1841:
Coast of China and Corea.
377
The Shaluyteën islands are low and apparently barren. The Chi- nese name, which signifies field of sand,' very well describes them. The southernmost of these islands has a small temple upon it, which, standing alone and upon an elevated spot, is conspicuous. We pass- ed on two occasions about 8 or 9 miles to the southward of the is- land, carrying 12 to 14 fathoms, but the Volage had 20 fathoms within a mile of the island. The temple is in latitude 38° 55′ N., and long. 118° 371 E., by good observations taken both times in passing. W. From the Quoin, the anchorage off the Pei ho is W. N. W., and the distance 46 leagues, with regular soundings of 12 and 14 fathoms. After a strong southeast wind, we were set considerably to the north- ward; therefore, in running to the westward, care must be taken to avoid the dangerous shoal off the Shaluytéën islands. The latitude of the southern island is 38° 53′ N., and longitude 118° 45′ E.; from this, the shoal extends about W. N. W. The northwest end bore from the anchorage off the Pei ho, which was in latitude 38° 58′ N., and longitude 118° 8′ E., N. 87° E., 9 miles. The southern part of the west end is very steep; in three casts we shoaled the water from where we lay at anchor with the shoal bearing N. ¿ W., in 10 fa- thoms, to 8, 6, and 3. This part is composed of rocks and shingle, leaving a channel for junks between it, and a line of sand extending to the eastward. The depths of water over the bank are 1, 1⁄2, and 1 fathoms; some placès are dry at low water, with numerous fishing stakes, and affording shelter for junks. From the west end, the shoal trends to the northward and N. N. E., about 4 miles, and then east- ward, making a channel for trading junks between it and the shoal that extends from the main.
Good anchorage and smooth water were found in lat. 39° 1′, and 39° 21, in 6 fathoms, particularly during northeasterly gales, at which time vessels off the Pei ho ride heavily.
In running for the anchorage, having sighted the southern Shaluy- teën, which is low and has deep water on the south side (17 fathoms 1 mile distant), steer due west, and do not come to the northward of 38° 54′. You will soon shoal your water to 9, then 10, and 12 fathoms. The latter depth you will carry until the west end of the shoal is north of you. The soundings then will decrease, gradually towards the Pei ho, to 8 and 7 fathoms, when you may either haul up for the anchorage off the latter place, or more to the northward under the lee of the west side of the shoal.
High water at 10h. 45m.; rise and fall 10 feet; at the anchorage off the Pei ho the flood tide sets to the northwest, and ebb to the south-
VOL. X. NO. VII.
48