384
Surveys in the Yangtsze Keäng.
JULY,
of East island and of the Middle group; but east of the latter, there is a bank, which has not been sufficiently examined. The Conway passed over it in 3 fathoms.
Steering still to the northward, you make, on the port bow, the Seshan islands. On the starboard bow is a more numerous group, called Rugged islands. Bottom was found at 6 fathoms throughout. Over the Seshan islands, a solitary hill on the main will probably be seen, which is supposed to be in the neighborhood of Chapo. (Of Chapo more will be said in the sequel.)
Hauling to the eastward, round the Rugged islands, a small islet, the Hen and Chickens, will be seen; and also, beyond this, to the N. E., Gutzlaff's island of the Amherst; it as a cone, and is about 250 feet in height. posed to be what the Chinese call Rocks. This however needs verifying.
appears in this direction Gutzlaff's island is sup- Ma tseih, or Horse
you
To the eastward lies a large group of islands, up to which carry 6 fathoms; to the northward of these, at a distance of 8 or 10 leagues, lies Saddle island of the Amherst's voyage, making in this direction one conical hill. To port the low land of the main will probably be seen. There is anchorage throughout in from 6 to 8 fathoms.
To proceed still to the northward, steer N. N. E. for the Dange- fous rocks. These are not at all dangerous, being 10 or 12 feet above water; passing these close, steer, if required, to the N. W. for
Shawei shan 沙衛山
To enter the Yangtsze keäng (or ‘Child of the ocean') with a large ship, it probably would be necessary to station a couple of small vessels, one on the edge of the outer bank, the other on the spit higher up. She might anchor 4 or 5 leagues off Gutzlaff's island, while they were being placed. Attention to the following directions ought to carry in 20 feet.
Leaving Gutzlaff's island, keep it on a S. S. E. bearing; and having fun-7 or 8 leagues, Shawei shan will bear N. E. by N. From this point the break or ripple on the bank should be seen, and you may steer N. W. When you have got hold of the bank, steer W. N. W. The low land to port should be visible from aloft; and a tree suffi- ciently remarkable will be distinguished. Keep this tree two points on the port bow. It must be passed at a distance of at least two miles, as the bank extends far out from it. When the tree bears S. E., close the port shore to 1 or of a mile, steering N. W. by