Directory_and_Chronicle_1841 — Page 278

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Chusan Archipelago.

MAY,

cables from the island with the Druid's temple on the summit. To avoid which, do not stand further to the eastward, when a cliff islet off the east extreme of Chusan is in line with a building on the sum- mit of the flat peninsula at the northeast extreme of Chusan. The Beacon rock in line with the cliff ialet is a good mid channel mark. After passing between the Beacon rock and Chusan, keep the diff islet on with the building upon the peninsula, which will keep you in the deepest water. The flat is extensive, the 24 fathoms line extend- ing 1.7 mile. On it were several hard casts of the lead. Vessels therefore, should cross the flat under easy sail.

Pooto The island of Pooto is 3.4 miles from the south- east point of Chusan, and 1.6 mile from the east point. The channel is termed by the Chinese

Leenhwa yang, or sea of water-lilies. After passing the flat noticed above, the water deepens suddenly to 6 and then to 12 fathoms. There is also a good passage between Pooto and Tsing shanor Green island which is 7 cables wide. The flat extends within 5 cables of Pooto, which must therefore be kept on board. The island is 34 miles long. In one part it is only six tenths of a mile broad. A narrow projecting point extends from the west side, forming a deep sandy bay, with 3 fathoms in it. A stream runs into the bay, which might be used during the northwesterly monsoon, by vessels in want of water. There are two reefs in the bay, but they are always above water. This island and the Chookeä tseën group belong to the priests of Budha. The temples on Pooto are very numerous, the largest of which is situated on the western side of the island, and a broad flagged road leads to it from the south side.

Singkong or

Chin keäng. Chinkeäng harbor is situated at the western extreme of Chusan, and is distant 7 miles from Ting- hae. From the Inner harbor to the southwestern point of the island, the distance is 4 miles. The passage between Bell island and Chu- san is not recommended, owing to the strong tides which exist in it. Near the centre is a half tide rock, with a beacon on it; and to the southwest of it, two cables, a rocky patch with only 14 fathom on it. Vessels bound to Chinkeäng had therefore better use the passage between Bell island and Tower hill. Should, however, the other be used, that part of the channel between the Beacon and the Chusan shore will be found the best.

Between Kiddisol and Chusan there is no danger, the distance being rather less than a cable and a half.