove 352 

Osani 364 

Oso  River 330 

Ospedaletti 173 

Ossellucia,  Pointe 367 

Ostia 249 

Oetriconi  Rivec 370 

Oullestreil  Cape 70 

Oyster  Bank 119 

P. 

Pace  (Grotta) 562 

Paceco,  town  of 511 

Paci,  Cape 312 

,  Capo 309 

Padiglioni 432 


Page. 

Padulella 371 

,  village  of 326 

Pagano,  Fort 198 

Paganetto 393 

Pagliaia 555 

Paglietta,  Porto,  pubmarine  tel^raph 

cable 443 

Pailla«,  Mount 147 

Pajola  Island 376 

Palavas 84 

Palazz  iz  Zgheir 478 

Palazzo  Point 365 

,  Torre 562 

Palazztal  Marba 478 

Paleri,  Capo 422 

Palermo,  Bay  of 592 

,  city  of 595 

,    dock    chronometers,    repairs, 

trade,  etc 596 

,  porto  di 592,  593, 594 

Palestina,  wreck 418 

Paliagi  Reef 362 

Palicastro,  village 302 

Palinuro,  Cape 301 

,  Port 301 

Palma,  town  of 523 

Palmajola 234 

Island 234 

and  channel 385 

Palmaria  Island 202 

Palmarola - 2n3 

PalmasBay 28 

— anchorage 436 

,  village 448 

Palme,  Etang  de  la 74 

Palmentojo  Point 362 

Palmito,  Monte 598 

Palo  Banks 246 

,  village 245 

Pampelanne  Bay 147 

Panagia,  Capo 536, 540 

Panaria 576 

Island 566 

Panaro,  Secca 544 

Pan  del  ciel 445 

di  Zucchero 445 

Panigaglia  Bay 204 

Pantano  Grande 563 

Piccolo 563, 679 

Pantellaria 468 

Patch 470 

submarine  telegraph  cable 469 

town 469 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


INDEX. 


641 


Page. 

Panza,  town  of 266 

Paola 305 

Paone,  Port 273 

Papa  Point 253 

Paradiso 558 

Paraggi,  village 197 

Paragnano  Cove 344 

Parata  Point 359,360 

Parau  Bay 395 

,  village 395 

Pardina 27 

Pareta  Grande  Bay 257 

Parragiola  Point 362 

Partinico,  town  of 598 

Passable 168 

Passage  prohibited,  Sardinia 401 

Rocks 157 

Passe  des  Grottes 143 

Passo  della  Moneta 401,406 

delle  Galere 408 

Patti 584 

Bay 583 

PaulillesBay 70,71 

Pazzarelli  Point 389 

Pecora  Capo 446 

• Secca 398 

Percorella  Rock 329, 332 

P^li,  village 185 

Pell^:rino,  Monte 592 

villageof 326 

Peloro,  Cape 311 

or  di  Faro,  Capo 563 

Pelorus 13 

Pelusetta  Point 361, 362 

Pendus  Rocks 108-109 

Penisola  della  Maddalena 535 

. diMilazzo 580 

Magnifii 540 

Light 541 

Pentadattillo 555 

village 318 

Pentedattilo 317 

Perallo  Point 371 

Perdallada,  Scoglio 427 

Perdas  de  Fogu,  Monte 435, 438, 439 

Perduto  Islets 339 

Rock 339 

Peria,  Secco  della 201 

Peru  Rock 522 

Pennata 268 

Pero  Bay 363 

Cape 385 

Perpignan,  town 73 

68850—17 11 


Page. 

Pertusato 341 

Pertusco,  Malo 589 

Pesto 299,305 

Petit  Rouveau 120, 121 

Sarianier,  beacon 141 

Seraignet  Islet 141 

Petite  or  Little  Pass 140 

Grenille 160 

Petrella,  Mount 23 

Petronio  River 199 

Petrosa,  Torre  della 303 

Peyrefite  Bay 70 

Pezzecatori,  Monte 586 

Pezzina  Point 204 

Pezzo  Point 313 

Pharo  Point 102,109 

PiaNosa 386 

Piale,  village 312 

PianadiFaro 563 

Island 336,338 

Islet 256,333,352 

Isola 455 

Isolotto 454 

Rocks 222 

town  of 364 

Pianosa  Island 386 

Piantarella  Bay 336,338 

Channel 338 

Pass 337 

Piastre  Point 124 

Piazza  Mazzini 537 

Umberto 402 

Picocca 423 

Pieta  Point 482 

Pietrade  Bagno 572 

delRais 579 

d  i  Patti 585 

islet 369 

Lnnga 573 

Mala 368 

Menalda 573 

Piramida 572 

Rossa  Point 361 

Pietrapola 27 

Pietrasanta 215 

Pietricaggiosa  Islet 333 

Pietro  corbara 321 

• village 180 

Piere-San-Stefano 246 

Pignatoro 573 

Pilondu  Roi 109 

St.  Clement 109 

Pilone  Point 166 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


642 


INDEX. 


Pilot  charts 3 

vessels,  lights 56 

Pilotage  regulations,  distinguishiiig 

marks 56 

Pilotes,  Point  des 71 

Piloting 15 

Pilots,  French 55 

Pin,  Port 113 

Pinarello  Bay 328 

Island .-. 328 

Pinede,  Cape 97 

Pinna  Marina 571 

Pino,  Cape 173 

Mount 374- 

Piombata  Islet 361 

Piombino 233 

Channel 234 

Promontory 334 

Piombo,  Cala 434 

Piopetto  Point 265 

Pipady  Point 126 

Piraino 586 

Pirastro,  Cala 423 

Pisa 217 

Pisacane  Light 303 

Pisana,Cala 499 

Pisano  Mount 214,225 

Pisciotta 301 

Spring 524 

Pithecusa 265 

Pizzaca  Point 264 

Pizzo  di  cane 591 

town  of 307 

Planargia 452 

Planes  of  reference 7 

Planier  Islet 106 

Platani  River 518 

Plateau  de  Roche  du  Grand  Forte. . .    90 

Plemmyrium  Shoals 536, 538 

Poddastci,  Fiume 598 

Poetta,  Toire 427 

Poggio  Village 175 

Point  Massa 292 

Pointe.    See  proper  name. 

d'Aspretta 355 

de  Toga 326 

laVieille 124 

deUaNave 335 

des  Lions 152 

duNardViou 145,147 

Saint  Antoine 341 

Points  of  compass IX 

Policastro 302 


Page. 

Policastro,  Gulf  of 302 

Pollara 571 

Pollice  di  Oristano 446 

Polusia,  Punta 516 

Polveraja  Point 380 

Pom^es,  Fort 107 

Island 106 

Portde 106 

Pomets,  desmont 22 

Pompeii 288 

Ponente,  Capo 498 

Poni,  Monte 446 

Ponta  tal  Ahraah 478 

Marfa 478,497 

Zonkor 488,489 

Ponte  Pietro  Paleocapa 189 

Pontine  Marshes 252 

Pontone  River 261 

Ponto  tal  Ahrash 478 

Pont  tal  Munsciar 489 

Ponza  Islands 253 

Port 254 

Populonia  Tower  and  village 232 

Porco,  Isolotto 396,405 

Pores  Rock 147 

Pori  Islet 365 

Poro,  Cape 381 

PorqueroUes  Island 135, 140 

Porraggia  Islets 337 

Porre 360 

Porri,  Scoglia 417 

Port.    See  proper  name. 

Bagno 266 

CroeCove 142 

Island 140,142 

deGolfeJuan 159 

Favone 328 

Issol  Point 119 

Man 142,143 

Paone 272,273 

Provencale 361 

regulations,  searchlights,  etc  —    52 

Vecchio 234 

lights 235 

Porta,  Lake 215 

Portello 384 

Portee  Rock 147 

Porticcio  Point 353 

Porticciolo  Bay 321 

Porticello  Bay 378 

Seno  del 378 

Portici,  town  of 285 

Portigliolo  Cove 352 


Digitized  byLjOOQlC 


INDEX. 


643 


Portigliolo,  village 349 

Portiragues,  town  of 76 

Porto  Brandinchi 418 

Canale 247,258,514 

Clementino 242 

Conte 452,454 

Corallo 422 

d^Espagna 592 

di  Augusta 542 

• Bosa 451 

Light,  wreck 451 

Camogli 197 

Levante 575 

^Marsala 512 

Ponente 575 

Pula 431 

SanRemo 174 

Tortoli 421 

Trapani 508 

d'Ischia 266 

Ercole 240 

Femi 454 

Gulf  of 364 

Maratea 303 

Mieeno 268 

Nuova 335 

Paglia 445 

-Pagliettai 438 

Palma •. 405 

Palo 516,531 

Paraggi 197 

Piccolo 540 

Pino 434 

Poglina 452 

Point 599 

Polio 351,394 

Point 349, 351 

Pozzo 393 

Quadro 393 

River 364 

Rotondo 410 

Salvo 318 

Santa  Stefano 238 

Sciu^,  Torre  di 433 

Tavema 416 

Torres 457 

anchorage,  town,  etc 458 

Ulisse 530 

Vecchio,  Gulf  of 329 

town 330 

Venere 201 

Bay 204 

village 246 


Page. 

Porto  Xifonica 542 

Portofino  Harbor 196 

Monte 197 

Ports,  chief 23 

list  of  principal 603 

Posada 419 

PosiUipo  Ridge 274 

Positano 295 

Position  lines 13 

PossiUipoe  Cape 274 

Pozzallo 529 

Pozzodi  Borgo  Mounts 359 

Pozzuoli 271 

Bay 269 

Pradeau,  Fort 135 

roadstead 135 

Prajano,  town  of 296 

Pratarella  Point 351 

Presca  Giocana  Point 328 

Presqu'ile  de  Madonetta 341 

du  Cap  Corse 319 

Point  de  la 71 

PretreRock 337 

Rocks 346 

Principal  gulfs 23 

rivers 23 

Principale  cala 503 

Priolo,  village  of 541 

Procida  Channel 264 

Island 257,264 

Mount.. 263 

Products 23 

Prognostics  of  northwest  gales 40 

Prohibited  anchorage,  Palmaria 

Island 202 

Propriano 349 

Port 349 

village 350 

Proratora  Isolotto 417 

Provence,  provinces  of 21 

Prunelli  River 353 

Pruneto,  village  of 326 

Puget,  mount 110 

Mountain 113 

Puig  de  Saillfore 22 

Pula,  village 430 

Punta  and  Scogli  Pedrami 418 

Arena  Bianca 497 

Battistone 396 

Bianca 216,  522 

Bushini 513 

Callarine 537 

Capaccio 409 

Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


644 


INDEX. 


Page. 

Funta  dei  Gappuccini 423 

Molenti 423 

del  Calettino 390 

Legno  Nero 572 

della  Caetagna 572 

Chiappa 197 

Croce 468,470 

Madonnetta 238 

Lena 577 

— ^ —  delle  Gesfiierfe 454 

Oche 441 

dello  Stendardo 261 

diFuente 297 

Monte  Groflso 200 

d'Ottiolo 418,419 

Dritta 437,440 

due  Roche 526 

GoigoSalato 567 

Gradelle 291 

Lepre , 411 

Maiginetto 405 

Nera 395 

Notaro 569 

Pagana 198 

Palumba 569 

Pedrami 418 

Pedras  de  Fogu 459 

Pellaro 316,563,565 

Pennata 269 

Pezzino 205 

Pezzo 312 

Pietra  Bianca 416 

Pietro 528 

Pila 544 

Piombo 434 

Piraino 586 

Piringianu 437 

Pizzolungo 506 

Plaia 589 

PogHna 452 

Praia  dei  Porci 575 

Puntarella 402 

Rama 445 

Rossa 405 

—  Battery 405 

Isole  caprera 396 

Scarparella 269 

Sibiliana 513 

Terone 269 

tower 301 

Tracino 470 

Tre  Pietre 470 

Vignola 460 


Page. 

PuntaVolpe 409 

Puntiglione  Point 363 

Reef 363 

Piipluna,  port  of 232 

Puzzichello 27 

Pyrenees 21 

Q. 

Quarantine  Harbor 282 

Quartu  Santa  Elefia 426 

QuattraPanl 572 

Quin  Point 141 

R. 

Rabat 472 

Rabiou  Point 149 

Shoal 149 

Rada  de  Santo  Stephano 402 

dei  Fomelli 456 

della  Reale 456 

di  Alghero 452 

Arbatax 421 

Arsachena 397 

Cagliari 427 

Maddalena 404 

Mergellina 275 

Mezzo  Schifo 395 

(Agincourt 

Road) 464, 465 

Shifo 396 

Pentimele 314 

SantoStefano 407 

Porcelli ,. 424 

Rade  de  Villefranche 163 

Radio  stations 54 

Rogue  Viaduct 154 

Ragues  d'Amette  Shoals 94 

RaisiPunta 598 

Rama  Capo 598 

Ramla  el  Kibifa 473 

Randazzo 550 

town  of 554 

Ranlael  Kibifa 473 

Rapallo 198 

Rasas  Point 123, 133 

Rascas  Islet 143 

Rock 143 

Rasel  Newhela 474 

Hanzir 484 

ilBaydha 474 

Griebeg 479 

Hamriah 494 

Kala 473 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


IKDBZ. 


646 


Page. 

Rae  il  Kammieh 496 

Karabba 496 

Kama 480 

Pelligrin 495 

Waah 496 

inNieshbaBay 496 

inRaheb : 495 

Pinu 472 

tal  Inmieri 475 

Rasocolmo,  capo 579, 565 

Ratino  Island 338 

Ratoneau  Island,  beacon 96, 107 

Ravia  Island 254 

Rocks 254,255 

Razzoli  Island.....' 462 

Isola 378 

Light 341 

Recco,  town 195 

Rederis,  cape. 70 

Reggio,  port 314, 315 

R^ina  cala 426 

Regina  River 370 

Regulations,    approaching    fortified 

ports  in  a  state  of  war 615 

French  ports 609 

submarines 611 

Italian  ports 613 

Religione,  Punta 529 

Resina,  town  of 285 

Reste  Point 144 

Reulino,  Isolotto 416 

Revellata  Point 366 

Rhone  River 21,88 

Rhone  River,   discoloration  of  the 

water 89 

Riband  Islands,  Islet 135 

Ricasoli  Point 483 

Riceotto,  Monte 440 

Riche  Point 93 

Rimaolo  Rock 382 

Rinella 570, 571 

Rio  Albana 384, 385 

Bogo 198 

d'Arco,  valley 290 

Marina 384 

Rock 384 

village 383 

Riomaggiori,  village  of 201 

Rion  Island 121 

Riparti  Point 382 

Riposte 553 

RivaLevante  village 200 

Pontente 200 


Page. 

Riva  village 175 

River  Fine 230 

Riviera  dl  Chiaia 275 

Levante 178 

Ponente 178 

Riviere,  d'Argeus 152 

Fango 322 

Saint  Louis 172 

Stabiaccio 330 

Robine  Canal 74 

Rocca  Mudda  Fedda 524 

Novara 584 

San  Nicola 524 

Roccalumera 555 

Roccapina  Bay 347 

Point 345,347 

Roccazzo,  Torredel 505,600 

Rocella,  Torre 589 

Roche  de  la  Rade 156 

Mangevin 102 

Rocher  La  Vachetta 337 

Stivale 358 

Rochers  des  M6des 141 

Rochetta  Fort  and  tower 236 

Roja  River 173 

Rollo,  village 178 

Romano,  Porto 413 

Rome 250 

Ronciglio,  Punta 508 

Rondinara  Point 335 

port 335 

Roque  Haute 76 

Roquebrune,  Bay  of 170 

mount 151 

Roquerols 78 

Roscana  Islet 328 

Rosci,  Torre 310 

Roseaux  cove 123 

Rosignano,  village 230 

Rossa 455 

Islet 239,419,460 

Isola 433 

Point 364,365 

Light 390 

Rossello,  Capo 519 

Rosso,  Cape 363 

Capo 389 

di  Nica,  Punta  del 470 

Rosso  Island 254,255 

Rotondo 295 

Rotondo,  Monte 412 

Rouet,  Port  de 95 

Rouissilon,  provincee  of 21 


Digitized  byLjOOQlC 


646 


INDEX. 


Page. 

Rousse  Group 370 

Islet 117 

Point 143 

Rock 369 

Routes 61-65 

Rouveau  Islands 120 

Roux,  Cape 151,153,168 

Rovera,  village 178 

Royal  Point 383 

Rube  Rocks 166 

Ruia  tower 451 

Ruisseau  de  la  Graronne 152 

Ruja,  Punta 415 

Rupe  Atenea 521 

8. 

Sabatino,  Punta 418 

SablettesBay 123 

Saiaglione,  Punta : 527 

Safo  tower 309 

Sagone 363 

Bay 362 

Gulf  of 361 

Saidlnieres  Point 149 

Sailing  directions  for  pilots  2 

Saint  Nicolas,  Port 323 

Sainte  Croix,  Port  de 95 

Saintes  Maries 87 

Gulf 86 

Salario,  Mont 355 

Sale  Tower 234 

Salemi  River 514 

Salerno 297 

directions 299 

Gulf  of 295 

Porto  di 298 

Salettes,  Port,  Light 134 

Salina 570 

Bay 481 

Island 566 

Saline,  Torre 423 

Torredelle 457 

Salines 238 

anchorage 137 

Salsa,  Punta 519 

Torre .^. 519 

Salvatore  dei  Greci 558 

Salvo,  Porto 317 

Samassi 428 

or  Mannu  River 28 

Sampierd'  Arena 186 

Sampieri 529 

San  Andrea,  Torre 426 


Pa»B. 

SanAngelo 268 

Mount 268,288,296 

Point 267 

Antonio,  Point 260 

Bartolomeo 578 

Bartolomeo  Chapel 427 

Punta 211 

Benigno 186,190 

BlasBay 473 

Calogero,  Monte 517 

Croce 179 

Point 179 

Dimitri 472 

Cape 474 

EflSsio  Chapel 431 

Elme,  Fort 72 

Francesco 367 

diPaola 557 

Punta 573 

di 291,390 

Torrente 198 

Gavino  a  mare,  Punta  di 459 

Gemiliano 420 

Giorgio,  Fort 407 

Giovanni 285 

Cala 386 

Point 383 

Guiliano,  Monte 506 

Punta,  tunny  fishery 507 

town  of 506 

Giuseppe 215 

Punta  di 573 

Torre 522 

Gregorio 586 

Ingnazio,  Forte  di 427 

Jacopo,  Punta 573 

Leonardo 522 

Punta 468 

Rock 308 

Lorenzo 175 

Capo 422 

Luda 589 

Lucido  village 305 

Luigi  Bridge 172 

tower 423 

Macario,  Isoladi 430 

Marco,  Cape 447 

Capo 517 

d'AlimzLo 587 

Capo,  Sardinia 448 

Martino  Rock 263 

Michele,  Fiiune 591 

Monte 437 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


IKDBX. 


647 


Page. 

San  Nicolao,  Monte 197 

Mount 200 

Nicola 265, 591 

.. Punta 503 

Pancrazzio  Point 268 

Paolo 555 

—Porto 416 

Paul  a  Mare  village 480 

Pier  d'Arena 186 

Pieri 529 

Pietro 201,440 

anchorage 443 

Canale  di,  anchorage,  buoy- 
age   442,443 

directions 444 

leoladi 440 

Raineri  (Ranieri),  Punta 556 

Ranieri,  Braccio  di 556, 562 

Remo,  town  of 174 

Roesore 217 

Simone  chapel 428 

village 502 

Stefano  di  Camastra 588 

Island 257 

Teodoro  Beach 418 

Torre  di 511 

Terenzo  castle... 213 

Vincenzo 577 

Vito 422 

Baiadi 600 

Capo 505,600 

Ullage 600 

SanaryBay 119 

Portde 119 

directions 119 

Sandalo,  Capo 440 

Sanguinaires  Islets 352, 360 

Sannazzaro  Point 274 

Sanaobbia,  torrent 184 

Sant'  Agata  di  Militello 587, 588 

Alessio,  Capo 555 

Ambrogio  Point 368 

Angelo 572 

Monte 589 

aTrePizzi 295 

Antioco 435 

Island 434 

Antonio,  Baia 583 

Elia,Capo 425,427,591 

Monte 310 

Punta 541,544 

-; — Elmo,  Monte 469 

Santa  Anna 552 


Page. 

Santa  Anna  Punta 418 

Torre 552 

—  Caterina 450 

Light 260 

Croce  Camerina 528 

Capo 541 

Lucia '. 593 

Punta 418,419 

Torre 419 

Torrente 580 

Manza,  Gulf  of 335 

Maria 420 

Isola 399 

town 568 

Marina 570,571 

Reparata 460 

Retarata,  Torre 391 

Venere 306,307 

Santo,  Monte 422 

Mount 245 

Stefano 175 

Isola 406 

Point 175 

Porto 238 

Strato,  village  of 274 

Sapri 302 

Saraceno,  Monte 575 

Sard^na,  Punta 394, 395, 463 

Sardinia 27 

channel,  winds 43 

climate 30 

communications 29 

eaat  coaat 408 

flora  and  fauna 29 

geology 29 

minerals 29 

money,  measures,  weights 30 

north  coast 391 

population 29 

ports 29 

products 29 

radio 30 

railroads 30 

south  coast 424 

submarine  vessels,  caution 30 

telegraph 30 

time 30 

trade 29 

westcoast 405,434,439 

Sardinieres  Point 150 

Sartene,  port 350 

Sarzana 214 

Sassari 28,458 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


648 


INDEX, 


Page. 

SaasuPunta 407 

Sa.  Trebina  Monte 447 

Saumaty  Bay 96 

Sauaeet,  port  de 95 

SautairePaas 120 

Saut  de  Marrot 97 

Savoca 556 

Savona 181 

coal,  supplies,  trade,  etc 184 

lights , 183 

moles '. 182-183 

Savora,  Punta 430 

Scaffa  Torre 428 

Scario  Punta 503, 604 

Scalambri  Capo 628 

Scalea,  Capo 303 

town  of 304 

Scaletta,  Bay 168 

Capo 565, 565 

Punta 390 

Scaliddi  Punta 573 

Scalona  Point 

Scandola  Point 366 

Scario  Anchorage 302 

Scare  Capo 516 

di  TAgnuni 646 

Scarpa  Rock 386 

Schiso  Capo 553, 554 

Sciacca,  town  of 517, 618 

Sciara  BiBcari,  Punta 547 

Scicei,  town  of 528 

Scilla 312-313 

Scogli  Bidozza  and  Chiappa 588 

Cervi 417 

Colombo 393 

diSantAnna 266 

Pedrami 418 

Porcelli 583 

Porri 529,530 

Scoglie  Nasse-buoys 403 

Scoglietello  Islet 256 

Scoglietti  Rocks 366 

Scoglietto 378 

Islet-Light 378 

Scoglio  Bottazza 522 

Scogli-i-Porcelli 424 

Castelluccio 538 

dello  Scralandro 303 

di  Brole 586 

Brolo 586 

Formico 592 

Grotto  Santa 540 

SantElmo 423 


PagBL 

Scogli-i-Porcelli  di  Fratelli 253 

Formiche 673,576 

Galera 538 

Galia 310 

il  Medico 567 

Jannuzzo 629 

Naaee 403 

Palumbo 508 

Patella 623 

Perduto 464 

Petroso 418 

PorceUi 507 

Ravia 265 

Santa  Margherita 290 

Vadero 308 

Scoglione  Rocks 376 

ScQglitti,  village  of 527 

Scola  Islet 387 

Sconciglio 257 

Sconcilla 263 

Scopello,  Torre 699 

Scomo,  Punta 456 

Scouige  Patches 470 

Scauri  Porto  di 470 

Scuderi  Monte 666 

Scudo  Point 360 

ScuolaPoint 202,203 

Scuro  Porto 433 

ScufloPorto 438 

Scutolo  Point 290 

Punta  di 291 

SecaBalata 614 

Ballata 608 

Colombo 393 

dei  Monaci 406 

del  Fiume 611 

Parau  or  Paura 395 

diCalaPiombo 434 

P'rigiano 459 

Pesci 506 

Macchiamala 394 

Secanion  Shoal 168 

Buoy 160 

Secant  de  Cannes  (T-»e  S6cant)  Shoal.  155 

Secca  Arena 442 

Barrettini 400 

Bonagia 506 

BudelU 399 

Oorsara 400 

dei  Bemi 424 

Marmi 443 

Pesci 577 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


IHDBX. 


649 


Page. 

Secca  del  Cervo 408 

Monaco 309 

Palo 443 

Parau 407 

Sardo 442 

Traditore 453 

della  Giumenta 303 

Peria 201 

Scaffa 427 

Vacca 436 

di  Bagno 672,573 

CalaCaterina 425 

Capo 571 

Oaetel  Sardo 457-459 

Colombara 567 

(Walker  rock) 567 

Coruzzone 543 

Forte  Tegge 404 

Genia 440 

Giudeo 431 

Lavezzi 461 

Mezzo  Paeso 395 

Moli 460 

Porto  Scuro 433 

PuntaRoesa 405 

Razzoli 399 

Tavolara 416 

Tindaro 584 

Dreara,  or  Inflexible  Shoal 544 

Due  Piagge 396 

Grand,  light,  buoy 442 

Grande 442 

ilBaida 479 

Munsciar 490 

LaVecchia 300 

Lavezzi 393 

Magnisl 541 

Martin 442 

Mauda 508 

Pomata 439 

Port  of 1 528 

Punta 528,556,562 

San  Giovanni 507 

Sperlatto 415 

Tre  Monti 397,405 

Secche  della  Reale 456 

di  Torre  Avoloa 543 

SecchiCircia 529,530 

SeccoGove  Marino 301 

SecheaL'Huile 150 

de  Beaulieu 168 

la  Verne 159 

des  Oinq-Oents-Francs 161 


Page 

Sechedu  Titan 144 

Seches  des  Magnons 121 

Secoglio  Bottazza 523 

Sedita,  Monte 519 

Segesta 599 

Segnale  di  Secca  Buoy 269 

Segno  Point 335 

Sele  River 299 

Selinunte 516 

Selmun  Peninsula 479 

Semaphore  or  signal  stations,  French .    48 

Italy 49 

Senetoee  Point 348 

Senglea,  town  of 485 

Seno  del  Fezzano 205 

delleGrazie 205 

di  Panigaglia 205, 211 

Sepet,  Cape 123 

Light 124 

Seraignet  Islet 137 

Serchio  River 214, 217 

Sergia,  Torre 290 

Serignan,  town  of 76 

Serofa  Point 267 

Serpentara  Isola 423 

Serra  River 453 

Sestri,  Cape 198 

Head 199 

Levante 199 

Ponente 185 

Port  of 199 

Sette  Nave  Point 352, 353 

Seven  Brothers 424 

Severa  Punta 431 

Sextant  method 9 

advantages  of 11 

SeyneBay 124 

Seyne  Bay  Buoy 126 

Sferracavallo  Bay 597 

Sferra  Cavallo  Capo 422 

SharaTorri  to 473 

village 473 

Shirob  il  Ghagin 490 

Sicca  tal  Imjieles 495, 496 

Sicie,  Cape 110,122 

Sici6,  du  cap 122 

Sicily 31, 501 

Channel,  winds 44 

climate 34 

communications 33 

floraandfauna 32 

geology 32 

history 31 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


650 


INDEX. 


Page. 

Sicily,  money,  measures,  weights...  34 

north  coast  of 578 

population 32 

ports 33 

products. 32 

radio 34 

railroad 33 

rivers,  lakes 32 

southwest  coast 513 

telegraph 34 

trade 33 

west  coast 505 

winds 44 

Sicota  islet 369 

Siculiana,  town  of 519 

Sigean,  ^tangs 74 

Signals  prohibiting  entry 53 

Simeto  Fiume 546 

Sinescola 419 

SirenadiMulo 294 

Sisco  Porto 415 

Siverri 428 

Six-fathom  Rock 583 

Six  Fours 110 

Mount 120 

SkerkiBank.^ 467 

Skol  tal  Ghazzonin. 480 

Marfa 497 

Prosha 475 

Sliema 482 

Creek,  petrol  regulations 483 

Small-scale  chart,  caution 4 

Smyth  Patch 470 

Socciaro  Point 265 

Solanto 591 

Punta 600 

Solaro  Mount 265,292,293 

Solche  Point 371 

Solenzara  Tower 327 

Sologna  River 363 

Somma  Mount 285 

Soprano  Capo 526 

Sormion  Bays 112 

Becde 113 

Sorrento 291 

cape 290 

Sorso,  town  of 459 

Sottane  Monte 305 

Sottile,  Cape 296 

Capo 295 

Punt 499 

Punta 563 

Soundings 13 


Page. 

Sourdaras  Shoal 108 

South  coast,  Sicily 515 

Rock 388 

Spaccafomo 529 

Spada  Point 410 

Spadafora,  village 580 

Spadaforo  San  Martino 580 

Spadillo  Punta 470 

Spalmatoi  Bay 390 

Spalmatore  di  Fuori 417 

Tena 417 

Grande 440 

Punta 440 

Sparagio  Monte 505, 599 

Spargi  Island 462 

Isola 400 

Spargiotto  Isola 400 

Sparlatta  Golfo 416 

Spartinento,  cape 317 

Capo,  Sardinia 431-432 

Special  distress  signals ^...     53 

Sperlonga,  village  of '. 259 

Sperone,  Capo 434,436,439 

Spezia 205 

anchorage 209 

Gulf  of 203 

caution  with  regard 

to  submarine  vessels 203 

prohibited       anchor- 
age  204,210 

Harbor 206 

Lights 208 

measured  distance 211 

prohibited  fishing  areas 211 

time  signal 211 

Spiaggia  di  Santa  Maria 255 

Spineta  Torre 306 

SpinosaCala 391 

tower 302 

Sponsaglia  Point 335 

Spotomo  village 180 

S  pronati 186 

Sprono  Point 336 

Spropoli,  Punta  di 318 

Spuntone  Punta 540 

Spuria 579 

S.  Onofrio,  Monte 591 

St.  Agostino 173 

Andre,  Cape 380 

Antoine  Islet 341 

Mount 360 

Point 343 

Beaume 109 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


INDEX. 


651 


Page. 

St.Beaume  Mountain 110 

Catherines  Point 240 

Coetanzo,  Mount 292 

Cyprien 74 

Bay 329 

Point 329 

town 73 

Cyr 110 

Damiano  Point 368 

Elena,  Mount 181 

Egou 151 

Elme,  Battery 123 

Elmo  Light  tower 481 

Est6ve,  Port 107,108 

Eufemia,  Gulf  of 306 

F^r6ol  Point 157 

Florent  anchorage. 372 

-^ — Gulf  of 371 

George  Eocks,   outer,   middle, 

and  inner 481 

Georges  Shoals 481 

Giacoma  Point 187 

GiuliaBay 334 

Honorat 154 

Channel  of 158 

Island 157 

Hospice  Bay 168 

Point 168 

lanni  Island 302 

Islet 303 

Jean,  Fort 102 

Port 168 

tower 109 

Joseph  Point 362 

Reef 362 

Laurent 73 

— Port 73 

Village 162 

Louis  Canal 90 

buoys,  pilots 91 

Louise,  Cape 117 

Lucian  Promontory 490 

Mandrier  Hospital 124, 127 

Manugliano,  Monastery 387 

Marguerite  Island 154 

Point 132 

Marinella 245 

Maxime,  Port 150 

Nazaire  Bay 119 

Nazaires,  town 73 

Pauls  Bay 479 

examination    anchor- 
age  480 


Page. 

St.  Pauls  Shoal 480 

Pierre,  Mount 149 

Mountain 148 

Point 75,120,122 

Shoal 160 

Pietro  di  Bivona 309 

Raphael 151 

anchorage 152 

Port 151 

Radede 152 

town 152 

Rocco 236 

Severa,  village 245 

Stefano,  Fort 181 

Syprien  Point 329 

ThomasBay 489 

Tropez,  Cape 148 

Gulf  of 149 

Port 149 

Vincent  Islet 72 

Sta.  Oatterina 213 

LuciaRiver 328 

Margharita 197 

SUbia 289 

StabiflB,  city  of 288 

Stagnali  Punta 

Stagnodi  Oalich 453 

Stagno  di  Marceddi 447 

Mistrise 448 

SantaGinsta 448 

Sassu 448,449 

Sirdo  (Oirdos),  Punta 440 

Stagnoia  Bay 330 

Stagnotorto  Cala 405 

Standard  time,  Italy 50 

Ste.  Marguerite 156 

Channel 157 

Marie  Shoals  and  anchorage 320 

Victorie,  Mount 93 

Steering  conmiands 57 

Stella  Bay 381 

Fort 378 

Point 231 

Stello,  Mount 319,321 

Stendardo  Point 260 

Stingo,  Punta 518 

Stollo  Point 365, 366 

Stoneddo 541 

Stork  Rock 495 

Storm  signals,  French 49 

Italian 50 

Strait  of    Messina,    currenta,   local 
winds,  tidal  streams 560, 561, 562 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


652 


INDEX. 


Page, 

Strallus,  Cola 423 

Stretto  di  Bonifacio 461 

Stromboli 577 

Island 666 

Strombolicchio 577, 578 

Stropello,  Punte ' 395 

Submarine  bells 7 

cables. 54 

Sudden  shifts  of  wind 49 

SultenBock 475 

S  u vero  Oape 306 

Capo 304 

Sylvia  Knoll 467 

Syracuse  Harbor 536 

town 539,540 

T. 

Ta  General 474 

Tabernacle  Rock 360 

Table  4e  Monaco 171 

ofMonaco 163 

Tabouret,  Mount 93 

Taggia  River 175 

Taillat,  Cape 146, 147 

TalFessei 475 

Talago  River 303 

Talamone 237 

Bay 237 

Talbot  Shoal 470 

Tallano,port 350 

Taormina,  Capo 555 

town  of 554 

Taratatan  Rocks 109 

Taravo  River 26,327,351 

TarcoCove 328 

Tasse  Beacon 126 

Tavaria  or  Valinco  River 26 

River 349 

Tavignano 26 

River 327 

Tavolara  Isola 416 

Tech  River 73 

TegliaPunta 375 

TegnosaRock 372 

Teialone 405 

Tej  a  Shoal 3  74 

Tejalone  Punta 405, 408 

Telaro  village 213 

Tellaro  di  Noto,  Fiume 534 

Tempio  Pansania 394 

Teredda  Isola 432 

Termini  Imerese 589, 590 

Termini-Trastevere 246 


Page. 

Terone,  Punti..... 268 

Terracina— Harb<M>— town 258 

Terrambou,  bay  of 69 

Terranova 526, 527 

Pausania 414 

Porto 413 

Terre-Rouge  Islet 134 

Point 134 

Terrible  Bank.. 471 

Testa,  Capo 391,462 

delRusso 567 

diCane 409 

Gatto 344,345 

Monaco,  Punta  di 586 

Teste  de  Can 148 

Testicciole,  Punta 405 

Tet  River : 21,  73 

T6te  de  Chien 168 

Maure,  point 102 

Teulada,  Capo 432, 433, 434 

village 433 

Thau,  Lake 78 

The  Twins 450 

Theodosia  Point 317 

Th6oul6 154 

Three-arm  protractor 10 

Tiber  River 245, 246 

Tiboulen  Islet 107, 112 

Tidal  streams 8 

Tide  tables 2 

Tides 7,51 

- —  Capo  Paflsaro 532 

Sicily 50 

Tigne  Point 482 

:  Light 482 

Tignosa  di  Ratino 337 

Timoni 381 

Tindaro,  Capo 583, 584 

Secca  di 584 

Tinetto  Islet 203 

Tino  Island 178 

Islet 203 

Tirone,  Capo 304 

Tirsco  River 28 

Tirsi  River 28 

Titan  Cove 144 

Light 144 

Tiumara  di  Tusa 588 

Tivella  River,  the 348 

Tizzano,  port 347 

Toirano  River. . » 180 

Tolare,  Pointe 319 

Tollares,  point 319 


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na>EX. 


653 


Page. 

Tonnara,  PuDta 645 

Topi  Islet 382 

Topi  Isalotta 443 

Toro  Rocks 334 

Shoal 334 

Toroni,  Mount 213 

Torre  Annunziata,  Port 286-287 

town  of 287 

Antigori 430 

Avolos 543 

Bali 308 

Canai 435 

Cavallo 312 

Chia 431 

dei  Lupi 307 

Pioppi 301 

del  Casale 307 

Greco 274 

Porticciuolo 455 

Salto 318 

Spalmatore 567 

dellaPetrosa 303 

Verdura 518 

di  Bari 421 

Dino 303 

Manfria 526 

Montechiaro 523 

Paola 305 

Porto  Scuro 433 

San  Giovanni  di  Saralia. . .  422 

Foghe 451 

Formicola 302 

Joppolo 310 

Moiselli 186 

Nieddu 450 

Nuoca 228 

Pallavicifii 185 

Pegna 454 

Pittinuri 450 

Pixini 432 

Porto  Scuso 442 

Santa  Venere 303 

Sestri 197 

ta  Trick  il  Wiesa 489 

Tre  Fontane 516 

Tusciana 305 

Villa  Odero 199 

Torrente  Deiva 200 

dell  Anna 175 

Mazzaro 514 

Polcevera 186 

Pontone 261 

Recco 197 


Page. 

Torrente  San  Fuancesco 174 

Gineto 304 

Torbido 314 

Varena 185 

Torres,  Porto 456 

Torretta 197 

TorriKaura 480 

TAbiat 478 

I'Ahmav 478 

ta  Kemmuna 475 

lippia 496 

Shara 473 

tal  Wied  Zurrik 494 

Tortoli 421 

Fiume 421 

Toulon 21,127 

anchorages 131 

approach,  submarines  exercising  127 

basins 129 

and    docks,    buoys,    coal, 

sii  pplies 128 

Bay ; 124 

torpedo  range,  buoys 124 

directions 132,133 

lights 129,130 

little  Roadstead 131 

mooring  buoys 132 

prohibited  anchorage 130 

radio 130 

time  ball 130 

Tour  de  Balaguier.. 125 

Tourelle  de  Cioccia .331 

Tour-Fondue,  He  de  La 120, 121 

Trabia 591 

town 591 

Trabucato,  Punta 456 

Trade,  Italy 25 

TradeU^re  Islet 157 

Tragara  Point 293 

Punta 294 

l>ajan,  port 2i6 

Tramontana,  Punta 511 

Transparent  xylonite  protractor 10 

Trapaiii  approach 507 

Porto 507 

town 510 

Trappeto  village 599 

Tre  Monti  Capo 396 

Tremiti,  Lecca 554 

Tree  Nuraghes 451 

town  of 452 

TrigliaRock 381 


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654 


INDEX. 


Page. 

Trinite,  Mount 344 

Mountain 343 

Trino,  Monte 580 

Tripp  Point 139 

Troia,  Punta 502 

Troja,  cape 234, 236 

Islet 236 

Tromba  Cove 347 

Tropea,  town  of 308 

Tuano,  Punta 541 

Tuaredda 432 

Tumolo  Point 297 

Tunny  fisheries.  60, 581, 583, 584, 591, 600 

caution 61 

Gulf  of  St.  Eufemia 307 

Nerano,  Prajano 296 

Punta  di  Porto  Vecchio. . .  375 

fishery 96,506,586,587,598 

Cala  Lunga 441 

Cape  Enfola 380 

Capo  Panagia 540 

Fiume  Noto 535 

Isolotto  Vendicari 534 

Marzamemi 533 

PuntadelCane 535 

Santa  Venere 308 

Sicily 504 

Turrita,  Monte 408 

Turritano,  Torrente 458 

Tusa 588 

Punta 588 

Tuscan  Archipelago 27, 374 

Tusciano  River 299 

TupelU  Point 363 

Two  Brothers  Islets 297 

Rocks  Point 526 


UnDromo 542,543 

Uniform  system  of  buoyage,  French . .  57 
color  for  buoys  and 

beacons,  Italy 58 

Uomo-Morto,  Punta 567 

Urbino  Lagoons 327 

Urticu,  Monte 447 

Use  of  charts 3 

oil  for  modifying  the  effect 

of  breaking  waves 18 

Ustica 566 

v.* 

Vacca  Islet 334 

Rock 334 


Page. 

VadaRock 230,309 

Vado 181,230 

cape 180 

Vajanica 250 

ValdiVetro 230 

Mer 127 

Validori  Point 365 

Valinco,  Gulf  of 349 

River 349 

VaUetta 485,486,187,488 

directions 484 

Valley  of  Ipsica 529 

Vallitone  Point 369 

Valras  village 76 

Vaquette  rock 154 

Var 21 

River 21, 162 

,  current 162 

Varazze,  town  of 185 

Vardiola  Point 364 

Varignano  Bay 204 

Point 204 

Varigotti  village 180 

Varo  Rocks 256 

Vaticano,  cape  or  capo 306, 309 

Ve,  Mount 201 

Vecchiaja  Point 373 

Tower 371 

Vecchio  di  Piombino 234 

small  port 230 

Vegliaia  Rock 222 

Vendres,  Etang  de 75 

port,  directions,  radio 21, 71, 72 

Venere,  Porto 201 

Vengeur  Point 158 

Shoal 157,160 

Ventilegne  Bay 344 

Point 344 

Ventimiglia 173 

Ventatene  Island 256 

Ventroso,  Punta... . , 294 

Verdon  Bay 93 

Verezzi  village 180 

Vermia  Islet  or  Rock. . '. 506 

Vernazza,  village  of 201 

Verre  Torrente 305 

Verte  Islet 115 

Vervece  Rock 291 

Vescova  Point 353 

Vesina  village 185 

Vesme,  Porto 437 

Vesuvius,  Mount 23,  268, 285 

Vettica  Maggiore 295 


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655 


Viar^:gio 216 

roadstead 217 

Vias,  town 76 

Vic,  town  of 84 

Vicenzo,  Secca 551 

Vico,  Equense 290 

,townof 290 

Point 267 

village 290 

VieUela 75 

Point 170 

Vietri 297 

Vieux  Rh6ne 87 

Vignale 327 

Vigneria 384 

Vignettes  Roadstead 127 

Vignola,  Punta 460 

ViUa  Leenhardt 86 

Mimosas 151 

San  Giovanni 314 

Spinola 197 

ViUe  Noire 77 

Villefrance 21 

Villefranche 166 

mooring  buoys 167 

ViUeneuve,  village 162 

Villeroi 78 

Vistale,  town  of 364 

Vita,  Cape 385 

Vitello,  Porto 415 

Rock 436 

Vittoria,  Fort 542 

town  of 528 

Vittorio  Emanuele 557 

Vittoriosa,  town  of 485 

Viva 353 

Vivara  Island 265, 268 

Vivaro  Islet 295 

Voet  Rock 168 

Vognoli,  Punta 541, 543 

Secca 541 


Page. 

Volpe,  Cala 409 

Punta 409,410 

Voltri 184 

village 185 

Voltumo  River 262 

Vore  Point 265 

Vulcanello,  Monte 575 

Vulcano 574 

Island 566 

Walker  Rock 567 

Washington  Rock 400 

Weather  signals,  French 49 

Whistle  and  bell  buoys 5 

White  Rock 348, 404 

Wied-il-Ghanak 473 

Wied  il  Hammick 488 

Wied-la-San  Mas 473 

Winds  and  weather 39 

local  names 45 

See  location. 

Wrecks,  vessel  marking 58 

X. 

Xitta,  town  of 511 

Z. 

Zaffarano,  Capo 591, 592 

Zambrone,  Cape 309 

Zannone  Island 255 

Zari,  Punta -. 434 

Zeitun,  town 493 

Zenobito  Point 376 

ZgheiraBay 490r 

Ziglione  Islet 330 

Zinola  village 181 

ZiniRock 253 

ZonkorReef 489 

Zoppo,  Monte 408 


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SAILING  DIRECTIONS,  MANUALS,  AND  TABLES. 

PUBLISHED   BY  THE 

UNITED  STATES  HYDROGRAPHIC  OFFICE. 

Note. — ^The  only  books  sold  by  the  Hydrographic  Office  are  listed  below.  Other 
nautical  publications  must  be  obtained  from  the  department  of  the  Government  by 
which  they  are  published,  or  from  the  Superintendent  of  Documents,  Government 
Printing  Office,  Washington,  D.  C. 


Cata- 
logue No. 


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Title. 


Price. 


SAILING  DIRECTIONS. 

NORTH   AND   SOXJTH   AMERICA,    WEST  INDIES. 

Newfoundland  and  Labrador.    Third  edition.     1909 

Gulf  and  River  St.  Lawrence.    Fourth  edition.    1917 

St.  Lawrence  Pilot.    First  edition.     (In  preparation) 

Nova  Scotia  Pilot.  Bay  of  ^undy,  Coasts  of  Nova  Scotia  and 
Cape  Breton  Island .    Fourth  edition.    1916 

West  Indies  Pilot.  Vol.  I.  Bermuda  Islands,  Bahama  Islands, 
and  the  Greater  Antilles.    Second  edition.     1917 

West  Indies  Pilot.  Vol.  II.  Lesser  Antilles  and  Coast  of  Vene- 
zuela.    First  edition.     1914 

Central  America  and  Mexico  Pilot  (East  Coast).  From  Gallinas 
Point,  (Colombia,  to  the  Rio  Grande.    First  edition.     1916 

South  America  Pilot.  Vol.  I.  (East  Coast.)  From  the  Orinoco 
to  the  Plata  River,  including  the  latter  and  its  principal  tribu- 
taries.    First  edition.     1916 

South  America  Pilot.  Vol.  II.  Southern  part  from  the  Plata 
River  on  the  east  coast  to  Corcovado  Gulf  on  the  west  coast, 
including  Magellan  Strait  and  the  Falkland,  South  Georgia, 
and  South  Shetland  Islands.    First  edition.     1916 , 

South  America  Pilot.  Vol.  III.  West  Coast  from  Corcovado 
Gulf  to  Panama,  including  oflf-lying  islands.  First  edition. 
1916 

Mexican  and  Central  American  Pilot  (Pacific  Coast).  From  the 
United  States  to  Colombia,  including  the  Gulfs  of  California 
and  Panama.    Fourth  edition.    1915 

British  Columbia  Pilot.  Vol.  I.  Strait  of  Juan  de  Fuca  to  Cape 
Caution,  including  Vancouver  Island  and  inland  passages. 
First  edition.     1916 

British  Columbia  Pilot.  Vol.  II.  Cape  Caution  to  Portland 
Canal,  including  the  Queen  Charlotte  Islands  and  Dixon  En- 
trance.    First  edition.     1916 


CHINA,   JAPAN,    EAST  INDIES. 

122  Asiatic  Pilot.  Vol.  I.  East  Coast  of  Siberia,  Sakhalin  Island, 
and  Korea.    First  edition.     1909 

123  Asiatic  Pilot.    Vol.11.    The  Japan  Islands.    First  edition.    1910 

124  Asiatic  Pilot.  Vol.  III.  Coast  of  China.  Yalu  River  to  Hong- 
kong, and  Island  of  Formosa.    First  edition.    1909 

125  Asiatic  Pilot.  Vol.  IV.  Singapore  Strait  to  Hongkong.  First 
edition.     1915 

126  Asiatic  Pilot.  Vol.  V.  Sunda  Strait  and  the  Southern  Ap- 
proaches to  China  Sea,  with  West  and  North  Coasts  of  Borneo 
and  off-lying  dangers.    First  edition.    1915 

68850-17-^ 42  667 


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.90 

.60 

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Title. 


SAILING  DIRECTIONS— Continued. 

CHINA,  JAPAN,  EAST  INDIES — Continued. 

Asiatic  Pilot.    Vol.  VI.    1917.    (In  press) 

East  Indies  Pilot.    Vol.  I.    First  edition.    1916 

East  Indies  Pilot.    Vol.  II.    The  island  of  New  Guinea;  Arafura, 

Banda,  and  Molukka  Seas,  and  the  islands  lying  between 

Celebes  and  Mindanao.    First  edition.    1916 

Paciific  Islands  Pilot.    Vol.  I.    Western  Groups.    First  edition. 

1916 

-Pacific  Islands  Pilot.    Vol.  II.    Eastern  Groups.    First  edition. 

1916 

EUROPE. 

British  Islands  Pilot.  Vol.  I.  South  Coast  of  England  and  the 
English  Channel.    First  edition.    1915 

British  Islands  Pilot.    Vol.11.    1917.     The  west  coast  of  Enghuid . 

British  Islands  Pilot.    Vol.  III.    1917.    The  coasts  of  Irefimd.. 

British -Islands  Pilot.  Vol.  IV.  1917.  The  coasts  of  Scotland 
from  the  Mull  of  Galloway  to  Rud'h  Re' 

British  Islands  Pilot.  Vol.  V.  13(17.  The  coasts  of  Scotland 
from  Rud'h  Re'  to  Cape  Wrath  and  the  Hebrides  Islands 

British  Islands  Pilot.  Vol.  VI.  The  Faroes,  Shetlands,  and 
Orkney  Islands,  and  the  North  and  East  Coasts  of  Scotland. 
First  edition.    1915 

British  Islands  Pilot.  Vol.  VII.  East  Coasts  of  Scotland  and 
England  from  Fife  Ness  to  North  Foreland.    First  edition.    1915. 

Norway  Pilot.  From  Feje  Fiord  to  North  Cape,  thence  to  Jacob 
River.    First  edition.    1915 

Scandinavia  Pilot.  Vol.  I.  Bergen  to  the  Kattegat.  First  edi- 
tion .    1915 

Scandinavia  Pilot.  Vol.  II.  Kattegat  to  Cape  Arkona,  includ- 
ing The  Soimd,  Great  and  Little  Belts,  and  Kiel  Bay.  First 
etfition.    1916 

Baltic  Pilot.    Vol.  I.    The  Baltic  Sea.     (In  preparation) 

North  Sea  Pilot.  Eastern  Shores  from  Dunkerque  to  the  Skaw. 
First  edition.    1915 

North  Coast  of  France  Pilot.  Ushant  to  Dunkerque.  First  edi- 
tion.   1915 

Bay  of  Biscay  Pilot.    Ushant  to  Torinana.    First  edition.    1915. 

East  Atlantic  Pilot.  The  West  Coast  of  Spain  and  Portugal  from 
C^pe  Torinana  to  Cape  Trafaglar,  North  Atlantic  Islands,  and 
Coast  of  Africa  from  Cape  Spartel  to  Cape  Palmas.  First  edi- 
tion.   1916 

Mediterranean  Pilot.  Vol.  I.  Gibraltar  Strait,  Coast  of  Spain, 
African  Coast  from  Cape  Spartel  to  Gulf  of  Gabes,  and  the 
Balearic  Islands.    First  edition.    1916 

Mediterranean  Pilot.  Vol.  II.  The  Coasts  of  France  and  Italy 
from  Cape  Cerbere  to  Cape  Spartivento,  including  the  Tuscan 
Archipelago,  Corsica,  Sardinia,  Sicily,  and  the  Maltese 
Islands.     First  edition.    1917 

Mediterranean  Pilot.  Vol.  III.  The  South  Coast  of  Italy  and 
Adriatic  Sea.     First  edition.     (In  preparation.) 

Mediterranean  Pilot.  Vol.  IV.  From  Cape  Matapan  (Greece) 
eastward,  the  Archipelago,  and  the  southern  shore  of  the  Medi- 
terranean eastward  of  Ras-Ashdir  (Libia).    First  edition.    1916. 


Price. 


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157 


159 
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161 


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114 
117 

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Title. 


SAILING  DIRECTIONS— Continued. 

AFRICA. 

Africa  Pilot.    Vol.  I.    From  Cape  Palmae  to  Cape  of  Good  Hope. 

First  edition.     1916 

Africa  Pilot.    Vol.  II.    From  Cape  of  Good  Hope  to  Has  Hafun. 

First  edition.    1916 

Red  Sea  and  Gulf  of  Aden  Pilot,  including  the  Suez  Canal, 

Sokotra  Island,  and  the  Arabian  Coast  to  Kas-al  Hadd.    First 

edition.     1916 


Price. 


INDIAN    OCEAN. 

West  Coast  of  India  Pilot,  including  Ceylon,  the  Maldive  and 

Laccadive  Islands.     First  edition.     (In  preparation) 

Bay  of  Bengal  Pilot,  including  the  Andaman  and  Nicobar  Islands. 

First  edition.     1916 

South  Indian  Ocean  Pilot  for  the  islands  westward  of  80°  Eaat, 
including  Madagascar  and  the  Comoro  Islands.  First  edition. 
1917.     (In  press) 

LIGHT  LISTS. 

Lists  of  Lights.  Vol.  I .  The  West  Indies  and  Pacific  Islands  and 
Coasts  of  North  and  South  America,  excepting  the  United 
States 

List  of  Lights.  Vol.  II.  South  and  East  Coasts  of  Asia  and 
Africa  and  the  East  Indies,  Australia,  Tasmania,  and  New 
Zealand 

List  of  Lights.  Vol.  III.  West  Coast  of  Africa  and  Europe, 
and  the  Mediterranean  Sea,  including  the  Adriatic  and  Black 
Seas,  and  Sea  of  Azov 

List  of  Lights.    Vol.  IV.    The  British  Islands 

List  of  Lights.  Vol.  V.  The  Eastern  Shores  of  the  North  Sea, 
the  Coast  of  Norway,  and  the  Arctic  Sea 

List  of  Lights.    Vol.  VI.    The  Baltic  Sea 


MANUALS,  TABLES,  ETC. 

American  Practical  Navigator.  Originally  by  Nathaniel  Bow- 
ditch,  LL.D.,  etc.  Revised  1914.  (Including  the  "Useful 
Tables") 

Useful  Tables  from  the  American  Practical  Navigator.  (Being 
Part  II  of  No.  9) 

Azimuth  Tables,  giving  the  True  Bearings  of  the  Sun  at  Inter- 
vals of  Ten  Minutes  between  Sunrise  and  Sunset,  for  Parallels 
of  Latitude  between  61°  N.  and  61°  S.  1909.  (Can  also  be 
applied  to  the  moon,  planets,  and  stars  as  long  as  tlieir  declina- 
tions do  not  exceed  23°  N.  or  S.) 

International  Code  of  Signals.     1915 

Submarine  Cables.     1892 

Wrecks  and  Derelicts  in  the  North  Atlantic  Ocean,  1887-1893, 
inclusive.     1894 

Contributions  to  Terrestrial  Magnetism.     1897 

Table  of  Distances.  1916.  (About  8,000  shortest  navigable  dis- 
tances between  ports) 

The  Azimuths  of  Celestial  Bodies  Whose  Declinations  Range 
from  24°  to  70°.  for  Parallels  of  Latitude  Extending  to  70°  from 
the-Equator.     1907 

Star  Identification  Tables,  giving  simultaneous  value*?  of  decli- 
nation and  hour  angle  for  values  of  latitude,  altitude,  and 
azimuth  ranging  from  0°  to  80°  in  latitude  and  altitude  and  0° 
to  180°  in  azimuth.     1909 


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MANUALS,  TABLES,  ETC.— Continued. 

Cuban  Longitude  Report  of  191 1-12 

Line  of  Position  Tables.  1916.  (This  is  a  book  of  183  pages  pre- 
pared with  the  special  aim  of  pre:5enting  in  the  order  in  which 
they  are  used  in  practice,  all  the  navigational  and  mathemati- 
cal tables,  except  those  of  the  Nautical  Almanac,  that  are  essen- 
tial for  the  workino^  of  a  sight  of  a  heavenly  body  for  line  of 
position  by  the  cosme-haversine  formula,  Marcq  Saint  Hilaire 
method) 

Altitude,  Azimuth,  and  Line  of  Position.     1917 

General  catalogue  of  charts  and  books  published  by  the  U.  S. 
Hydrographic  Office 


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REMITTANCE. 

Orders  for  books  or  charts,  when  addressed  to  the  Hydrographic  Office,  should 
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OFFICE. 

Prices  are  fixed,  under  the  law,  at  the  cost  of  printing  and  paper,  and  no  reductions 
are  made  on  orders  for  large  quantities. 

Postage. — No  additional  charge  is  made  for  postage  on  addresses  in  the  United 
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For  all  other  addresses  postage  is  required  at  the  usual  rates  for  printed  matter. 


PERIODICAL  PUBUCATIONS  OF  THE  HYDROGRAPHIC  OFFICE. 

Pilot  (  harts.  Notices  to  Mariners,  Hydrographic  Bulletins,  and  reprints  are  pub- 
lished by  the  United  States  Hydrographic  Office,  and  are  supplied  free  of  cost  to 
mariners  of  any  nationality  who  cooperate  by  returning  marine  observations. 

From  time  to  time  the  IlydroCTapnic  Office  reprints  in  pamphlet  form  information 
that  has  appeared  in  the  Pih>t  (harts  and  Bulletins. 

The  titles  of  those  most  in  demand  are: 

No.    2. — North  Atlantic  Ice  Movements. 

No.    3.— Use  of  Oil  to  Calm  the  Sea. 

No.    6. — Compass  Work  on  the  Great  Lakes. 

No.    8. — Questions  and  Answers. 

No.    9. — ^The  Origin  and  Mission  of  the  Hydrographic  Office. 

No.  10. — The  Use  and  Interpretation  of  Charts  and  Sailing  Directions. 

No.  11. — Production  of  Navigational  (  harts. 

No.  13. — (  yclonic  Storms. 

No.  14. — Questions  and  Answers  No.  2. 

No.  21. — Questions  and  Answers  No.  3. 

No.  24.— North  Atlantic  Ice  Patrols,  appeared  October  24,  1913. 

No.  25. — Questions  and  Answers  No.  4. 

Masters  and  officers  can  obtain  them  on  application  to  a  Branch  Hydrographic  Office. 


BRANCH  HYDROGRAPHIC  OFnCES. 

These  offices  are  located  as  follows: 

Boston Room  431,  Board  of  Trade  Building. 

New  YORK Rooms  301-302.  Maritime  Exchange,  78  80  Broad  Street. 

Philadelphia Main  Floor,  The  Bourse  Building. 

Baltimore Room  123,  (  ustomhouse. 

Norfolk Room  2.  (  ustomhouse. 

Savannah Second  Floor,  Customhouse. 

New  Orleans Room  319,  Customhouse. 


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HYDBOGBAPHIC   OFFICE  AGENTS.  661 

Galveston Rooms  401^02,  City  National  Bank  Building. 

San  Francisco Merchants'  Exchange. 

Portland,  Oreo Room  407,  Customhouse. 

Seattle Room  408.  Lowman  Building. 

Sault  Sainte  Marie Room  10,  Federal  Building. 

Duluth Room  1000,  Torrey  Building. 

Cleveland Rooms  406-408,  Federal  Building. 

Chicago Room  528,  Post  Office  Building. 

Buffalo Room  340,  Post  Office  Building. 

Note.— By  authority  of  the  Governor  of  the  Panama  Canal  some  of  the  duties  of  Branch  Hydrographic 
Offices  are  performed  by  the  Captain  of  the  Port  at  Cristobal  and  the  Captain  of  the  Port  at  Balboa.  A 
full  sel  of  reference  charts  and  sailing  directions  may  be  consulted  at  these  offices;  and  shipmasters  may 
receive  the  ^ilot  Charts,  Notices  to  Mariaers,  and  Hydrographic  Bulletin  in  return  for  marine  and  meteoro- 
logical data  reports.  Observers'  blanks  and  comparisons  of  navigational  instruments  may  be  obtained  at 
the  same  time. 

The  Branch  Offices  do  not  sell  any  publications,  but  issue  the  Pilot  Charts,  Hydro- 
graphic  Bulletins,  Notice  to  Mariners,  and  reprints  to  cooperating  observers. 

They  are  supplied  with  the  latest  information  and  publications  pertaining  to  navi« 
gation,  and  masters  and  officers  of  vessels  are  cordially  in\'ited  to  visit  them  and  con- 
sult freely  officers  in  charge.    Office  hours,  9  a.  m.  to  4.30  p.  m. 


AGENTS  FOR  THE  SALE  OF  HYDROGRAPHIC  OFWCE 
PUBUCATIONS. 

IN   THE   UNITED    STATES    AND   ISLANDS. 

Aberdeen,  Wash.— The  Evans  Drug  Co. 
Balboa  Heights,  Canal  Zone. — The  Captain  of  the  Port. 
Baltimore,  Md.— John  E.  Hand  &  Sons  C  o.,  17  South  Gay  Street. 
Boston,  Mass. -—Charles  C.  Hutchinson,  154  State  Street. 
W.  E.  Hadlock  &  Co..  132  State  Street. 
Buffalo,  N.  Y.— Howard  H.  Baker  &  Co..  18-26  Terrace. 
Charleston,  S.  C. — Henry  B.  Kirk,  10  Broad  Street. 
Cleveland,  Ohio. — Upson  Walton  Co.,  1294-1310  West  Eleventh  Street. 
Cristobal,  Canal  Zone. — The  Captain  of  the  Port. 
Duluth,  Minn. — Joseph  Vanderyacht. 
Eastport,  Me. — Bucknam-Colwell  Co.,  48-50  Water  Street. 
Galveston,  Tex. — Charles  F.  Trube.  2415  Market  Street. 

Purdy  Brothers.  2217  Market  Street. 
Gloucester,  Mass. -Jeremiah  Foster,  150  Main  Street. 
Honolulu,  Hawaii. — Hawaiian  News  Co. 

Jacksonville,  Fla. — H.  &  W.  B.  Drew  Co.,  45  West  Bay  Street. 
Ketchikan,  Alaska. — Ryus  Drug  Co. 
Key  West.  Fla.— Alfred  Brost. 
Manila,  Philippines. — Luzon  Stevedoring  Co. 
Mobile,  Ala.— The  Emerald  Co.,  207  Dauphin  Street. 

New  Orleans,  La. — Woodward,  Wight  &  ('o.,  Howard  Avenue  and  Constance  Street. 
Rolf  Seeberg  Ship  Chandlery  Co..  P.  O.  Box  541. 
J.  S.  Sareussen,  619  Godchaux  Building. 
Newport  News,  Va.— W.  L.  Shumate  &  Co.,  133  Twentv-fitth  Street. 
New  York,  N.  Y.— T.  S.  &  J.  D.  Negus,  140  Water  Street. 

John  Bliss  &  Co..  128  Front  Street. 

Michael  Rupp  &  Co..  112  Broad  Street. 

R.  Merrill's  Sons.  66  South  Street. 

C.  S.  Hammond  <fc  Co.,  30  Church  Street. 
Norfolk,  Va.— William  Freeman,  304  Main  Street. 
Pensacola,  Fla. — McKenzie  Oerting  <fe  Co.,  603  South  Palafox  Street 
Philadelphia,  Pa  — Riggs  &  Bro.,  310  Market  Street. 

Joim  E.  Hand  &  Sons  Co..  224  Walnut  Street. 
Portland,  Me.— Wm.  Senter  &  Co.,  51  Exchan<<e  Street. 
Portland,  Oreo.— The  J.  K.  Gill  Co.,  Third  and  Alder  Streets. 
Port  Town.send,  Wash.— W.  J.  Fritz.  320  Water  Street. 
San  Diego,  Cal.— A  rev-Jones  Co.,  933  Fourth  Street. 


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662  HYDROGRAPHIC   OFFICE  AGENTS. 

San  Feanctsco,  Cal.— Geo.  E.  Butler,  Alaska  Commercial  Building,  California  and 
Sansum  Streets. 
Louis  Weule  Co.,  6  California  Street. 
H.  J.  H.  Lorenzen,  12  Market  Street 
A.  Lietz  Co.,  61  Poet  Street. 
San  Juan,  Porto  Rico.-nJoseph  A.  Rose,  Lighthouse  Service. 
San  Pbdbo,  Cal. — ^Marine  Hardware  Co.,  509  Beacon  Street. 
Savannah^  Ga.— The  Paulsen  Company,  25  East  Bay  Street. 
Seattle,  Wash.— Lowman  &  Hanford  Co.,  616-620  First  Avenue. 

Max  Kuner  Co.,  94  Columbia  Street. 
Tacoma,  Wash.— Cole-Martin  Co.,  926  Pacific  Avenue. 
Tampa,  Fla.— Tampa  Book  &  News  Co.,  513  Franklin  Street. 
Washington,  D.  C— W.  H.  Lowdermilk  &  Co.,  1212  G  Street  NW. 
Wm.  Ballantyne  &  Sons,  1409  F  Street  NW. 
Brentanos,  F  and  Twelfth  Streets  NW. 
Wilmington,  N.  C— Thos.  F.  Wood,  1-5  Princess  Street. 

IN  FOREIGN  countries. 

Belize,  British  Honduras. — A.  E.  Morlan. 

Berlin,  Germany.— Dietrich  Reimer,  Wilhelmstrasse,  29  SW.  48. 

Buenos  Aires,  Argentina. — Rodolfo  Boesenberg,  824  Victoria  Street. 

Canso,  N.  S.— a.  N.  Whitman  &  Son. 

Habana,  Cuba. — ^Hillebrand  y  Mencio,  10  Mercaderes. 

Halifax,  N.  S.— Creighton  & 'Marshall,  Ordnance  Square. 

Hamburg,  Germany.— Eckardt  &  Messtorff  j  Steinhoft  I. 

Manzanillo,  Cuba.— Enrique  Sauten,  Marti  44. 

Montreal,  Canada. — Harrison  &  Co.,  53  Metcalfe  Street.         / 

Port  Hawkesbury,  C.  B.  I.,  N.  S. — ^Alexander  Bain. 

Quebec,  Canada.— T.  J.  Moore  &  Co.,  118-120  Mountain  Hill. 

St.  John,  N.  B.-J..&  A.  McMillan,  98  Prince  William  Street. 


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