Directory_and_Chronicle_1841 — Page 270

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Chusan Archipelago.

MAX,

There is a narrow passage, having 34 fathoms, between. Lowang and the Beak Head, but there would be no object in using it, while there are other passages so much superior.

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Beak Head is 5 miles long, and very narrow 1 mile from the east extreine. Two reefs lie close in shore upon the northeastern side. The distance across to Vernon island or Heäke is 2.8 miles, with 18 and 20 fathoms. Near the west extreme of Beak Head the channel narrows to 5 cables, and there is no bottom with 34 fathoms. A reef of rocks, the northerninost of which is always above water, bounds the channel on the south side; and an island with a conical hill and two small islets on its south side, bound it on the northern ; this island is situated midway between Vernon and Beak Head; be- tween it and the former are two small islets and a reef, which render the channel, on that side, more intricate.

Having steered N. 59° W., 81⁄2 miles from the entrance you will pass another island, to the northwest of which good anchorage will be found, in 9 to 10 fathoms. The same course, and 4 miles farther will carry you clear of the passage. On the north side of the chan- nel are four small islets, and between them and Taou-hwa shan is an archipelago of reefs and islands. There is a passage through into the Heäke mun, but it is awkward for sailing vessels. On the Lo- wang side is a reef, and an islet, with a small pinnacle on it. The reef bears S. 34° E. from cape Lowang, and is generally uncovered. The mud dries 7 cables off Lowang in the bight. Vessels, there- fore, beating through, should not stand into this shore, so as to bring cape Lowang to the northward of the bearing given above to avoid the reef. On this side of Lowang it will be found difficult to land, except at high water.

lies five

The southeast passage, or Heäke mun, miles further to the northward. It is formed by Vernon island on the south, and Taouhwa shan on the north. The east extreme of the former island is rugged, with large boulders of granite. · There is a cove at this end of the island, which runs in three quarters of a mile, and would afford good shelter for boats.

Vernon island (Heäke shanor Crab-cape island) is five miles long. On the northwest side of the island there is a long bay, where vessels may anchor in 4 to 5 fathoms, and procure water from the island of Taouhwa shan opposite. There are several cas cades, and the water might be obtained without removing the casks from the boats. The passage here is 11⁄2 mile wide. Six miles from the entrance it narrows to 3 cables. Two small islands and some

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